Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Dogs

Passive range of motion exercises are used to prevent severe weakening of the muscles or atrophy in dogs after surgery. To warm up the dog for the exercises, apply a cold pack (3 days or fewer post-surgery) or a warm pack (4 days or more post-surgery), and then give the dog a 5 to 10-minute full-body message. Passive range of motion exercises may be carried out on the dog 2 to 3 times each day. Be aware that the exercises may cause the dog discomfort or pain, and the dog's muscles also may feel resistant to the movement.

  1. Exercises for the Head and Neck

    • Gently hold the dog's muzzle or snout. Place a hand on the dog's neck so it doesn't move as you move the head. Slowly lift the dog's muzzle so it's looking upwards. Gently push the dog's muzzle toward the ground so it's looking downwards. Pull the muzzle so the dog is looking straight ahead, and pull the muzzle from side to side to get the head's full range of motion. To exercise the neck, pull the muzzle so that the dog's neck moves along with the head during the same exercises (pull the dog's muzzle so the neck is forced to move in the same direction down its whole length).

    Exercises for the Spine

    • Lay the dog on its side and gently push its front- and hindquarters together so the dog's spine is in a crescent shape. Slowly allow the dog to straighten out. Allow the dog to stand, and turn the dog in a small circle, so that its nose is stretching toward its hindquarters. Switch the direction of the tight circle and repeat.

    Exercises for the Shoulders and Hips

    • If the dog is lying on its stomach, slip your hand under the dog's belly to grasp the limb, and keep your arm under the dog to support its body. If the dog is lying on its side, take one of its hind legs in your hands and gently pull it back past its rump, then gently pull the leg forward toward its shoulder to exercise the dog's hips. Do the same for the front legs to exercise the dog's shoulders. When pulling the dog's leg forward and back, keep the limb as close to the shoulder or hip joint as possible to ensure that is the joint being exercised. Gently roll the dog's limb through the entire range of motion of the ball and socket joint. The limb should be rolled in every direction.

    Exercises for the Limbs

    • Hold one limb so that it's supported along its entire length. Slowly flex the joint, pushing gently against the resistance from the dog's stiffened or weakened muscles, but not so hard as to cause the dog sudden pain. When the joint is flexed entirely, hold it in that position for 10 to 15 seconds. Slowly straighten the limb. When the limb is entirely straight, hold it in that position for 10 to 15 seconds. Begin with the joints furthest down the leg, such as the toes, and work your way up to the dog's shoulder, one joint at a time. Don't attempt to flex more than one joint at once, or more than one limb at once.