Raquel Wynn, Blog Entry 12/4:

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Flexibility is key to Fido's longevity. A simple stretching routine can drastically improve your pup's mood and also stave off some unwanted discomforts of aging. Muscular imbalance and tightness in your pup can lead to orthopedic issues such as dysplasia, arthritis, and consequently pain. You can't stop body breakdown completely as your dog goes through life, but you can definitely keep pain to a minimum with some simple, consistent moves.

In Stretch Your Dog Healthy, I provide stretches (with accompanying photos) for your dog's entire body. Range of motion exercises allow for proper hydration of the muscle and connective tissue, as well as the joints. This movement is integral to the total health of your dog's body. Since the body tends to overprotect by hindering movement with inflammation, a gentle stretch can actually override this "fear" response and encourage healing to take place.

Luckily, veterinary medicine is beginning to tout the efficacy of hands-on therapies such as stretching and massage. Many veterinary surgeons have shared with me their astonishment at the improved rates of recovery for dog's receiving immediate post-operative "hands-on" care. The animals had increased range of motion, required less pain medication, and returned to normal functioning more quickly. In other words, this movement most certainly facilitated and stimulated healing.

Stretching and massage are definitely a must for your pup's health kit. Unlike conventional options for dealing with pain, "hands-on" modalities definitely provide benefit without negative side effects. In addition, as a preventative method, they keep Fido feeling fabulous while strengthening the pet-parent bond. Keep your hound healthy with the simple gift of touch!

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