Fitness and Flexibility
Mobility and discomfort can more easily go unnoticed or put down to simply aging meaning they can suffer in silence
Importance of Fitness and Flexibility
Dogs thrive on movement, and maintaining flexibility and fitness is essential for their overall wellbeing and a happy, fulfilling life.
Cats, too, are naturally agile and supple by nature.
However, their different lifestyles and the way they interact with us can make it easier for signs of reduced mobility or discomfort to go unnoticed or mistakenly attributed to normal aging causing them to suffer in silence.
ARC offers several options for improving flexibility and fitness.
Sporting & Working dogs
Learn about our dedicated Sports and Working Fitness Assessment service.
Loss of flexibility
Many injuries and illnesses can result in loss of flexibility- for example
- major surgery to remove tumours or repair large wounds
- joint or bone injury or surgery
- arthritis
- pancreatitis
- metabolic disorders
In addition, almost any condition or circumstance that has led to a pet having to be rested or restricted for even a short period of time can result in a drastic loss of fitness and muscle condition.
In these cases, a careful planned return to exercise can be very important and significantly reduce the chances of further injury which can occur when too much impact is placed on a debilitated pet’s body.
If your pet has been faced with a situation like these:
- prolonged kennel rest for medical reasons
- Loss of muscle mass and strength through illness
- Come from an environment where proper exercise was not provided
- Heavy pregnancy and lactation demands
- Endocrine /hormonal disease such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s syndrome), under active thyroid, diabetes
- Nutritional problems such as digestive insufficiency
There is a likelihood that your pet’s fitness and flexibility has suffered. Appropriate therapeutic exercise and treatment such as in stretching, massage, myofascial release, joint mobilisation and scar management in some cases can make a huge difference.
Click here for referral form for assessment by our veterinarian and to read about our rehabilitation services.