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Posted by muttz on April 03, 2003 at 22:44:57:

In Reply to: severe arthritis in the spine posted by chew on April 03, 2003 at 04:52:07:

sorry, just realised some info on exercise might help you.

I was told by the traditional vet to not let my dog exercise AT ALL for a minimum of two weeks. The homeopathic consult happened after this time and she said to keep the walks very short and relatively quiet - but make them somewhere the dog loves. That is, a short sniff and wander around his favourite dog park (but in a quiet "non-peak" time!) is much better than a walk around the streets. This is because it stimulates them mentally and makes them happier.

I gradually increased the exercise over the next 7 or so months. To be honest, i think the setbacks we have had have been because I've increased the exercise too quickly. A lot of people say "the dog will tell you what he/she can or can't do"... but for me that isn't the case - he'll keep on going until he can't anymore. So a bit of judgement comes in - I've messed up a couple of times, but I give him some remedy for the pain and we slow down a bit.

As I said, I'm almost back to normal exercise now - BUT its been from NO exercise to this in 9 or so months...

Swimming is apparently brilliant for this condition - it provides exercise without stressing the joints. But, if its really cold where you are - yeah.. maybe you should get some expert advice there. Maybe if you kept your dog rugged up before hand and dried him off well afterwards it would be okay?

I really recommend visiting a good holistic/homeopathic vet to look at your options - and to answer above. Every dog is different!

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