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Keeping a Fragile Dog Fit

4/19/2013

23 Comments

 
Typist: Brychwyn
I have had a front limp on and off since I was 12 weeks old. There have been times where there was a reason I limped, like that I slipped or tripped. Other times, I've just limped without a known cause. The limp never lasts more than 24 hours. Three different vets have felt my legs and shoulders. They all have said that I don't have nearly as much front paw turn out or knuckling over as they have seen in my breed. I have no issues that require surgery. Nothing has prompted them to want x-rays or ultrasounds. Like any long-backed breed, I was very careful about the level of exercise done when I was younger. No jumping. No 5K runs. It's a mystery why I limp sometimes. Maybe I'm just fragile.
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But I am also an adolescent herding dog. I need to move!  It's so important for me to keep my muscles toned and my weight normal not only like it is for every dog, but as a long backed dog that is particularly prone to injury. I am put on strict rest at the first sign of my limp and am not allowed to exercise for quite a while after I limp. As a young, active boy, I really don't like resting. So, how do I get enough exercise and stay fit without aggravating my body and causing a limp?
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First, I get my intense exercise in short bursts. I don't go for very long runs. I cannot do an hour long agility class. My playtime with other dogs is best limited to a half an hour. I really like interval walk/runs with Bethany. We walk several miles very briskly and run for a block or a block and a half every few blocks. I do intense exercise at least 2 times and often 4 times a day but only in very short bursts of 15-20 minutes and no more than 30 minutes.

Second, I get a lot of warm-up and cool down time. We do a lot of range of motion exercise before a work-out. I do spins to the right and left, warming up my spine. I stand still and just follow a treat with my head up and down, left and right, warming up my neck. I do "push-ups" ("sit" to "down" to "stand" to "down" to "sit" and repeat!) I do core and balance work, that is also great for my joints, on balance discs. I get stretched and massaged before and after exercise too. Bethany and Jason focus a lot on massaging on my neck and shoulders. I also have a SAMP come see me twice a month.
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The third way I carefully stay fit is to do lower intensity exercise for longer periods. I have never limped after a 10 mile walk or hike! We do stop along the way, sometimes just to rest, for water or for a little stretching or massaging, but this sort of endurance work is what herding dogs like me where made for.
Finally, I get a lot of my intense herding dog energy out by using my brain instead of my brawn. Because I don't enjoy agility like the collie and the dachshund, I get to do more obedience work (which I love) as well as learn more tricks for sports like Rally Freestyle Elements, Treibball and Freestyle. I also very much enjoy scent games (Nosework) and treat puzzles.

I'm not sure if you have ever known any cardigan corgis, but we are not really ones to show or admit to weaknesses. I really hope that my opening up to you about my chronic limp and how I still manage to stay active, lean, fit and, most importantly, happy is inspirational. No matter what a dogs age or issues, there is always a way for them to be a fit dog.
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Always consult a veterinarian about the nature of your dogs specific injuries and physical limitations. Check with your veterinarian before beginning or changing your dogs exercise routine.
Cascadian Nomads was not asked to or paid to promote any businesses or organizations mentioned and linked in this post. We're just sharing information or stuff we like!




What creative ways have you kept a fragile or frail dog fit? Have you got a suggestion on how I can stay fit without causing a limp? Please leave a comment. Thanks for hopping by!

23 Comments
Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner link
4/18/2013 05:55:58 pm

Hey, nice to meet you! We are from Seattle too and hike with our two long dogs - mini Dachshunds. We aren't joining the Fit Dog Blog Hop this week but you will see us around for the next one.

Reply
Brychwyn
4/19/2013 01:12:38 am

Nice to meet you, Jessica. Keeping dachshunds fit without injury is a tough job too!

Reply
SlimDoggy link
4/18/2013 10:43:29 pm

This is a great post. After reading it, I wouldn't exactly call you fragile! You do so much and a lot of high intensity stuff which, again, is not normally associated with fragile.

I wonder why your vets didn't recommend doggy PT to see if there are some mobilization techniques that could help with the external rotation issue? Smart mobilization can actually make a change in humans and the same can hold true for dogs.

With fragile or injured dogs, you need to keep intensity low and limit activity that impact the injured limb. For example, dog's with knee issues should avoid tight turns.

Here are some exercise ideas for folks who have a fragile or injured dog. Remember to check with your vet before embarking on a new exercise routine!

- Slow walks. Many injuries should not be aggravated by slow steady walks. Walks will also help the joints and body loosen up which can help the healing process. Lack of activity is often far worse than activity in a lot of cases.

- We had success breaking up the walks of our Senior dogs into several short ones each day- 5-15 minutes per walk. This is a great way to get the exercise in without forcing the joints to bear a load for a long period of time.

- Swim. I don’t know if you have access to a pool or water, but this is a great low impact way to get your dog some exercise.

- Water walking in waist high water is good for the dog—it lessens the load (buoyancy) and provides some resistance training on their legs.

- Balance exercises. You can challenge the dog’s core muscles and balance by using balance cushions and placing their paws one at a time on the cushion. Then, try and make them stay on it and watch them wobble a bit to gain control. If you don’t have a balance cushion, you can use a few pillows.

- If you can afford the time and money, you might want to see if there is a canine rehab/PT specialist nearby, They can help you with specific exercises and understand how to use different equipment safely.

- Find the food. This is a fun game but you have to use low-cal treats. Have the dogs wait at the door and you can go outside (or in another room) and place small treats all around, some in easy to find places and some more well hidden. Then, you tell the dogs to ‘find the food’. Our dogs love this and they run around the porch/room/yard looking for the treats. This game provides them both physical and mental stimulation and they love it. You should count the treats you hide and take those calories into consideration when you are feeding them their regular meals.

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Brychwyn
4/19/2013 01:26:06 am

When it became obvious my limp was chronic, the first vet just said it might be the same injury that was just taking a long time to heal. Dogs can't keep weight off their shoulders! The specialist we saw said I was very strong (good muscle tone) and had excellent range of motion. We asked about chiropractic, acupuncture and massage but never PT. That is a great idea, thank you. All vets have just made sure I know to keep my weight normal and stay moving! I'm not sure about swimming, though,.. Maybe if I was being held. Corgis are so top heavy we just flip over in the water! I am such a healthy boy, I will do my scent work/Nosework/find-the-treat games with carrots! I like more of a challenge so the treats are often in boxes or TP tubes.

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DogTread link
4/19/2013 03:51:50 am

Great advice SlimDoggy - absolutely get into meet with a Canine Rehab/PT they will be able to help you prepare a plan to promote wellness or determine if there is something structurally amiss. Sometimes the area we think is injured is actually the manifestation of another area of weakness. Dogs have a way of masking pain. A Rehab/PT knows the body of a dog well and can definitely help - need referrals let us know!

Reply
Brychwyn
4/19/2013 12:47:19 pm

I am definitely curious about what a Canine Rehab/PT could tell me about my structure, gait and movement that is different from the evaluations I have already had. Everyone always says I am structurally sound but something must be off or I wouldn't limp sometimes! It looks like there a lot of PT's in my area (Seattle) but please do let me know if you recommend someone specific. Thanks!

Diane @ To Dog With Love link
4/18/2013 10:53:55 pm

Sounds like you're doing a great job staying fit! We also did nose work when Cosmo got older, but it's a great activity for a young pup too. You might enjoy that! Thanks for participating in the Hop!
Diane and Rocco

Reply
Brychwyn
4/19/2013 01:31:43 am

Thanks, Diane. I do enjoy scent work or Nosework games though we don't find time to go to classes as often as I'd like.

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tess
4/19/2013 12:04:30 am

thanks to info for an injured dog, will try intervals with my pup....

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Brychwyn
4/19/2013 12:19:57 pm

Injured dogs should usually rest! Follow the advice of your vet but when I am limping or injured, I have to rest and avoid exercise for a while to recover. This is why I have come up with the exercise plan I shared. It keeps me fit, happy and keeps me from limping!

Reply
SUGAR link
4/19/2013 01:50:10 am

Woof! Woof! Great post. That's good that you find ways how to move. Water therapy will be wonderful for you too. When I lived in HI last year, it surely helps my legs. It actually made it stronger. As a senior dog, mom keeps an eye of certain injuries I had during my agility years ... as sometimes I get out of controll and not aware of it. Happy FitDog Friday. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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Brychwyn
4/19/2013 02:12:22 am

Thanks, Sugar. Keeping an eye on the injury is definitely a good way to put it. And it's tough to stay on top of it and in control as well as often SO boring for a young dog like me! With these swimming suggestions, we have been watching videos of swimming corgis and it does look like fun. We will be in some lands of warm water this summer so I am going to try it out. Then we get back to Cascadia, though,... brr!

Reply
Peggy Frezon link
4/19/2013 06:24:59 am

I'm very impressed that your people are so alert to your needs and have been careful not to expect you to run too fast or too far and injure yourself. Your tips for other dogs are great. I think the most important thing is for people to be in tune to their dog's individuality. I'm glad you can still be fit and active.

Reply
Brychwyn
4/19/2013 12:33:34 pm

Thank you, Peggy. Since I live with 2 other dogs, I know it isn't easy for Jason & Bethany to exercise and train us according to our individual needs but it is so, so very important and I am also glad they do!

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Crystal link
4/19/2013 10:42:56 am

I know Koira has had that same mystery front leg limp. In her case, it ended up being the rear leg on the opposite side (limping on front right, so it was the rear left leg with the problem). The biggest issue with her was super tight hamstrings. Luckily the problem hasn't come back since figuring out what it was.

Sounds like even with the limp you find plenty of ways to stay fit and active.

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Brychwyn
4/19/2013 12:29:07 pm

Oh, I am so glad you solved Koira's limp mystery! My SAMP noticed my neck is very tight so maybe that makes my shoulders hurt? I really like getting my neck massaged, in fact I often ask for it specifically, and have not limped in a few months.

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Jackie Bouchard link
4/19/2013 11:07:43 am

Wow, that's great that your pawrents are so on top of keeping you fit without overdoing it! We are big fans of intervals! (Mainly cuz me, the Momma, has long-term overuse injuries!)

Is there somewhere near you where you could walk in the water? The water might help support you, while you get great resistance exercise. We walk at the beach a lot (we have a great dog beach by us - but it is actually a bay, so no waves to deal with). There is a basset we see there who was born with a deformed front leg, so he limps quite badly. He goes out tummy-deep in the water and walks there. I always say he's doing his salt-water therapy when I see him!

Happy FitDog Friday!

Reply
Brychwyn
4/19/2013 12:36:57 pm

Last summer, I accidentally walked in the water and I was surprised but did kind of like it. I think I will try it out more this summer. Wow! With all of this great advice I am going to be an unstoppably fit dog, maybe even one that never limps!

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Wyatt link
4/20/2013 01:20:54 am

Great advice! We have Airedales...who tend to over do it and end up favoring this leg and that paw. One minute they limp, the next minute they are racing towards a squirrel at 60 mph!

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Melissa link
4/21/2013 12:30:03 am

My 4 year old Cardi limps sometimes, too, and has from very early on. She is a VERY driven ball retriever and often runs so hard and fast that when she tries to stop to catch the ball, she turns a somersault! Vets can't find anything going on in foot, leg, shoulder, etc. A day without ball play -- which is torture for her -- and the limp is gone. May daughter has a blue Cardi that looks much like yours.

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Taryn link
4/23/2013 04:02:22 am

Wilson, my older Cardi, has had a limp in the front since before a year old. We've never gotten a definitive diagnosis. It can be aggravated by something as simple as stepping off a curb wrong, or taking steps down too fast. He retired early from agility so as not to make it worse. When it really seems to bother him a lot, I'll get him laser treatments that seem to help. Also, a couple days of metacam and rest take the limp away, too. He's almost 10, so a bit (but not too bad) of arthritis is showing up as well.

Reply
laura
7/14/2013 05:22:27 pm

hi. i have an old dog that loves going for walks. He was recently taken to the vet due to on and off limping. The vet said go easy on him. does anyone know how i can keep him fit without pushing it too hard?
please help!

Reply
Bethany
7/16/2013 07:40:29 am

I'd first recommend talking to your vet about the possibility of your older dog having arthritis and the many treatment options available. Even just simple, natural glucosamine supplements can make a huge difference for dogs joints. Things like hills and stairs get harder for dogs (and all of us, really) as we age so your dog may most enjoy flat walks. Other things you can do are what we do with Brychwyn like taking multiple, shorter walks throughout the day and mixing up where we go so even if he can't do a long walk he gets to sniff new and interesting things. I think it is wonderful that you want your senior dog to stay fit and happy. Good luck!

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