Recovering from orthopedic or neurological surgery can be overwhelming for both dogs and their humans. Whether your dog just had ACL repair, spinal surgery, a fracture repair, or a luxating patella correction, the key to successful healing is structured rest, consistent rehab, and the right mobility support.
This guide walks you through typical post-surgery recovery timelines, shows you rehab exercises you can start at each stage, and explains when and how mobility aids, like lifting harnesses and wheelchairs, can safely support healing without straining your dog’s recovering limb or spine.
Why Rehab Matters After Surgery
Dog post-surgery rehab isn’t just about exercise, it’s about controlled, purposeful movement designed to:
- Protect the surgical site
- Maintain strength in non-affected limbs
- Prevent muscle atrophy
- Improve flexibility and balance
- Support neurological rewiring in dogs recovering from paralysis
- Reduce the risk of re-injury
Rehab is one of the most important predictors of long-term mobility, and it begins sooner than most pet parents expect.
Recovery Timelines: Orthopedic vs. Neurological Surgery
Every dog heals at their own pace, but most follow similar timelines shaped by the type of surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery Recovery Timeline
(Examples: ACL/CCL repair, fracture repair, TPLO, luxating patella surgery, hip/elbow procedures). The information below should only be used as a guideline and for general information. Work with your veterinarian, surgeon, or rehab specialist to create a recovery plan tailored to your dog’s diagnosis.
Weeks 0–2: Inflammation & Protection
Goals: limit movement, control swelling, protect incision
What to Do:
- Strict crate rest
- Short leash walks: 5 minutes, 3–4 times daily (only for quick potty breaks outside)
- Ice therapy (first 72 hours); warm compress afterward
- Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises (as shown by your canine rehab therapist)
- Limited, gentle supported standing as needed
Helpful mobility aids:
- Lifting harness (front, rear, or full-body): prevents weight-bearing on a healing leg
- Traction boots or socks for slippery floors
Weeks 2–6: Early Strength Building
Goals: begin controlled movement, rebuild muscle, increase weight-bearing
What to Do:
- Increase leash walks to 8–10 minutes
- Begin sit-to-stand exercises
- Weight shifting
- Figure-8 walking
- Cavaletti poles at low height
- Underwater treadmill (if cleared by vet)
Mobility aids:
- Rear support harness: helps dogs with surgical hind legs gradually rebuild strength
- Dog wheelchair (temporary support):
For some dogs recovering from CCL tears or hip surgery, partial wheelchair use reduces load on the healing leg and prevents overuse of the other limb.
Weeks 6–12: Moderate Strength & Endurance
Goals: improve stamina, increase flexibility, build symmetry
What to Do:
- 15–20 minute walks
- Hill walking for hind-leg strengthening
- Sit-to-stand repetitions
- Cavalettis at medium height
- Light jogging (only if cleared by surgeon)
Mobility aids:
- Support harness for uneven terrain or stamina issues
- Wheelchair for longer walks if the dog fatigues or begins to compensate on non-surgical limbs
3–6 Months: Advanced Conditioning
Goals: return to normal activity with strong, stable joints
What to Do:
- Return to normal walks
- Running and off-leash activity (only if cleared by vet)
- Advanced balance work (BOSU, wobble boards)
- Strength circuits (weaving, hill work, core exercises)
Neurological Surgery Recovery Timeline
(Examples: IVDD surgery, spinal decompression, herniated disc repair, laminectomy)
Neurological recovery is typically slower and less predictable because progress depends on nerve healing and reconnection.
Weeks 0–2: Rest, Stability & Nerve Activation
Goals: protect the spine, start neural re-education
What to Do:
- Strict crate rest
- Bladder expression (if needed)
- PROM and gentle bicycling of legs
- Assisted standing
- Supported weight-shifting
- Sensory stimulation (tickling toes, touching paw pads)
Mobility aids:
- Full-support harness for safe potty breaks
- Rear-support slings for paralyzed hind legs
Weeks 2–6: Early Return of Function
Goals: begin supported walking, build muscle memory
What to Do:
- Assisted walking with harness
- Hydrotherapy
- Light balance work (standing on soft surfaces)
- Controlled strengthening exercises
- Reflexive step exercises
Mobility aids:
- Dog wheelchair (rear support):
Allows paralyzed or weak dogs to practice the walking motion without putting strain on the spine, which accelerates neurological recovery. - Training mode wheelchairs (where paws touch the ground) encourage stepping reflexes.
6–12 Weeks: Strength & Coordination
Goals: encourage independence and correct gait
What to Do:
- Leash walking with decreasing support
- Weaving exercises
- Cavaletti poles
- Underwater treadmill sessions
- Proprioception exercises (wobble boards, balance discs)
Mobility aids:
- Wheelchair part-time use: prevents overuse injuries and supports safe strengthening
- Rear harness for transitions in and out of the wheelchair
3–6 Months: Independent Mobility Emerges
Most neuro dogs that recover will show significant progress here, though some may continue using mobility aids long-term.
Rehab Exercises (Step-by-Step)
1. Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
- Gently flex and extend the affected joint
- 10–15 repetitions, 2–3 times daily
- Never force movement—keep motions slow and smooth
Best for: Weeks 0–4, orthopedic and neuro cases
2. Sit-to-Stand Repetitions
- Ask your dog to sit and stand slowly
- Builds quad and hamstring strength
- Start with 3–5 reps; increase to 10–15
Best for: Weeks 2–12 (orthopedic), Weeks 4+ (neuro)
3. Weight-Shifting
- Support your dog under their belly
- Gently shift weight from side to side
- Strengthens stabilizer muscles
Best for: Weeks 0–12
4. Assisted Walking
Use a rear or full-body harness to control weight-bearing.
Best for: All recovery phases
Why it helps: dogs avoid putting too much strain on the healing limb while maintaining healthy range of motion.
5. Cavaletti Pole Walking
Improves stride length, balance, and paw placement.
Best for: Weeks 4–12 (orthopedic), Weeks 6+ (neuro)
6. Hydrotherapy (Swimming or Underwater Treadmill)
Great for building strength with zero to low impact.
Best for: Weeks 2+ (orthopedic), Weeks 2–4+ (neuro)
Why Mobility Aids Are Essential During Post-Surgery Recovery
Mobility aids aren’t just for dogs with permanent disabilities—they are often temporary but essential tools for safe, effective recovery.
Harnesses (Front, Rear, or Full Body)
Support harnesses:
- Help dogs walk without overloading the injured leg
- Reduce the risk of slipping or falling
- Make bathroom breaks safe
- Improve balance and posture during early rehab
A harness provides controlled movement, essential for protecting the surgical site.
Dog Wheelchairs
Many pet parents assume a wheelchair is a “last resort,” but for post-surgery recovery, it can be a proactive rehab tool.
A wheelchair can:
- Reduce weight-bearing on healing limbs
- Prevent muscle loss in dogs who can’t walk far
- Allow controlled exercise without strain
- Protect non-surgical limbs from compensatory injury
- Encourage stepping for dogs recovering from neurological damage
Don’t believe the myth that dog wheelchairs are only for dogs who are paralyzed or in “worse shape” than your dog. Dogs can use wheelchairs temporarily, often just during the middle phases of recovery until their strength returns.
When a Dog Should Use a Mobility Aid
Use a harness if your dog:
- Struggles to bear weight
- Is at risk of falling
- Is stiff or weak
- Needs help getting up or walking outside
Use a wheelchair if your dog:
- Tires quickly
- Puts too much strain on the non-surgical leg
- Shows poor balance
- Has partial paralysis or hind-leg weakness
- Needs safe exercise while healing
Final Thoughts: Every Dog’s Recovery Is Unique
Post-surgery recovery can feel like a long road—but with a structured timeline, proper rehab exercises, and the right mobility aids, your dog can rebuild strength safely and confidently.
At The Dog Mobility Project, we believe that movement and exercise are healing, and the goal is to help every dog move with comfort, dignity, and joy.
The Dog Mobility Project 
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