Passive range of motion – The aim is for the joint to pass through flexion and extension. This is a good exercise to improve your dog’s joint health, mobilising your dog’s joint through its natural range of motion improves joint nutrition, local blood supply increases, reduces swelling and lymphatic fluid and prevents stiffening of the joint. N.B. you can perform this exercise standing up, however much easier for you and your dog if they are laying down. You must never pull, always push a joint, and never beyond your dog’s capability.
Extension: Place one hand on the knee itself, and one hand above the ankle. Gently draw the limb forwards to make the joint extend forward. Alternatively, you can draw the limb backwards.
Flexion: Hold the knee joint and above the ankle similar to extension, instead you are closing the joint, not opening and draw the limbs together.