How To Strengthen Your Senior Dog's Back Legs

Some great, gentle exercises

As our dogs age, they often experience weakening of their muscles and joints particularly in their back legs. This is very common and just a fact of their getting older and less mobile. But if your dog’s legs are very weak, it can affect their mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.

However, there are several ways you can help strengthen your senior dog's back legs to improve their comfort and activity levels.

Consult Your Veterinarian Before Starting Any New Exercise Regimen

Of course, your best resource before you start to incorporate any exercise regimen or treatment for your senior dog is to consult your vet. Your vet can assess the severity of your dog's muscle weakness and recommend the most appropriate exercises, supplements, or therapies.  Sometimes, underlying conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia could be contributing to the problem, and your vet can help develop a tailored approach.

Try Some Low Impact Exercises with Your Senior Dog

Low-Impact Exercises

Regular, gentle exercise can help maintain and even strengthen your dog's leg muscles.

Swimming:

Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for dogs with weakened back legs. The buoyancy of water supports your dog’s body, reducing strain on their joints while allowing them to move freely. Look for canine-friendly pools or hydrotherapy centers designed for rehabilitation.

Short Walks:

Daily short walks on flat surfaces are important to keep your dog’s back legs strong. Start with brief sessions and gradually increase the duration as your dog builds strength. Try to avoid rough terrain or steep inclines, which could put extra strain on their joints.

Sit-to-Stand Exercises:

If you can get your dog to sit and then stand repeatedly, it can really help strengthen their hind legs. Use treats or toys to motivate them and make sure that your dogs’ perform the movement slowly and controlled to avoid injury. Just like squats for humans!

Assisted Standing Exercises:

If you can gently lift your dog's hips while they stand, it can help support their balance. You can use a towel or special harness around their waist to assist them, which encourages weight-bearing on their back legs.

Strengthen Their Back Legs with Targeted Exercises

Try Incorporating specific exercises that can target the muscles in the back legs. These exercises should be done cautiously to prevent over-exertion.

Leg Lifts:

While your dog is standing, gently lift one of their back legs off the ground for a few seconds, then lower it. This encourages weight-bearing on the other leg, helping to strengthen muscles. Watch your dog’s comfort level and don’t overdo it.

Balance and Stability Work:

Try using wobble boards or balance pads to help improve your dog's stability and leg strength. These require them to engage their muscles to maintain balance.

Joint Supplements For Senior Dogs

There are many different safe and homeopathic supplements that can help support muscle and joint health in aging dogs, especially when combined with exercise.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are common joint supplements that help reduce inflammation and promote cartilage health which can help make it easier for your dog to move.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are found in fish oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

MSM is a natural supplement that supports collagen production and reduces inflammation, improving joint mobility.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If your senior dog is overweight, it puts extra strain on your dog's joints and can worsen muscle weakness. Make sure that your senior dog maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consult your vet about the best diet for your dog's needs, including foods or supplements that support muscle health.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Massage can help increase circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and relieve tension in your dog's back legs. You can gently massage your dog’s back leg muscles at home or seek professional canine massage therapy. Additionally, some vets may recommend canine physical therapy, which uses targeted exercises, underwater treadmills, and other methods to improve strength and mobility.

Use Mobility Aids

For dogs with significant back leg weakness, mobility aids can provide support while strengthening their muscles.

Rear-Lift Harnesses:

A rear-lift harness for your senior dog will allow you to help lift your dog’s hindquarters, reducing the strain on their legs during walks or bathroom breaks.

Provide a Comfortable Rest Area

Senior dogs need plenty of rest, but it's important that their resting place supports their body properly. An orthopedic dog bed can provide the support their joints need, reducing the risk of stiffness or muscle atrophy while they sleep.

Strengthening your senior dog's back legs requires a combination of exercise, diet, and care. With regular, gentle activities and targeted treatments, you can help improve their muscle strength and overall mobility.  

Make sure to work closely with your veterinarian to provide the best possible exercise regime for your dog. Monitor your dog closely to see how comfortable he or she is while exercising.