Pick Up Sticks: A Fun, Low-Impact Exercise to Help Dogs with Arthritis
- Canine Health Hub
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Arthritis in dogs can make simple movements uncomfortable, and keeping your dog active and mobile is crucial for maintaining joint health and overall quality of life. But finding exercises that are safe, engaging, and low-impact can be tricky.
Enter the canine-friendly game of Pick Up Sticks – a fun way to boost your dog’s brain and body without putting extra strain on their joints.
What is Canine Pick Up Sticks?
If you’ve ever played Pick Up Sticks as a kid, you’ll remember the careful navigation through a messy pile of sticks without disturbing the others. The canine version works on the same principle. Scatter a mix of poles, brooms, rolled towels, or pool noodles on the floor and hide a few treats among them. Let your dog explore, sniff, and step carefully over the scattered objects.
The result? A playful, low-impact obstacle course that helps dogs with arthritis stay active and engaged.
Why Pick Up Sticks is Great for Dogs with Arthritis
Boosts Body Awareness (Proprioception) - Stepping over uneven objects helps your dog tune into where each paw is. This gentle awareness is especially valuable for dogs with arthritis, as it encourages careful movement and reduces the risk of strain.
Improves Coordination & Motor Skills- Because the poles aren’t in a neat pattern, your dog must plan each step thoughtfully. This enhances coordination, agility, and mental focus – all without high-impact exercise.
Strengthens Core & Postural Stability - Navigating an unpredictable layout switches on the stabilising muscles around the spine and core. Stronger core muscles support joint health and can help reduce pain in arthritic dogs.
Encourages Balanced Weight Use - Arthritis often leads to favouring certain legs. The random placement of poles encourages weight shifting, helping to gently correct uneven loading patterns.
Promotes Calm, Controlled Movement - With treats to sniff out and obstacles to navigate, dogs naturally slow down and move mindfully – ideal for gentle strengthening and rehabilitation.
Joint-Friendly & Adaptable - This exercise is low-impact and easy to adapt. Adjust the spacing, size, or height of obstacles depending on your dog’s mobility level, ensuring safe play for dogs with arthritis or limited movement.
Senior dogs love body & brain boosting games
How to Get Started:
Gather your “sticks”: cavaletti poles, broom handles, garden canes, pool noodles, or rolled towels.
Scatter them randomly across a safe floor space.
Sprinkle a few treats between them to encourage exploration.
Let your dog navigate carefully, praising them for calm, controlled movement.
Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and end on a positive note.
Keep an Eye Out for Early Signs of Arthritis
Even with gentle exercise like Pick Up Sticks, it’s important to watch for early signs of arthritis:
Stiffness, especially after rest or sleep
Difficulty rising or climbing stairs
Reluctance to jump or play
Limping or uneven gait
Changes in behaviour, like irritability or withdrawal
If you notice any of these signs, early intervention can make a huge difference in your dog’s mobility and comfort.
Join Our Free Supportive Community!
Want more tips, exercises, and advice to help your dog stay pain-free and mobile? Join our free Facebook support group for senior dogs. Connect with other dog owners, share stories, get expert guidance, and learn even more ways to support dogs with arthritis.
Plus, grab our free guide to spotting the early signs of arthritis so you can catch problems early and keep your dog moving happily for years to come.
Pick Up Sticks is more than just a game – it’s a gentle, joint-friendly exercise that helps dogs with arthritis improve coordination, body awareness, and core strength while having fun. Simple, adaptable, and engaging, it’s the perfect addition to your dog’s routine.
Comments