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A Stretching Exercise Can Help Maintain Dog Flexibility

29 11:20:27
A major enemy of dog flexibility is aging. You may think that flexibility is not such a big deal to older dogs, but the truth is you don't have to simply give in. Your dog's body is not static any more than is your own. Aging changes the elasticity of muscles and joint tendons. Unless you help your pet fight back, time itself will make it harder for your dog to bend, stretch and reach. He will also become increasingly vulnerable to injuries.

Challenges to Flexibility
The mounting years also bring another challenge to dog flexibility in the form of arthritis. Not every dog develops arthritis, but neither is it rare among older dogs. It is a painful condition that robs your pet of his ability to enjoy many simple pleasures, such as a morning walk with you or jumping up into the armchair to sit with you.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to help safeguard your dog's flexibility. Stretching exercises can help your pet maintain his strength and range of motion. Here is one simple exercise you can perform with your dog of any age.

The Muscle Stretch
Start by having your dog assume a stance. You will want your dog to remain mostly stationery during this exercise. If your dog is small, place your hand against the hip opposite the side where your other hand will be active. For larger dogs, merely pressing your knee gently against a hip or hind quarter will help stabilize the animal.

Next, present a small dog treat just in front of your pet's nose. Make sure he gets a good sniff and is interested. Slowly move the treat toward your dog's rear. He should follow the treat with his head which will stretch his neck, shoulder and trunk muscles. Initially, try to have your dog hold the stretch for 5 seconds before allowing him to eat the treat. Later on, shoot for a 10-15 second stretch. Shift your position and stretch the dog's opposite side.

Joint Supplements
It's important for your dog to hold the stretch for several seconds in order for the stretch to really work so be very encouraging and always reward effort. On the other hand, this simple stretch, which will probably seem like a game to your dog, can fight against the enemies of dog flexibility. Joint supplements like those offered by ProLabs Pets can also improve flexibility for your pet.