Post-Surgery Dog Walks: TPLO & ACL Recovery Guide

Your dog just had surgery. Maybe it was TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) for a torn cruciate ligament. Maybe it was FHO (femoral head ostectomy) for hip dysplasia. Maybe it was spinal surgery, a fracture repair, or joint replacement.

Whatever the procedure, you're now staring at 8-16 weeks of strict activity restriction. Your vet's instructions read like a prison sentence: no running, no jumping, no playing, no stairs, no off-leash time. Just short, controlled walks on a leash—and nothing else.

You can probably manage this for the first few weeks. But then life happens. You have to go back to work. You have a trip you can't cancel. You need someone else to handle those controlled recovery walks.

And that's when panic sets in.

One wrong move can undo a $5,000+ surgery. A dog who sprints after a squirrel, jumps on the couch, or slips on ice can re-tear a repaired ligament, shift a healing bone, or blow a suture line. The stakes couldn't be higher.

This guide covers everything you need to know about post-surgical dog walking: the protocols, the risks, and how to find a caregiver who won't accidentally destroy months of recovery.

Understanding Orthopedic Recovery

Different surgeries have different recovery timelines and protocols, but they share common principles.

The Bone Healing Timeline

Week	What's Happening	Activity Level
0-2	Inflammation, initial healing	Strict crate rest, potty walks only (2-5 min)
2-4	Early bone formation begins	Very short leash walks (5-10 min, 2-3x daily)
4-8	Bone callus forming, strength increasing	Gradual increase (10-15 min walks)
8-12	Bone remodeling, gaining strength	Longer walks (20-30 min), still controlled
12-16+	Near-full healing	Gradual return to normal activity (per vet guidance)

Important: These are general guidelines. Your dog's specific timeline depends on their surgery, age, size, and healing progress. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions.

Common Orthopedic Surgeries

Surgery	What It Treats	Typical Recovery
TPLO	Torn cranial cruciate ligament (ACL)	12-16 weeks
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)	Torn cranial cruciate ligament	10-14 weeks
FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy)	Hip dysplasia, hip fracture	8-12 weeks
Total Hip Replacement	Severe hip dysplasia	12-16 weeks
Fracture Repair (plates, pins)	Broken bones	8-16 weeks (varies by location)
Spinal Surgery (IVDD)	Disc herniation	6-12 weeks
Luxating Patella Repair	Dislocating kneecap	8-12 weeks

Why Controlled Activity Matters

Bone doesn't heal like skin. It requires mechanical stability during the healing process. Every time your dog:

Jumps → Puts shearing force on the surgical site
Runs → Creates impact forces the healing bone can't handle
Plays rough → Risks direct trauma to the surgical site
Slips on a surface → Can twist or stress the repair
Pulls on the leash → Loads the limb unexpectedly

...they risk delayed healing, implant failure, or re-injury that could require additional surgery.

This is why your vet sounds paranoid about activity restriction. They've seen what happens when people let their dogs "be dogs" too early.

The Controlled Walk Protocol

"Controlled walking" doesn't mean "regular walking but shorter." It's a fundamentally different approach.

What "Controlled" Actually Means

Element	Regular Walk	Controlled Recovery Walk
Leash	6-foot or retractable	Short leash (4-6 feet), always taut
Pace	Dog chooses pace	Human sets slow, steady pace
Sniffing	Allowed freely	Limited (prevents sudden stops/lunges)
Other dogs	Interaction okay	Complete avoidance (triggers excitement)
Surface	Any	Flat, non-slip surfaces only
Direction changes	Dog can pull or explore	Smooth, gradual turns only
Duration	Until dog is tired	Strictly timed (per vet instructions)

The Walk Checklist

Before every recovery walk:

Check the incision site — Any redness, swelling, discharge, or opening?
Ensure harness/collar fit — Snug but not tight, no pressure on surgical area
Survey the route — Avoid stairs, ice, mud, uneven surfaces
Confirm time limit — Set a phone timer if needed
Plan for triggers — Know where to go if you see another dog or squirrel

Walking Technique

Start slow. Let your dog find their footing before moving. Recovery dogs often limp or favor the surgical leg—that's normal early on.

Keep the leash short. Your arm should be relaxed but ready to prevent any sudden moves. The leash should have minimal slack.

Set the pace. Walk slowly and steadily. If your dog tries to speed up, slow down or stop. You're the metronome.

Avoid triggers. If you see another dog approaching, turn around or step off the path. Excitement is the enemy.

Watch the leg. Is your dog using the surgical leg? Toe-touching is expected early on. Complete non-weight-bearing after week 2-3 may indicate a problem.

Stay on flat surfaces. No grass (uneven and slippery when wet), no gravel (unstable), no hills (stresses joints). Concrete or asphalt is typically safest.

Chicago-Specific Recovery Challenges

If your dog is recovering from orthopedic surgery in Chicago, you're dealing with environmental hazards that national recovery guides completely ignore.

Winter Ice and Salt: The Recovery Killer

Chicago sidewalks from November through March are coated with de-icing chemicals—primarily calcium chloride and magnesium chloride—that create two distinct problems:

1. Slip hazard. A dog 6 weeks post-TPLO who slips on black ice can re-injure themselves instantly. The sudden leg splay puts shearing force on healing bone that can undo everything.

2. Paw irritation. De-icing salt causes chemical burns on paw pads. A dog who's already dealing with surgical pain doesn't need foot discomfort adding to their stress and reluctance to walk.

The Chicago Winter Recovery Protocol

Element	Standard Advice	Chicago Winter Adaptation
Timing	Walk anytime	Walk after 10am when ice has melted; avoid early morning
Surface	Flat concrete	Only cleared, salted sidewalks; avoid unsalted areas (more ice)
Paw protection	Optional	Required: Apply Musher's Secret 10 min before (it needs to absorb) OR use recovery booties
Duration	Per protocol	May need shorter walks in extreme cold; hypothermia adds stress
Post-walk	Quick wipe	Thorough paw rinse with warm water to remove all salt

The Hawk (Chicago's brutal lake-effect wind) makes winter recovery walks even harder. On days with -20°F wind chill, a 10-minute recovery walk becomes a 5-minute survival mission. Plan for this—discuss with your vet whether skipping walks on extreme days is acceptable.

Chicago Rehab Facilities

If your vet recommends canine rehabilitation (physical therapy), Chicago has excellent options:

Facility	Location	Specialties	Notes
TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation	Glenview	Underwater treadmill, laser therapy, post-surgical PT	Well-regarded for TPLO/ACL recovery
Chicago Canine Rehabilitation	Lincoln Park area	Post-surgical specialists, land and water therapy	Convenient for North Side
Animal Rehab & Wellness Hospital	Wheaton	Comprehensive rehab, acupuncture	Good for West suburbs
Integrative Pet Care	Chicago (multiple locations)	Acupuncture, rehab, pain management	Holistic approach

Ask your surgeon for a referral if insurance coverage is involved. Many orthopedic surgeons have preferred rehab partners they work with regularly.

Building Access During Recovery

If you live in a Chicago high-rise, recovery walks involve more than just the walk itself:

Elevator logistics: Can your recovering dog stand calmly for a 40-floor elevator ride? Some buildings will hold an elevator for you—ask the doorman.
Lobby floor surface: Marble lobbies are slippery. Ask building management about placing temporary runners or mats during your dog's recovery period.
Stairs as backup: If the elevator breaks, your dog cannot climb stairs. Have a carrier or sling ready for small dogs; for large dogs, know your building's freight elevator policy.

The "No" List

During recovery, these activities are absolutely prohibited:

Activity	Why It's Dangerous
Jumping on/off furniture	High impact on surgical leg
Stairs (unless cleared by vet)	Eccentric loading on joints
Playing with other dogs	Unpredictable movements, excitement
Fetch	Running + sudden stops + jumping
Tug-of-war	Bracing and pushing with legs
Running/trotting	High-impact repetitive stress
Slippery floors	Loss of control, potential falls
Off-leash time	Cannot control activity

Even "gentle" play is risky. Dogs don't understand they're injured. Given the chance, they'll act like normal dogs—and potentially destroy their surgical repair.

Complications to Watch For

Your caregiver needs to recognize warning signs and know when to contact you (or go straight to the vet).

Emergency Signs (Contact Vet Immediately)

Sign	Possible Cause
Incision opening	Suture failure, infection
Significant swelling (not just minor puffiness)	Seroma, infection, internal bleeding
Discharge from incision (especially pus or blood)	Infection
Sudden non-weight-bearing (after they'd been using the leg)	Implant failure, re-injury
Fever (warm ears, lethargy, shivering)	Infection
Dragging the leg	Nerve damage, implant failure
Severe pain (crying out, refusing to move)	Multiple possible causes—needs evaluation

Concerning Signs (Monitor Closely, Contact Vet Soon)

Sign	Possible Cause
Persistent limping (not improving week to week)	Slow healing, possible complication
Licking incision obsessively	Irritation, possible infection starting
Minor swelling	Normal early, concerning if persistent
Decreased appetite	Pain, infection, medication side effects
Reluctance to walk	Pain, appropriate caution, or problem

Finding the Right Recovery Caregiver

This is not a job for your neighbor's teenager. Post-surgical care requires:

1. Understanding of Recovery Protocols

Your caregiver must understand why restrictions exist—not just follow a checklist blindly.

Questions to ask:

"Have you cared for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery before?"
"What would you do if we encountered another dog on a walk?"
"How would you handle my dog trying to jump on the couch?"

Red flags:

"Dogs heal fast—they'll tell you when they're ready."
"A little play won't hurt them."
"I'll just use my judgment."

Green flags:

Can explain why activity restriction matters
Asks detailed questions about your dog's specific surgery
Has experience with TPLO, ACL, or similar recovery

2. Physical Ability to Control the Dog

A recovering 80-pound Lab can still lunge after a squirrel. Can your caregiver hold them back without yanking the leash violently?

Consider:

Caregiver's physical size relative to your dog
Experience with leash handling
Calmness under pressure

A nervous caregiver who panics when they see a trigger can make things worse than a calm one who smoothly redirects.

3. Patience and Attention to Detail

Recovery walks are boring. They're slow, short, and uneventful—on purpose. Your caregiver needs the patience to maintain that discipline day after day.

They also need to notice small details: Is the incision looking pinker? Is the dog putting more weight on the leg today? Is there any behavioral change?

4. Medication Administration (If Needed)

Post-surgical dogs often take:

NSAIDs (Rimadyl, Metacam) for pain and inflammation
Gabapentin for nerve pain
Antibiotics to prevent infection
Sedatives (Trazodone, Acepromazine) to keep them calm

Your caregiver must be able to administer oral medications reliably and on schedule.

5. Schedule Flexibility

Recovery walks happen on a schedule—but the schedule is often unusual. Maybe it's 10 minutes, three times a day. Maybe it's 15 minutes, twice a day, with bathroom breaks in between.

Your caregiver needs to accommodate your recovery protocol, not fit your dog into their standard "30-minute walk" package.

Preparing Your Caregiver

Even with an experienced recovery caregiver, preparation is essential.

Create a Recovery Care Document

Section	Include
Surgery details	Type of surgery, date, which leg, surgeon contact
Current stage	Week X of recovery, current activity level
Walk protocol	Duration, frequency, surfaces, pace
Medication schedule	What, when, how to give, refill info
Restriction list	Everything that's prohibited (be specific)
Warning signs	What to watch for, when to call vet
Emergency contacts	You, your vet, emergency vet, surgeon
Environment setup	Where the dog should stay, barriers in place, etc.

Set Up the Home Environment

Your caregiver shouldn't have to manage environmental hazards you could have prevented:

Baby gates on stairs and off-limits rooms
Non-slip rugs over slippery floors
Block furniture access (use ex-pens or gates to prevent jumping attempts)
Crate or confinement area for rest periods
Cone or recovery suit accessible if licking becomes an issue

Do a Trial Walk Together

Before you leave, have your caregiver do a supervised walk:

They handle the leash while you observe
Practice the "other dog approaching" scenario
Demonstrate the exact route (avoiding hazards)
Show proper pace and technique
Walk through the incision check process

This is your chance to correct technique before you're not there to supervise.

The Emotional Challenge

Recovery is hard on dogs emotionally. An active dog stuck on crate rest and 10-minute walks can become:

Frustrated — pent-up energy with no outlet
Depressed — bored and under-stimulated
Anxious — routine disruption, less owner time
Difficult — acting out due to frustration

Your caregiver needs to understand that behavioral changes during recovery are normal—and that physical activity is NOT the solution.

Appropriate mental stimulation:

Kong stuffed with peanut butter (frozen for longer engagement)
Snuffle mats for food
Lickimats with yogurt or wet food
Gentle grooming and massage
Calm companionship (just sitting together)

Not appropriate:

"Just letting them play a little to burn off energy"
Training that involves movement (sit, down is fine; tricks involving jumping/running are not)
Play with toys that encourage grabbing/tugging

Specialized Recovery Services

For intensive recovery phases, consider specialized services beyond standard dog walking:

Canine Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy)

What it is: Physical therapy for dogs, often including underwater treadmill, range-of-motion exercises, laser therapy, and massage.

When to consider: Your vet may recommend PT starting 2-4 weeks post-surgery to support controlled recovery.

What to look for: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT).

Cost: $75-150 per session.

In-Home Recovery Care

For the early strict-rest phase, some owners opt for dedicated in-home caregivers who stay with the dog all day to:

Prevent inappropriate activity
Maintain medication schedule
Supervise bathroom breaks
Provide companionship

This is more expensive than standard dog walking but provides the close supervision the early recovery period requires.

How Tails Supports Post-Surgical Dogs

Here's the problem with hiring a dog walker from Rover or Wag for your post-TPLO recovery: their profiles say "experienced with all dogs" and "love to walk!" That's exactly what you don't want.

Your recovering dog doesn't need enthusiasm. They don't need a brisk 30-minute walk. They need someone who understands that a controlled 10-minute walk at human-dictated pace, avoiding all triggers, with strict surface requirements, is a completely different skill than regular dog walking.

One wrong move can undo a $5,000+ surgery. A walker who lets your dog lunge at a squirrel, or who doesn't know to avoid that one icy patch on your block, can destroy months of recovery in seconds.

Post-surgical care isn't a standard dog walking job. It requires specific skills, patience, and understanding.

When you create your pet's profile on Tails and indicate post-surgical recovery needs, we match you with providers who:

Have experience with orthopedic recovery — they've done TPLO, ACL, FHO recovery before
Understand controlled walking protocols — not just "short walks" but truly controlled, therapeutic walks
Can administer medications — verified oral medication skills for NSAIDs, sedatives, antibiotics
Communicate thoroughly — you'll know exactly what happened on every walk
Have the patience — they understand recovery is boring and that's the point
Know Chicago's winter hazards — ice patches, salt, The Hawk, building lobbies

We don't just send you someone who "likes dogs." We send you someone who understands that your dog's $5,000 surgery depends on the next 12 weeks of careful management—and who takes that seriously.

Stop gambling on generic gig-app walkers who don't understand recovery protocols. Your dog's surgery is too important for guesswork. Let us match you with someone qualified.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can my dog go back to normal walks after TPLO surgery? Most dogs return to normal activity between 12-16 weeks post-TPLO, but your surgeon will confirm based on X-rays showing bone healing. Don't rush it—complications from returning too early can require additional surgery.

What if my dog won't stop trying to run or jump during recovery? Talk to your vet about sedation options. Trazodone or Acepromazine can help keep high-energy dogs calm during the critical recovery period. This isn't drugging them unnecessarily—it's protecting a surgical repair. Some dogs simply cannot self-regulate enough to heal safely without pharmaceutical support.

Can a regular dog walker handle my post-surgical dog? Maybe, maybe not. Many dog walkers don't have experience with controlled recovery walking. The skills required—maintaining strict pace, avoiding all triggers, recognizing complications—go beyond typical dog walking. Screen carefully and verify experience specifically with post-surgical recovery.

How do I know if my dog is in pain during recovery? Dogs hide pain. Watch for: decreased appetite, reluctance to move at all, whining or crying, panting when at rest, excessive licking of the surgical area, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), or "praying position" (front legs down, rear up, indicating abdominal or spinal discomfort). When in doubt, contact your vet.

What if my dog re-injures themselves during recovery? Contact your surgeon immediately. They'll want to examine the dog and potentially take X-rays to assess damage. Depending on severity, you might be looking at extended recovery time, additional surgery, or alternative treatment approaches. This is exactly why controlled recovery matters—prevention is infinitely better than dealing with re-injury.

Is it worth paying more for a specialized post-surgical caregiver? Yes. Consider the math: TPLO surgery costs $3,500-6,000. Complication surgery can cost the same or more. A specialized caregiver who costs $20-40 extra per visit is inexpensive insurance against ruining a surgical repair that took months of recovery and thousands of dollars.