Sporting and active dogs are exceptional "athletes" whose bodies are put under heavy loads. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy help them not only recover from injuries but, above all, prevent them and maintain peak form. We explain how we support dogs that do agility, canicross, obedience and other disciplines.
The nature of a sporting dog
A sporting dog performs high-intensity movements - dynamic starts, jumps, turns and stops. This exposes its muscles, tendons and joints to microtrauma and overload. Caring for the locomotor system is just as important as training skills, and often decides the length and quality of a career.
Injury prevention
The best injury is the one that is avoided. Regular physiotherapy assessment catches asymmetries, tension and small limitations before they lead to a serious injury. Working on strength, flexibility and a correct movement pattern builds a "reserve" that protects the dog during intense effort.
Assessment and screening
In sporting dogs it is worth periodically reviewing the locomotor system - assessing gait, range of motion, muscle strength and symmetry. This lets us monitor the athlete's condition and respond to early signs of overload, which is especially important during the competition season.
Warm-up and cool-down
A proper warm-up before effort and a calm cool-down afterwards are the basics that are easily neglected. They prepare the muscles and joints, improve performance and significantly reduce the risk of injury. We teach owners how to do these correctly before training and competition.
Recovery after effort
Intense effort requires recovery. Massage and manual therapy release overloaded muscles, while INDIBA therapy supports tissue renewal and a faster return to full form. Well-planned recovery lets a dog compete more often and more safely.
The water treadmill in training
The water treadmill is excellent for building fitness and strength safely. Training in water strengthens the muscles while offloading the joints, so you can work on endurance without excess risk of overload - including when returning after an injury.
Do you train a sport with your dog? Care for its locomotor system - discover our dog rehabilitation and animal physiotherapy at Multivet Active.