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Veterinarians Opelousas | Copper Crowne Vet Clinic
Phone: 337-407-8600 Fax: 337-407-8555 clientforms@opelousasvet.com
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Exercise Restriction in Dogs
What is exercise restriction?
Exercise restriction refers to the act of intentionally limiting a pet’s physical activity. Veterinarians often recommend exercise restriction to allow a pet to heal after a surgical procedure or injury, although it may also be recommended to prevent worsening of a medical condition.
Different circumstances require different degrees of exercise restriction, so your veterinarian’s guidance is essential when implementing exercise restriction.
How will exercise restriction help my pet?
Exercise restriction can be recommended for a variety of different reasons. After surgery, most pets need a period of exercise restriction to allow healing. In the case of abdominal surgery, such as a spay or cystotomy (bladder stone removal), veterinarians typically recommend one to two weeks of exercise restriction.
In this case, exercise restriction is intended to protect a pet’s incision and internal sutures until healing has occurred. Pets undergoing orthopedic surgery, in contrast, typically require a far longer period of exercise restriction. This allows the bones adequate time to heal before they have increased forces placed on them through activity.
> "Exercise restriction can be recommended for a variety of different reasons."Exercise restriction may also be recommended to manage a pet’s injury. For example, dogs with back pain that is caused by intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) often benefit from a period of exercise restriction. Restricting activity decreases forces that are placed on the spine during movement, allowing time for inflammation to subside. In this case, activity restriction alleviates a dog’s pain and minimizes the risk of disease progression.
Finally, exercise restriction is a component of managing some medication conditions. Dogs with heartworm disease, for example, require exercise restriction before heartworm treatment, as well as for a period after treatment. Physical activity increases the likelihood of adult worms causing a pulmonary thromboembolism, which may be fatal. Limiting a dog’s physical activity decreases this risk.
How should I limit my dog’s activity?
Depending on your dog’s condition, your veterinarian will make specific recommendations regarding the degree of exercise restriction that is recommended. Some dogs require complete kennel rest, while others can be taken for brief leash walks around the block as long as more vigorous exercise is avoided.
Common instructions for exercise restriction may include:
Your veterinarian will provide specific guidance related to your pet’s condition.
If your dog gets loose or otherwise receives more physical activity than intended, contact your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog. Your veterinarian may simply have you observe your dog at home for signs of pain or other problems, or your veterinarian may want to schedule a recheck appointment to assess for possible damage. Open communication with your veterinarian is essential to determining the best course of action for your pet.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Dec 4, 2024.
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The Veterinary Clinic at Copper Crowne Veterinary Services have been providing quality health care services to pets in the Opelousas area for many years. It is our aim to provide quality preventive, diagnostic and medical services so each of your precious pets lives a long and healthy life.
Location Hours Monday 7:30am – 5:00pm Tuesday 7:30am – 5:00pm Wednesday 7:30am – 5:00pm Thursday 7:30am – 5:00pm Friday 7:30am – 5:00pm Saturday 7:30am – 12:00pm Sunday ClosedAppointments with veterinarian start at 9:00 am.
5124 Highway 182 Opelousas, Louisiana, 70570 Phone: 337-407-8600
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