At this point you may begin walking your pet with a short leash, 3-5 times per day, for 5-10 minutes each time.  

• Multiple short walks are better than one long walk

• This may be one of the most important rehabilitation activities you do to help your pet regain function.

• Increase the length of your pet's walks by 5-10 minutes every 3-5 days, as long as your pet is comfortable. The goal should be for your pet to be going on 30-45 minute walks multiple times per day by 4 weeks post-op. 

• After one of the walks, perform each of the exercises in this video and rotate through them in sequence.

Weight Shifting on a Step: Place your pet's front feet on a low step.   This shifts more weight to the hind legs.  Place one of your hands over each hip, and rock your pet’s rump from side to side.  This causes your pet to shift weight from one hind leg to the other.  Begin with 1 minute and try to work up to 5 minutes over the next 2 weeks.  

Lifting the Non-operated Leg: Gently raise the hind leg, opposite the operated leg, slightly off the ground for 5 seconds, then replace it on the ground.  Repeat with the front leg on the same side.  Repeat the cycle 5 times.  Increase the length of time the leg is held up off the ground by 5 seconds each day until a maximum of 30 seconds.

Sit to Stand: Have your pet stand with the operated leg against a wall. Ask your pet to sit, and make sure that your pet sits down squarely (keeping the foot and knee in tight to the body) with both knees bent and both ankles bent.  Then encourage your pet to stand squarely, pushing off with their hind limbs (not all dogs will push off, some cheat).   Have your pet perform as many repetitions as your pet can do properly.  Again, start with just a few (3-5) and increase by 3-5 repetitions each day to a maximum of 15. 

Cryotherapy: Apply soft ice packs (wrapped in a hand towel) to the inside of your pet’s knee for 10-15 minutes after passive range of motion exercises.