What Is Canine Exercise Therapy?

Canine exercise therapy, also known as therapeutic exercise, or physiotherapy, is an essential component of veterinary rehabilitation. Exercise therapy in dogs is based on key principles of rehabilitation science, including progressive overload, specificity, and adaptability. These principles ensure that therapeutic exercises are tailored to the individual dog's condition and progress according to stage of healing to maximize recovery. Canine exercise therapy is widely applied in postsurgical recovery, osteoarthritis management, and neurological rehabilitation. A systematic review of rehabilitation strategies for dogs recovering from postcranial cruciate ligament surgery has demonstrated that the greatest evidence supports therapeutic exercises. Following guided fundamental principles of rehabilitation exercises helps ensure optimal recovery and performance in canine companion animals and athletes. Future studies should focus on evidence that supports ideal protocols for different canine musculoskeletal conditions to further improve therapeutic outcomes.