Rehabilitation for a Successful and Strong Recovery
The Importance of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Surgery is just the first step—proper rehabilitation is essential for a successful recovery. It’s more than crate rest or slowly returning to walks; it’s about following a structured program to rebuild strength, maintain mobility, and prevent reinjury.
Without a structured rehab plan, pets risk slow healing, muscle loss, or further injury.
Active pets, in particular, often find restricted movement frustrating, a solid rehabilitation program not only helps them regain their physical strength safely but also keeps them mentally stimulated during the recovery process.
Common Surgeries That Require Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is beneficial after many types of surgery, especially:
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Surgery: One of the most common orthopaedic surgeries in dogs. Rehab is crucial to strengthen the repaired leg and reduce strain on the opposite leg, which is at high risk of injury.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Surgery: Focuses on improving range of motion, reducing joint stiffness, and rebuilding muscle strength.
Spinal Surgery (e.g., IVDD): Promotes nerve regeneration and helps restore strength, balance, and coordination.
Fractures & Joint Repairs: Gradual strengthening and controlled movement help prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy.
💡 Tip: Starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after surgery—or even before—can significantly improve outcomes. Early rehab helps speed up recovery, improve fitness, and reduce the likelihood of complications.
Prehabilitation: The Value of Rehab Before Surgery
Rehabilitation before surgery (“prehab”) can significantly improve post-surgical outcomes by:
Building strength and joint support: Stronger muscles help stabilise joints and aid mobility.
Reducing surgical risks: Fitter pets experience fewer complications with anaesthesia and recover more quickly.
Promoting muscle memory: Exercises practised before surgery become easier to resume afterwards.
Easing anxiety: Pre-surgery hydrotherapy sessions help pets feel comfortable in the water, making them less anxious post-surgery.
For dogs undergoing cruciate ligament surgery, prehab may include gentle strengthening exercises and hydrotherapy. This ensures their muscles are in the best possible shape before surgery, leading to a quicker recovery afterwards.
The Role of Hydrotherapy in Post-Surgery Recovery:
Hydrotherapy is often a cornerstone of post-surgical rehabilitation because it promotes mobility without placing stress on healing joints and muscles.
Benefits include:
Gentle on Healing Joints & Muscles: Water buoyancy reduces impact while allowing movement without excessive strain.
Supports Muscle Strength & Conditioning: Prevents muscle loss during restricted weight-bearing recovery phases.
Promotes Healing: Warm water enhances circulation, reduces swelling, and speeds recovery.
Helps Restore Mobility & Confidence: Controlled, low-impact movement helps pets regain natural patterns. Pets regain their natural movement patterns in a controlled, low-impact environment.
💡Remember: Hydrotherapy is highly effective, but it is only one part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
At-Home Rehabilitation Tips for Pet Owners
When you bring your beloved dog home after their operation, you’ll have a list of instructions from the vet, you can further support your pet’s recovery at home with these additional at-home strategies:
Follow Rest Guidelines: Stick to crate rest and limit activity as prescribed to prevent re-injury.
Start Slow with Gradual, Supervised Exercise: When instructed, introduce gentle range-of-motion exercises and short, controlled walks. Always consult your rehab professional for guidance.
Weight Management: Adjust their diet to prevent weight gain, which can further stress healing joints.
Incorporate Massage and Stretching: Gentle massage and stretches improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and support mobility.
Consult a Rehab Professional: Work with a specialist to ensure exercises are done safely and effectively.
Mental Health and Enrichment During Recovery:
Resting after surgery can be frustrating for active pets, be prepared before their surgery with ways to keep their minds busy. Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding as physical exercise and keeps their brain busy while recovering to help keep boredom away. Games and puzzles can be easily made at home or purchased and help prevent frustration during recovery. Here are some easy enrichment ideas:
Food puzzles or slow feeders: Extend mealtime and engage their problem-solving skills.
Scent games: Hide treats around their crate or use a snuffle mat to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
Calm chew toys: Provide safe, long-lasting chews to ease anxiety and reduce boredom.
Gentle trick training: If approved by your vet, teach simple tricks like “touch” or “paw” to keep their brains active.
💡 Tip: Prepare these activities before surgery to ensure they are ready to use during your pet’s recovery.
Warning Signs to Watch for During Recovery
Healing is not always linear, and minor setbacks are common. However, certain warning signs indicate it may be time to call your vet or rehabilitation specialist
Limping or reluctance to use the affected limb beyond what is expected for their recovery timeline.
Excessive swelling, heat, or discharge around the surgical site.
Signs of pain, such as whining, restlessness, or loss of appetite.
Sudden changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal or increased aggression.
💡 Remember: It’s normal for recovery to have ups and downs, but consistent setbacks or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a professional.
Why Consistency is Key to Recovery:
Healing has ups and downs, there will be off days and days when your dog seems to be back to their old self, but it is important to stick to the prescribed rehabilitation plan. Even if progress feels slow, consistency with their rehabilitation plan is essential for a full recovery sticking with the exercises, crate rest, and professional guidance will ensure a safe and effective recovery.
Stick to the Plan: Even if progress feels slow, follow prescribed exercises, crate rest, and routines.
Stay Patient: Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Healing takes time.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every improvement, from bearing weight to taking longer walks, is progress.
Check In Regularly with Professionals: Routine assessments with your vet or rehab therapist help ensure recovery stays on track and adjustments are made as needed.
Rehabilitation success is built on patience and consistency. Every pet’s journey is unique, so celebrate small milestones and focus on steady improvement.
A Stronger Recovery Starts with You
Post-surgery rehabilitation is a journey—one that requires time, patience, and dedication. With a structured recovery plan, mental enrichment, and professional support, your pet can return to an active and happy life.
Start early, stay consistent, and trust the process. Your rehab professional is not only a guide but a partner in your pet’s journey back to health. We’re here to support you every step of the way—because we always have your pet’s best interest at heart.