THE HEALTHY WAY TO STRETCH YOUR DOG: A PHYSICAL THERAPY APPROACH

By Sasha Foster and Ashley Foster

2009 DWAA Maxwell Award Winner - Best Care and Health Book Category

Research on human athletes is changing what we know about stretching. For example, it is now recognized that aggressive stretching should only take place after muscles are warmed up and shortened from exertion. Authors Sasha and Ashley Foster have applied this latest research to dogs—many of whom compete in vigorous canine sporting events—so that you can learn how to safely and effectively stretch your dog to prevent injuries, maintain joint integrity, and improve you dog’s fitness whether he is an elite canine athlete or a lap dog.

Over 300 photos and diagrams demonstrate how to safely and effectively stretch each major muscle group. Teaches correct hand placement for joint stabilization and how to maintain good form. Stretching routines are presented for both large and small dogs, older dogs, and those that are involved in a variety of dog sports. Click here to view an excerpt.

What reviewers are saying...

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“Stretching is an important part of human health, and dogs are not that far removed in their needs. "The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog: A Physical Therapy Approach" explains the importance of stretching for one's dog, and how proper use of the technique can help dogs live a longer life. All dogs can benefit from this practice, whether they are active or sedentary, as it helps their joints and muscles no matter how much or how little they are used. "The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog" is a fine acquisition for those dedicated to the health and longevity of their canine friend.” James A. Cox

DOG WORLD
“With their combines experience in human physical therapy, yoga, zoology, and training and showing dogs, sisters Sasha and Ashley Foster are the ideal team to present a manual on stretching techniques for dogs. Despite recent interest in this topic, the Fosters realized that dog owners didn’t have much access to emerging information… Rather than simply informing readers that dogs can benefit from these routines, the authors explain how and why muscle tissue becomes vulnerable to injury when it remains in a shortened, contracted position. The authors have designed therapeutic canine stretching routines for each major muscle group. Noting that dogs vary in flexibility based on breed, age, and physical condition, they include detailed information on proper techniques to ensure safety and effectiveness, and variations of their daily routine for small breeds and senior dogs. Every dog can benefit from stretching exercises, but they are especially valuable for canine athletes… The material is somewhat technical, but the text is generously supplemented with drawings, photos, and diagrams explaining each exercise. In addition to its primary message about stretching, this book provides excellent overview of canine anatomy and biomechanics, making it an interesting resource for any dog owner.” Amy Fernandez

ANIMAL RADIO BOOK CLUB
“A few years ago, I attended a canine massage seminar. I was impressed when I learned about the benefits of massage for your pet. As the owner of an active dog who participates in many performance sports, I have seen with my own eyes, the important role that holistic medicine such as chiropractics and massage can play in keeping canine athletes safe and in top working condition. This book takes canine massage a step further, looking at it from a physical therapy viewpoint. Where massage can be beneficial for relaxing muscles and joints and releasing stress, stretching your dog prior to activity, can lessen the wear and tear on muscles and joints and decrease the chances of strains or injuries. But don’t be fooled, this book is practi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dogwise Publishing
• Release date: Jan 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781929242771

Book preview

CCRT

Chapter 1

CANINE ANATOMY

The techniques outlined in this manual include three important phases for each stretch: joint stabilization; straight plane movement; and the stretch itself. In order to safely and effectively complete each of these phases of a stretch on your dog, general knowledge of joints, muscles, anatomical directions, and joint movements is critical. The illustrations provided in this chapter are meant to introduce some of the concepts and terms that are frequently referred to throughout the manual. A brief introduction here is all that is required since, for each stretch, detailed instructions will be provided that include the joint to be stabilized and the muscles to be