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Does anyone have any favourite exercises for those dogs that are prone to back issues? Either from a previous injury (not necessarily IVDD) or just those long backed dogs that you know are prone to soft tissue and disc problems. I am frequently getting this question from both my pet clients with injured dogs and the sporting dogs, particularly agility, that are prone to back injuries and would like some ideas on prevention.

Tracey Griffin DVM, CCRT

Hey Tracey,

So I think you need to strengthen the core. I like stretching a dog out between two surfaces (blocks or peanut balls) and poking them in the abdomen to facilitate use. Any rendition of this (i.e. lift a leg in the same situation.) I also like diagonal leg stands (flat surface, then wobbly surface: legs directly under, then legs stretched out.)

Doesn't sound fancy... but it works!

Laurie