Weak Core Muscles: The Hidden Threat to Your Dog’s Health
Weak core muscles can significantly impact your dog’s health and well-being. They can affect your dog’s posture, which can make it difficult for them to sit or stand properly. This weakness increases the risk of injuries, especially in older dogs, and can lead to chronic health issues. Things like genetics, diet, lack of exercise, and previous injuries can all contribute to a weak core.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch out For:
- Excessive sway in the hind end during movement
- Difficulty transitioning from positions, such as sitting to standing
- Inability to hold a sit-stay due to weak core muscles
- Poor posture, difficulty standing up, or struggling to perform daily tasks
- Leaning to one side or having difficulty walking
Recognizing these signs early can help you take proactive steps to strengthen your dog’s core and improve their overall health.
Preparing Your Dog for Core Strengthening Exercises
Developing a Conditioning Routine:
Before starting any new exercise routine, it’s never a bad idea to talk with your vet or a canine physical therapist. You want to mix and match exercises, doing several consistently at least every other day with them. Start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty and duration of the exercises. Focus on skills and behaviors that allow your dog to naturally stretch without pushing their body too much. And remember–this can be a great way to bond with them, too!
Core Strengthening Exercises for A Stronger Dog Core
- Walking on Uneven Surfaces: Engage your dog’s core muscles. Do this by walking them over uneven surfaces like grass, sand, or trails.
- Inclines and Stairs: Walking up and down inclines and stairs involves the trunk muscles, helping to build core strength.
- Pillow Walks: Encourage your dog to walk on pillows or folded towels to add variety and challenge to their routine.
- Stand Holds: Have your dog hold a stand position for up to 10 seconds or longer on a non-slip surface.
- Head Turns: Use a treat to encourage your dog to turn its head in different directions, engaging the neck and core muscles.
Advanced Exercises for A Stronger Core:
- Swaying and Leg Lifts: Support your dog and lift one leg for a few seconds to build balance and core strength.
- Sit to Stand and Figure-Eight Walking: Encourage your dog to move from a standing to a sitting position and back, and guide them in a figure-eight pattern.
- Cavalettis and Elevated Paw Touch: Walk your dog over a series of raised surfaces or obstacles.
- Swimming: This is an excellent full-body workout. It engages the core muscles and improves fitness.
- Roll Over: Teach your dog to roll over, which engages the core muscles and improves flexibility.
Maximizing the Benefits of Core Strengthening Exercises for Dog
Remember…Make it Fun! Incorporate core strengthening exercises into your dog’s daily routine to keep them engaged and excited. You’ll want to slowly increase the difficulty and duration of exercises to prevent injuries and build strength over time. Focus on their strength training and conditioning. This will help them have the best mobility and ability to live well. You may want to consider using a raised dog bowl to improve their posture and reduce chances of dog spinal issues.
Marvelous Mobility and A Dog’s Core
We created Bernie’s Marvelous Mobility to be packed with holistic ingredients designed to support joint health and overall mobility. We used blueberry powder and green tea extract to help combat inflammation because they are such powerful antioxidants. We combined those with premium ingredients like Turmeric, Boswellia, and green-lipped mussel for our dogs. We also added Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, to support their joint health. We knew research suggested that glucosamine and chondroitin were not as effective as newer ingredients like Undenatured type-II collagen at supporting joint function. So, we chose what research backed. We also included vitamins and minerals like kelp powder, vitamin C, boron, and vitamin K2 for broader support for Bernie and Lady. Our research team knew this was a winning combo for better dog mobility and flexibility. This means their joints stay working and healthy. A strong core is the cherry on top and allows them to have efficient, well-coordinated movements–and that lets them live their lives to the fullest!
