Posture is often spoken about with people recognising that poor posture can contribute to compensatory muscle use and pain patterns. However, is this the same in your dog? A new study published in 2024 suggests that it is.

Within Physiotherapy assessment posture plays a key part. We tend to look at posture in sitting, lying and standing. How a dog stands, sits and lies can tell us a lot of information about any issues they may have and how to address them. Breed confirmation can have an effect on a dogs posture, what is normal for one breed may not be for another. As Canine Veterinary Physiotherapy specialists we have an in depth background knowledge of breeds which means we can differentiate between confirmation and posture. 

So why is posture important? 

Poor posture can be a sign of: 

• Pain
• Weakness
• Reduced neuromotor control
• Behaviour changes
• Restriction within soft tissue

It is common for control of posture to decrease as a dog ages, but this does not need to be the case. We are also seeing more and more younger dogs being referred to Stott and Paws Physiotherapy with poor posture due to lack of muscle activation and proproceptive awareness. Post surgery or injury in dogs is another area where altered posture and loading is common. Continued poor movement patterns and poor posture leads to an imbalance in normal activity of muscle groups. Although you may feel your dog is managing well, overtime these poor movement patterns can lead to the symptoms listed above and a reduction to their function and activity levels.

Physiotherapy intervention after identifying a change to your dogs posture can prevent long term issues and injury. We can help with posture as we aim to restore appropriate movement patterns. Each treatment is tailored to each individual meaning what is appropriate to aid with one dogs symptoms may not be for another.  

Correction of posture results in: 

• Better muscle recruitment
• Increased muscle function/activation
• Reduction of overactivity in compensatory muscles 
• Improvement to pain and behaviour

And overall a happier more comfortable dog!

If you have any queries around your dogs posture please do not hesitate to contact us at Stott and Paws Physiotherapy.

Reference: 

Michael, H.E., McGowan, C.M. and Hyytiäinen, H.K., 2024. Posture and postural dysfunction in dogs: implications for veterinary physiotherapy. The Veterinary Journal, p.106107.