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Originally Posted by gardengirl77   WOW, thank you so much gemy for sharing about the exercise!!!!
Heidi was diagnosed a few weeks ago with LP. It doesn't give her any problems, but I was afraid for her to do her normal trick things like sitting up begging, bowing, walking backwards, etc. because I was afraid it might be harder on her knees. She's going to be a happy girl, she loves doing her tricks and now I love knowing its good for her.
I'm going to check out the Cosequine too. So glad I saw this thread.
As I always, I appreciate the invaluable information I learn on here that I never hear anywhere else. Is there anything specific besides jumping that is better for a dog with LP to NOT do? (She can be wild about jumping, but I'm trying to get her to stop. Today she got excited, made a fast long jump to get on the sofa, did a twist in the air, pushed her back legs against the back of the sofa into another jump. Looked like a little donkey - all in the speed of light before you can get a word out for her to calm down.  |
As you have learned swimming is generally all around the best exercise for them. You can also have her jump into the pool to retrieve toys! That is low impact jumping with a big benefit.
Performance sports that are hard on the knees, because of the quick twist turns, are: agility, flyball, disc, etc.
Retreive on land, don't use bouncy balls instead think of discs, or throw toys that land without a bounce. Do do it on grassy areas that are free of dew. (The slip factor again). Warm up the dog first, with a brisk 10 minute walk or so prior to retreive games.
If she is absolutely crazy about tennis balls only, teach her catch. Where she sits and you gently throw the toy to her. Likely she will have to lift up a bit from sit to "catch the toy". Again do this on a non slip surface.
Ideally put down non slip surfaces on the major areas she is most often in. Do get a ramp for the bed and train her to use it. Treats work well for this to get her up the ramp.
AS young and active dogs with lots of puppy energy, you need to find the safest ways to dissipate the energy. Build her up to long walks. Walk uphill and downhill with her.