Physiotherapy for dogs at home: 5 gentle exercises for osteoarthritis

Your vet has said: “Your dog needs physiotherapy.” Then you saw the prices. 50 to 80 euros per session. Twice a week. For an indefinite period.

You want to help your dog. But your bank balance says no.

The good news is that you can do lots of physiotherapy exercises yourself at home. Every day. No need for an appointment. No need to travel. And without feeling like you’re letting your dog down.

Why physiotherapy is so important for osteoarthritis

Many dog owners think: if the joints are hurting, the dog should rest.

That’s wrong.

With osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage breaks down. The joints become stiff. Muscles atrophy. And the less your dog moves, the faster this process progresses.

Exercise is the best remedy for osteoarthritis. But: the right kind of exercise.

No frantic running. No climbing stairs. No sudden stops whilst playing.

Instead: targeted, gentle exercises that lubricate the joints, strengthen the muscles and maintain mobility.

That’s exactly what physiotherapy does. And you can do it at home too.

Before you start: the 3 golden rules

1. Warming up is essential

Never start with cold joints. A short, slow walk (5 minutes) or gently massaging the joints will prepare your dog.

2. Pain is a limit

If your dog pulls away, whines or stiffens up – stop. Exercises are meant to help, not cause distress.

3. Consistency beats intensity

It’s better to do 10 minutes every day than an hour once a week. Consistency is key.

The 5 best exercises for at home

Exercise 1: Passive joint movement (range of motion)

What it works on: Keeps joints supple, prevents stiffness

How to do it:

1. Your dog is lying relaxed on its side
2. Gently take one leg in both hands
3. Slowly bend and straighten the joint – within its natural range of motion
4. 10–15 repetitions per joint
5. Move on to the other legs

Important: Never push beyond the resistance. The movement should be fluid and pain-free.

Duration: 5 minutes

Exercise 2: Weight shifting whilst standing

What it works on: balance, muscle strength, proprioception (body awareness)

How to do it:

1. Your dog is standing on all fours
2. Hold a treat in front of his nose
3. Slowly move the treat to the left – he’ll shift his weight
4. Then to the right
5. Then up (he stretches)
6. Then down (he lowers his head)

Repetitions: 5–10 in each direction

Why it works: Your dog has to engage his muscles to maintain his balance. Without putting strain on his joints.

Exercise 3: Cavaletti training (walking over poles)

What it trains: Conscious leg lifting, coordination, joint mobility

How to do it:

1. Place 4–6 poles (broomsticks, pool noodles) on the floor
2. Spacing: about one body length of your dog
3. Guide your dog slowly through the poles
4. They must deliberately step over each pole

To make it harder: Raise the poles to a few centimetres (use books or low stools)

Duration: 3–5 rounds

Tip: Slow is better. It’s about deliberate movement, not speed.

Exercise 4: Sit-stand-sit (squats for dogs)

What it works: hind-quarter muscles, hip joints

How to do it:

1. Your dog is standing in front of you
2. Give the command “Sit”
3. Immediately afterwards, say “Stand up”
4. Repeat 5–10 times

Important: Make sure the movement is performed correctly. No slumping down – lower your dog in a controlled manner.

Why it works: This exercise is like squats for humans. It strengthens the muscles that stabilise the joints.

Exercise 5: Underwater treadmill (budget version: bath)

What it works on: Joint relief, muscle building without pressure

How to do it:

1. Fill the bath with lukewarm water (up to your dog’s chest)
2. Let your dog run slowly on the spot
3. Hold him firmly by the front so he doesn’t jump out
4. 5–10 minutes is enough

Alternative: An inflatable dog pool in summer

Why it works: Water supports the dog’s body weight. This takes the strain off the joints whilst the muscles are working.

Note: Not every dog likes water. Don’t force him. The other four exercises are sufficient on their own.

The perfect physiotherapy plan for a week

What else you can do

Massage before and after the exercises

Gently stroke the muscles around the affected joints. Use circular movements with light pressure. This promotes blood circulation and helps you relax.

Heat before your workout

Place a warm cherry-stone cushion or a hot water bottle (not too hot!) on the stiff joints. Leave for 5–10 minutes. This makes the joints more supple.

The right nutrients for your joints

Exercise alone is often not enough. Joints also need the right building blocks from within.

Green-lipped mussels provide natural glycosaminoglycans – these are the building blocks for cartilage and synovial fluid. Combined with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, you actively support joint metabolism.

Veddelholzer Joint Tablets combine precisely these active ingredients. Made in Germany, 100% natural, and most dogs eat them like treats. A useful addition to your physiotherapy programme.

When should you go to the vet instead of doing home exercises?

See a vet straight away if:

• Your dog suddenly refuses to walk at all
• A joint is severely swollen or hot
• He whines or snaps when touched
• The lameness gets worse rather than better after 2–3 days
• He has a fever or has stopped eating

Home exercises are great for supporting recovery. But they’re no substitute for a diagnosis or acute pain management.

If you’re unsure: it’s better to take your pet to the vet once too often than once too little.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: You can do more than you think

Your dog doesn’t need an expensive physiotherapy clinic to stay mobile. With these five exercises, you can help them every day – at home, at your own pace, without a waiting list.

Start today. Your dog will thank you for it.