Physiotherapy is suitable for all types of dogs, from domestic pets, to competition and working dogs. Dogs lead active lives, full of energy and motion, and can injure themselves at any time due to falls and bumps, repetitive twisting and turning, traffic accidents, or even old age may take its toll. Working dogs including sheep dogs and police dogs, and those that regularly compete at agility and fly ball, have to cope with additional stresses and strains compared to the average pet dog. 

 

As an owner it is your responsibility to identify when your dog may be telling you that they are in pain, so any subtle changes in temperament or loss of performance should be investigated as if left undiagnosed an untreated injury could cause more serious damage over time.

 

 Some signs of Injury or discomfort:

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• Difficulty or crying when getting up from sitting or lying down

• Reluctance to play or exercise

• Stiffness especially in the mornings, cold or after exercise

• Unusual posture, sitting crooked, not square or one sided

• Unusual behaviour or temperament 'not themselves'

• Lameness or shortened stride

• Uneven wear on nails

• Weight shifting

• Panting excessively

• Weak muscles or  uneven muscle development

• Abnormal posture

• Sensitivity to being touched or patted

• Decline in performance, enthusiasm or endurance – not wanting to play as often

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I can also help with common conditions associated with ageing and injuries or diseases of:

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• Muscles, ligaments, tendon injuries

• Joints : arthritis/degenerative joint disease, injury, pain/ swelling/stiffness in joints

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

• Cranial cruciate ligament injuries

• Spinal pain - such as associated with disc disease

• Lameness and gait abnormalities

• Wound healing

• Movement dysfunction

• Sports injuries

• Post operative rehabilitation following orthopaedic or neurological surgery

• Neurological conditions

• Fractures : treatment and rehabilitation to facilitate healing and restoration of function 

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Following soft tissue injuries, fractures, conditions of ageing and a number of different surgical procedures, canine physiotherapy is used to accelerate healing, rehabilitate and restore function by re-educating movement, increasing strength and function, reducing pain, swelling and inflammation and improving your dogs quality of life and return to normal function.

 

When should physiotherapy commence?

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Physiotherapy should commence soon after the injury or surgery, in the veterinary hospital if possible, or once your dog returns home. This doesn't mean strenuous exercise! Gentle movements and techniques helps to reduce pain and stimulate healing, as well as decrease swelling and prevent muscle wasting.

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What should I expect when you treat my dog?

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I visit dogs in their home environment as they are more relaxed at home and means all  the family can get involved,  we also have access to their favourite games, toys and treats. Also I can assess for any hazards such as slippery floors, stairs, and can advise on feeding and  bedding and exercise type

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The number of sessions required will depend on the nature and severity of the condition.

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