Tips on How to Strengthen Old Dogs Hind Legs

Much like us, our dogs get weaker as they get older. It's important to work to maintain their strength into their senior years so they can still play and move around as they wish. In today's post, our veterinarians in Pittsboro provide guidance on how to improve or maintain your dog's strength in your dog's hind legs.

What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?

If you find your dog's back legs are weak, slipping out, or generally not working properly, there are a number of factors that could be at play. Let's explore some of these causes.

Arthritis

Just like humans, dogs can also be affected by arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that particularly affects their hind legs. This happens when their joints lack sufficient lubrication, resulting in painful movements. If your furry friend experiences any of the following symptoms, it's best to take them to the vet for a check-up:

• Difficulty climbing stairs or walking
• Bunny hopping while moving
• Development of large front-leg muscles and weakening of rear-leg muscles

Hip Dysplasia

If you observe that your pet's hip joints are looser than usual, this could be a sign of hip dysplasia. This condition can cause problems with balance and, in more serious cases, osteoarthritis. It is more common in larger dog breeds, including:

• German Shepherd
• Labrador Retriever
• Saint Bernard
• Great Dane

Hip dysplasia is primarily caused by genetics, but other factors such as size, weight, and overuse may also play a role in developing this condition.

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Your pet may be experiencing degenerative myelopathy, a condition in which the protective covering of their nerves deteriorates, resulting in improper nerve function. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Quivering hind legs
• Hind legs coming together while standing
• Feet positioned at unusual angles

Many breeds of dogs are susceptible to developing a spinal condition, but certain breeds, such as:

• Boxer
• German Shepherd
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes can cause weakness in your pet's hind leg joints? Insufficient insulin production leads to abnormal blood sugar levels, which can have this effect. Look for signs like increased thirst and hunger, incontinence, and weight loss. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it's best to seek advice from a veterinarian and have a blood test done to confirm the diagnosis.

Fibrocartilaginous Embolism

Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a condition that can affect dogs, where a small piece of cartilage blocks their bloodstream, leading to spinal swelling. The result is temporary hind leg movement restriction and pain, which is especially common in larger dog breeds. Breeds such as German Shepherds and Irish Wolfhounds often receive a diagnosis of FCE.

Limited Mobility

If your pet needs surgical intervention such as tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), it can help restore their leg movement. However, as advised by the surgeon, your pet may need to limit their physical activities during post-surgery recovery. While this restriction may cause temporary disability, it is necessary for a full and successful recovery.

What are the main signs and symptoms dog's back legs not working?

Identifying the underlying problem without medical assistance can be challenging due to the similarity of symptoms among the conditions listed below. Therefore, it is crucial to seek advice from a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following behaviors in your dog, taking action promptly is important:

• Hind leg tremors
• Swaying of the hind end
• Trouble transitioning from lying or sitting to a standing position
• Difficulty walking or complete inability to walk
• Inability to climb stairs
• Sudden reluctance to go for walks or play
• Stumbling and lack of coordination
• Muscle mass loss
• Decreased walking speed in general
• Collapsing

Tips on How to Strengthen Old Dog's Hind Legs 

Once you have pinpointed the reason for your pet's distress and have received treatment suggestions, there are non-medical actions you can take to assist in their recovery and assist them in regaining their vitality.

• It is recommended to take your furry companion for brief yet consistent walks on a daily basis. This will aid in gradually restoring their hind-leg muscles.
• Let your dog swim in a safe place. Swimming provides a low-friction way to work their muscles and benefits their overall strength.
• As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and excess weight can strain weakening legs. To prevent this, ensure your pet enjoys a healthy diet with lean, protein-rich foods. 
• One way to support your pet's joint health and mobility is by giving them supplements that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements can help reduce inflammation and provide extra nutritional support for aging joints.
• Inflammation-reducing treatments such as acupuncture and cold laser therapy can greatly address limited mobility and reduce pain.

Learn more about Senior Care

Alternative Ways to Alleviate Discomfort

If your dog can no longer benefit from strengthening exercises, it might be time to explore other options that can improve their comfort and overall well-being.

You can consider using mobility aids like a wheelchair, rear lifting harness, or hip brace. These aids will give your dog a certain level of freedom, enabling them to enjoy an active lifestyle during the longer, warmer summer months. 

As pets get older, they need regular preventive veterinary care and early detection of any health issues to ensure a good quality of life. 

Our veterinarians in Pittsboro specialize in helping older pets maintain optimal health. They identify and treat emerging health problems at an early stage and provide proactive treatment while it's still manageable and convenient.