TPLO Recovery:
Week by Week
Recovery Timeline
Rest and pain control
Your dog will be groggy from anesthesia. Keep them confined to a small area or crate. Short leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Watch the incision for swelling or discharge.
Strict activity restriction
No running, jumping, or stairs. Leash walks only. Most dogs begin bearing weight within a few days. Give all medications as directed.
Short controlled walks
Increase walks to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Still no off-leash activity. Continue incision monitoring.
Build strength slowly
Walks can increase to 15–20 minutes. Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises if directed. No running or rough play yet.
Follow-up X-rays
Dr. Smith will take radiographs to confirm bone healing. If healing looks good, activity can be increased further. 95% of dogs are cleared for normal activity around 8 weeks.
Return to full activity
Gradual return to jogging, agility, hiking, or off-leash play. Build intensity over 2–4 weeks rather than all at once.
Red flags — call us immediately if you see these
- Sudden worsening lameness or unwillingness to bear weight
- Swelling, heat, or drainage at the incision
- Fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
- Crying or whimpering that pain medication does not resolve
- Chewing or licking at the incision excessively
The 8-week milestone
Most dogs are cleared for normal activity at the 8-week recheck. Some need an extra 2–4 weeks if bone healing is slower. Following the activity restrictions closely is the single biggest factor in a successful outcome.
Want a printable checklist?
Visit our TPLO Recovery Hub for a one-page checklist you can print or share with your vet.
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