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Step 1
Take your senior dog to the vet before beginning any physical therapy program. Some medical conditions, including some heart diseases,may prohibit physical therapy. Your vet may also prescribe medications for your dog to take before beginning the regimen.
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Step 2
Stay with your dog if he is going to have physical therapy at the vets' office. Your presence will help keep him calm. The therapy may start at the vet's office. Many vets use small pools to exercise your dog. Water therapy eases your dog into physical therapy because there is almost no stress on the animal's joints. The vet may also have an underwater treadmill for your dog.
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Step 3
Begin the home physical therapy by relaxing your dog. Spread a clean blanket for you and the dog to lie on. Put on relaxing music. Begin by petting your dog and speaking softly to him. Let the petting turn into a massage. Massage helps to loosen up the joints and speeds blood. When the blood is moving freely, the circulation is enhanced and pain is reduced. Massage by using long even strokes on the spine area, and circular motions at the joints. Apply light pressure during the massage.
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Step 4
Start the physical therapy slowly with a range of motion on each joint. Bend the legs so the knees flex and straighten. Move the paws forward and back. Be gentle and don't force any movements. Follow the advice of your vet as to the type of physical therapy exercises and the duration.
