Crate Rest vs. Active Rest: Which Is Better?

Bed Rest for Humans

The recommended amount of bed rest following surgery for humans has decreased over the years as health professionals have discovered that the benefits of early mobilization (i.e., getting up and moving within 24 to 48 hours of surgery) outweigh the negatives. Among these negatives are decreased bone density, sluggish digestion, increased pain, increased risk of developing blood clots, reduced aerobic capacity, and reduced muscle strength. In fact, with one week of bed rest, a person loses about 10–20% of muscle strength. It makes sense then that people who become physically active sooner are more likely to regain independence and quality of life more quickly, resulting in a shorter hospital stay. That’s why hospitals now recruit the help of physical and occupational therapists to get patients moving as soon as the day of surgery while following the appropriate precautions and protocols.

Crate Rest…for 6 Weeks?

Considering the many benefits of returning to physical activity soon after surgery in humans, it is surprising that a significant number of veterinarians continue to prescribe for canines six weeks of crate rest following surgery, or medication and rest for different injuries. Oftentimes, safety is the main concern for both pet owner and veterinarian. The tissues that underwent repair and/or injury are in a more vulnerable state of healing, so it may be important to avoid certain movements or activities that can strain those tissues and ultimately delay healing. Indeed, safety should be a huge consideration! But complete rest for a prolonged period of time comes with notable drawbacks as described above. Plus, there is the additional concern of welfare implications for dogs that simply aren’t used to being in a crate for extended periods; depending on genetic factors, previous training, and experience, some dogs may be more distressed than others by the confined environment, albeit temporary.

Doggy Exercise—Yes, Please!

Instead, active rest with a gradually progressed and controlled exercise program prescribed and supervised by a canine rehab professional is likely to be more beneficial than total crate rest. Research on the subject is currently limited, but some studies have shown that early rehabilitation following an orthopedic or neurological surgery is not only safe but also results in shorter recovery times. One recent study out of the UK recommends the prescription of crate rest only when in conjunction with a graduated exercise program given that “musculoskeletal structures tend to become stronger with increased loading and weaker with reduced loading.” Of course, loading should be done in a progressive manner to avoid excess tissue strain, which is why it is important to work with a certified canine rehab professional who will be able to make specific recommendations throughout each stage of healing. The rehab process is, or should be, a lot more involved than simply putting a dog on an underwater treadmill (sometimes under the watch of someone without the proper training) and hoping for the best!

While there’s still plenty of room for research to be done on the subject of crate rest versus active rest, it stands to reason that getting your dog moving sooner rather than later, under the guidance of a certified canine rehab professional, can help your loved one safely return to being the bone-licking, tree-sniffing, stair-climbing canine you know and love in as little time possible.

~TheK9PT
Dr. Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT

In collaboration with:

Dr. Aliya Bahjet, PT, DPT
Professional Writer and Physical Therapist