Summer awakens the spirits – including our dogs. The days are long, nature calls, and suddenly every outing seems like a little adventure: long early morning walks, lively play sessions in the garden, boisterous splashing in the lake, or even hikes together on vacation. For many dogs, this time of year is a true gift – they enjoy the exercise, the freedom, and the company. Both body and mind are equally challenged and stimulated.
But with increased activity, the risk of physical overload also increases. Especially in the warmer seasons, muscle tension, tendon irritation, and minor mobility restrictions become more common, which are easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What initially appears to be healthy activity can actually lead to an imbalance in the musculoskeletal system.
Not every dog is physically prepared for more intense exercise. Long walks on hard surfaces, unfamiliar movement patterns, abrupt jumps into water, or lively play with other dogs place enormous demands on muscles, joints, and tendons—especially in dogs that aren't regularly exercised, are accustomed to less exercise due to age, or already suffer from minor orthopedic problems.
A careful eye on your dog's physical signals helps you identify problems early on – and gently alleviate them with the right support. We'll explain how best to do this in this article.
Typical summer stresses on the musculoskeletal system
Not every dog immediately shows that something is wrong. Many four-legged friends hide pain surprisingly well – whether out of habit, instinct, or simply because they don't want to miss the moment. Active or energetic dogs, in particular, tend to ignore discomfort until the first clear signs appear.
A careful eye and a good sense of your dog's body language are especially valuable now. Summer activities bring variety—but also unusual strain on muscles, joints, and tendons.
The most common triggers for summer muscle tension include:
- Unusual, long distances , for example when hiking on holiday or spontaneous adventure tours
- Hot asphalt and hard surfaces , which not only put strain on the balls of the feet but also transmit vibrations to the joints
- Sudden jumps into the water , which are not only great fun, but also an abrupt strain on the spine and hind legs
- Wild games with other animals , where physical contact, turning, lunges or collisions can cause micro-injuries
- Unfamiliar sleeping places , such as in a tent, on hard ground or cold stone floors, which affect the deeper muscles
Often, the first signs don't appear immediately, but rather hours or days later : a stiff gait, cautious standing, a reduced range of motion, or an unusual protective posture when lying down. All of these are silent indicators that your dog is carrying more than meets the eye – and that gentle support is especially beneficial right now.
What is the emmi-pet Physio Set – and how does it work?
Our emmi-pet physiotherapy set was specially developed to provide dogs and other animals with particularly gentle support for muscular tension, joint strain, or mobility problems – completely medication-free and without side effects . Instead of relying on external manipulation or chemical agents, it harnesses the power of high-frequency ultrasound technology , which penetrates deep into the tissue and stimulates regenerative processes at the cellular level .
The effect unfolds on several levels – subtle but effective:
- Microscopically fine vibrations create a massage effect that loosens hardened muscles without irritation.
- Blood circulation is specifically stimulated , which means that oxygen and nutrients are transported to the tissue more efficiently.
- At the same time, the lymph flow is stimulated , which removes waste products and counteracts swelling.
- Pain is gently relieved as tense structures relax and overloaded areas are relieved.
Our physiotherapy set not only supports you with acute complaints, but also provides preventative and regenerative relief —ideal for frequent strain, after physical activity, or for chronic mobility restrictions. The treatment is well-tolerated, non-invasive, and many dogs find it extremely pleasant . Some relax so much that they even fall asleep—a sign of deep trust and a beneficial effect.
When is it particularly worthwhile to use it in summer?
Summer is not only a time for exercise, but also a time when regeneration and conscious care play a key role. Because those who move more also need more opportunities to relax – this applies to dogs as much as it does to us. The additional stimuli, longer outings, and more frequent activities put strain on the musculoskeletal system – often without us noticing it immediately.
This is precisely where our emmi-pet Physio Set shows its particular strength: It offers beneficial support whenever muscles, tendons and joints need more attention – gentle, effective and deep-acting .
The application is particularly helpful for:
- Stiffness or limited mobility after long walks or hiking days
- Slight muscle tension or incipient strains that creep in due to unusual strain
- Unclear limping or conspicuous protective posture , even if no external injury is visible
- Recovery phases after intensive exercise , e.g. wild play, jumping or dog sports
- Preparatory for sporting activities to optimally prepare the muscles for stress
With gentle ultrasound therapy, you can specifically stimulate blood circulation, loosen tense areas, and accelerate tissue regeneration . This allows your dog to not only recover faster but also move with renewed ease. Whether after a lively day at the lake or a longer hike through the woods and meadows, he will visibly thank you.
How the application works at home
Using the emmi-pet Physio Set is not only uncomplicated, but also a truly relaxing experience for many dogs. As soon as you begin the treatment, you'll often feel your dog relax under your hands – some will lie down, close their eyes, and truly enjoy the deep, calming effect of the ultrasound waves.
For optimal results, a little preparation is helpful. Take a quiet moment when your dog has already calmed down a bit—for example, after an evening walk. You should gently feel the affected area beforehand and assess it: Where do the muscles feel harder than usual? Are there any areas your dog doesn't like to be touched?
To transmit the ultrasonic vibrations, you need a suitable ultrasound cream or a special contact gel . Apply a thin layer of it to the fur over the affected area and move the transducer in slow, circular motions, maintaining light contact with the skin—without applying any pressure .
Depending on the body region , three to ten minutes per treatment is sufficient, ideally repeated over several days. Many dogs enjoy it when you make the treatment a regular part of their evening routine – with dim lighting, a quiet environment, and perhaps a gentle stroke before or after. Rituals provide security – and allow both body and mind to relax.
You can find even more tips on how to maximize the effects of ultrasound therapy in your everyday life in our previous article:
“Recognizing muscle tension in dogs – and what really helps”
There you will also learn how to recognize early on where your dog needs support – and how you can take targeted action before symptoms become chronic.
What else you should pay attention to when experiencing pain in the summer
In addition to targeted ultrasound, it's worth carefully monitoring your dog's entire musculoskeletal system during the summer. Heat, unfamiliar surfaces, and increased activity place particular demands on the body—especially when sleep and rest are irregular.
- Vary the surfaces you walk on – asphalt is comfortable, but occasionally soft forest floor, damp meadow or sand will do your dog good too.
- Provide shaded breaks and cozy resting places where he can relax his muscles.
- Allow your dog to take consciously planned breaks , even if he is still full of energy – because relaxation is part of the regeneration process.
- Watch his gait , especially when standing up or lying down – a slight limp can reveal a lot.
- Be aware of changes in behavior , such as hesitancy in climbing stairs, sitting down more often, or feeling unwell – often precursors to hidden problems.
Summer activity needs mindful supervision
Summer is a time full of opportunities—for adventures, exercise, and time spent together outdoors. But because your dog is moving more than usual, it's important to also consider his physical recovery and pain relief .
With our emmi-pet Physio Set, you have an effective tool at hand that you can easily use at home – to promote mobility, to provide relief after exertion, to accompany your pet after injuries, or simply for loving care in between.
Because real care doesn't end with a walk - it begins when you feel that your dog especially needs you.
