Cat and Dog Rehabilitation Exercises in Chicago Ridge, IL
Rehabilitation does not stop when your pet leaves their appointment. Cat and dog rehabilitation exercises can help support your pet’s comfort, mobility, strength, and confidence between visits when they are performed correctly and recommended by a veterinary professional.
At Chicago Animal Rehab, our Chicago Ridge team may use or demonstrate specific exercises as part of your pet’s rehabilitation plan. These movements are designed to support range of motion, improve weight bearing, rebuild strength, and help pets move more safely during recovery.
Please follow your pet’s individual instructions from our team. Some exercises may not be appropriate for every pet, especially dogs or cats with spinal concerns, recent surgery, pain, instability, or certain orthopedic or neurologic conditions.
Strengthening Exercises
The exercises below may be used to support joint flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and body awareness. Your pet’s plan will depend on their diagnosis, comfort level, stage of recovery, and long-term goals.
2-Legged Stand
This exercise helps improve weight bearing and strength. When performing this movement, bring the leg back rather than out to the side.
3-Legged Stand
This exercise helps improve weight bearing and strength. Bring the leg straight forward or straight back, instead of out to the side.
Physioball
Physioball exercises help strengthen the hind limbs while improving balance and proprioception, which is your pet’s awareness of where their body is in space. Please consult your veterinarian before using a physioball if your dog has spinal issues.
Front Limb Range of Motion Exercises
These exercises may help maintain or improve flexibility in the front limbs. Move slowly, stay within your pet’s comfortable range, and stop if your pet shows pain, resistance, or stress.
Front Toe Extension
Front Toe Flexion
Carpus Flexion
Capus Extension
Elbow Extension
Elbow Flexion
Shoulder Flexion
Shoulder Extension
Rear Limb Range of Motion Exercises
Rear limb exercises may help support flexibility, comfort, and controlled movement in the hips, knees, hocks, and toes. These should be performed gently and only as directed by your pet’s rehabilitation team.
Rear Toe Flexion
Rear Toe Extension
Hock Flexion
Hock Extension
Stifle Flexion
Stifle Extension
Hip Flexion
Hip Extension
Before You Begin At-Home Exercises
At-home exercises should match your pet’s condition and recovery stage. Doing too much too soon, using poor form, or choosing the wrong movement can slow progress or increase discomfort.
Before starting any new exercise, ask our team:
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How often should this exercise be performed?
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How many repetitions should my pet do?
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What signs mean we should stop?
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Should this exercise be done before or after walks?
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When should we change or progress the plan?
Our CARE team can help you understand which cat and dog rehabilitation exercises are right for your pet and how to use them safely at home. Give us a call at 708-576-2801 or schedule a visit online.