How to strengthen your dog’s wrists

Did you know that a large number of dogs have crooked angles in their wrists? This can cause uneven pressure distribution in the wrist, which may lead to increased strain in one part and not enough in another.

Why equal pressure in joints matters:

It’s crucial to maintain equal pressure within your dog's joints, as this helps avoid too much or too little strain on the articular cartilage. In growing dogs, this balance is especially important – too little strain is just as harmful as too much.

When we think about wrist health, it’s important to remember that from the wrist down, it’s mostly tendons at play. However, these tendons belong to muscles located further up the leg, so training these muscles is key to supporting the tendons and overall wrist health.

Common issues with wrist angles:

Sideways deviation is typically more harmful to your dog's joints than wrists that are too soft or too straight. If your dog has weak wrists, being overweight can further exacerbate the problem. Additionally, if the angles are significantly deviated, it's best to avoid having your dog carry a backpack. While a little weight in a backpack can help strengthen the wrists, too much weight or prolonged use is not a good idea.

Avoid overloading your dog’s wrists:

When it comes to wrist health, it's vital to avoid overloading them and to ensure the strain on them is applied correctly. Be mindful of surfaces—too soft of a surface can lead to problems, while a firm (but not hard) surface is often ideal. Also, be cautious with activities like jumping over obstacles or down from heights, as this can place extra strain on the wrists.

Strengthening your dog's wrists with pods:

One of my favorite exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the wrist is training with pods. Pods, such as those made by FitPaws, are budget-friendly and designed with soft "spikes" or buds, which serve an important purpose.

When your dog stands with its paws on these pods, it has to grip the surface with its toes. This action tightens the muscles that control the tendons surrounding the wrists, providing a great workout for those areas.

Here's a quick routine you can try:

• Let your dog stand on the pods for 15–20 seconds at a time.
• Step on and off the pods about ten times, at least four times a week.

Of course, there are other methods to strengthen your dog’s wrists, but this is one effective option that can be easily done at home.

If your dog has any physical conditions, I recommend consulting a professional in physical training to create a tailored plan specific to your dog's needs.

I hope you enjoy trying out this exercise and see the benefits it brings to your dog’s health!

Have a great day!
Line