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My puppy struggles to walk. How can I help her build back leg muscles?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 23 days old | 8 lbs

My puppy has a hard time walking, mainly using her back legs. We’ve take her to the vet and he’s given her amoxicillin, and gives her a “booster” shot every 3 weeks. I’m only using this to see if there’s anything I can do to help her. Would a wheelchair work. Is there anything I can get to help her build her back leg muscles?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2020

A wheelchair won't help build muscles in Hazel's back legs. I recommend swimming. It's a excellent low impact exercise that helps build muscles. Ask her vet if there is a hydrotherapy center in your area that you can take her to in order to go swimming and build up her muscles. I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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