Yoga has set itself apart from everyday exercising techniques, and no one can deny the benefits it is filled with. You might love performing Yoga, and it’s even better if you have a company like pet dogs. Yoga has the same benefits for dogs, just like humans. A short stretch on your bones every day can help with Mobility and flexibility. But what if your dog is arthritic? No worries! Yoga is still for you and your dog.
Why Yoga Is For Your Dog
Arthritis is as prevalent in dogs as humans. Arthritic pain is another sign of your dog aging or getting older. It can be due to wear and tear of cartilage of joints, decreased Mobility, injury, fluid build-up in joints, and weak immune system. All these problems can hinder your dog’s daily life. The Yoga performed by dogs is known as Doga. The simple doga poses with the dog can help in:
- Blood circulation in dogs.
- Helps in de-stress.
- Improves muscle mass.
- Suitable for joint health.
- Good for Mobility and flexibility in arthritic dogs.
- Trains in behavior.
- Helps in socialization.
- Good for anxiety.
- Strengthens relationship with the dog owner.
How To Get Started With Yoga
Before starting Yoga with your arthritic dog, make sure to do some warm-up. The warm-up for a dog could be a nice rub. Gently massage his body starting from the head to the tail. Massage over the legs gently and move towards the heart. Let him sit and hold his paw with your hands and deep breath. Simple poses that you can perform with your arthritic dog are:
Hound Mudra
Hound Mudra can act as a connecting thread between you and your dog. The best way to transfer and radiate positive energy between both of you is hound mudra. Place your right hand on your heart and the left on your pet’s chest. Start with deep breathing with closed eyes. Do this for two to five minutes to give your mind a blow of positive energy.
Corpse Pose
Ask your puppy to lay down on its back, with its belly outwards. The dog can either put paws in the air or on the floor. Breath slowly to let your pup relax at the moment.
Puppy Paw Mudra
Show your dog to lay down with its front arms stretched. Let your forehead touch with your furry mate’s head. Bend your head inside with the dog and breath.
Things To Remember Before Getting Started
Classes are running around where they train dogs to do exercise with dog owners. You can always hop in there anytime you and your dog are ready. You can start classes at home with your pup but remember that it takes time and you have to be patient. Things to take care of before commencing Yoga with your dog:
- Don’t force a pose on your dog.
- Go at your dog’s pace.
- Consider what your dogs want.
- Let him go if he seems not interested.
- Ensure to maintain his weight and diet.
The Bottom Line
Dogs too suffer from arthritis, and this is one of the signs of aging in dogs. Yoga offers the same benefits to dogs as humans in arthritis. It is also important to let your dog decide if he is interested and let him take the lead sometimes. If you want a better understanding of doga benefits for your dogs, you can consult your veterinarian before hopping into a yoga class or home session with your pets.
