Dogs stretch just like humans do to relax stress-related tension in their muscles. They may also stretch as a way to moderate excited energy.
While most dogs do this routinely, there are some that do it in a way that could be a sign of something more serious than normal. That’s why it’s important to understand what your dog is doing when they stretches.
Neck and Back Stretch
When dogs yelp, whimper, or get in pain, it's often a sign that something is wrong. Your vet can pinpoint a range of underlying diseases, injuries, and other health issues to help identify the cause and treatment plan.
Some conditions, such as epaxial muscle disease and vertebral disk diseases, can cause significant neck and back pain in dogs. These can be difficult to diagnose as the onset of pain will not always be obvious.
Your vet will be able to determine the underlying cause by performing a variety of diagnostic tests, including blood and urine chemistry, urinalysis, and physical examination. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will provide your dog relief of the pain as well as help prevent serious underlying health conditions from developing.
Front Leg Stretch
Dogs often stretch to relieve tension in their bodies. They typically do this when they wake up in the morning and before they go to sleep.
It also happens when they want to get your attention, such as when they are trying to tell you that they need to go potty. It's also a way for them to show excitement or happiness.
The front leg stretch is a good way for dogs to loosen their hips and lower back. This helps them stay perky and flexible, as well as reduce arthritis-related pain.
To perform this stretch, grasp the dog's rear leg above their knee and slowly pull it straight out behind them. Hold the position for a few seconds, then release and repeat.
Chest Stretch
What is it called when a dog stretches their chest?
The chest muscles of dogs are prone to a lot of strain as they are often used for daily activities. There are several different chest stretches that can be performed by pet parents to help improve range of motion and posture.
With a dog standing, grasp one of their front legs near the elbow and gently open it to the side. Hold for several seconds and repeat on the other leg.
This exercise is beneficial for a number of reasons including strengthening the shoulder flexors, which allow fluid movement in the front legs. It also increases breathing capacity and helps decrease pain associated with arthritis.
This stretch can be performed by any person as long as they have a doorway they can use to perform it. It is also relatively easy to do as it does not require equipment and can be adapted depending on the pressure you want to apply.
Hand Stretch
Whether you’re a dog owner or a pet parent, you’ve probably seen your pooch stretch their hands first thing in the morning and at times when they’re greeting someone. It’s a body language signal they use to encourage play from other dogs or people.
In fact, it’s quite similar to a play bow, but without the excited, “bouncy” body language. Nevertheless, stretching can still be an important part of your dog’s daily routine to maintain their health and mobility.
The key to a successful stretch is consistency rather than intensity. Start out with small range-of-motion exercises, and build up to more intense stretches as your dog gets comfortable.
