physiodog

Does my dog need physiotherapy?

All dogs, of any age or breed, can benefit from physiotherapy. I work with animals from many different lifestyles and conditions, this includes family pets as well as working and sporting dogs. 

Every dog is an individual and therefore treatment goals will be different between each one. These can vary from maintenance visits to keep your dog comfortable, to recovery after a traumatic accident to complete rehabilitation after neurological or orthopedic surgery. 

Working and sporting dogs often benefit from regular treatment to maintain healthy muscle tone and recovery to prevent injury and time needed off work. 

Your Veterinary Surgeon may suggest physiotherapy for your dog, however, if they do not, you can always ask them if you think it may be of benefit. 

 

 

How do I know if my dog needs physiotherapy?

As previously mentioned, your Vet may refer your dog for physiotherapy, however some common signs your dog may show include: 

  • Lameness or limping
  • Difficulty jumping in and out of the car (or other places around the home)
  • Scuffing toes 
  • Behavioural changes 
  • Muscle wastage or asymmetry 
  • Reluctance to go on walks 
  • Heat or swelling around a joint
  • Change in coat condition in a particular area 
  • General slowing down

I have a nervous dog, can they still be treated?

Yes! As a Registered Veterinary Nurse as well as Animal Physiotherapist, I have over 12 years of experience working with dogs who are out of their normal environment. 

I take pride in being a Fear Free Professional‘ and only working with positive reinforcement at your dog’s own pace. If your dog does not like to be touched, I can find different ways to assist and treat your dog as well as build their trust. 

I am happy to work with all members of your dog’s team, including behaviourists. 

 

 

What conditions can benefit from physiotherapy?

There are many different conditions that can benefit, however, some of the more common include: 

  • Hip Dysplasia 
  • Elbow Dysplasia 
  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Cruciate Ligament injury
  • Sporting injuries and strains
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Wounds
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
  • Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
  • Total Hip Replacements 
  • Palliative Care 

What to expect during your appointment

During your first appointment, a full history and dynamic assessment will take place. All muscles and joints will be looked at as well as their gait. I will also discuss their previous history and current lifestyle with you. 

After the assessment, a plan will be formulated to best help your dog going forward.

Treatment may include and be a combination of: 

  • Manual Therapies 
  • Electrotherapies 
  • Exercise Prescription 
  • Home and lifestyle adjustments 


More details of the above can be found on the services page. After your appointment you will receive a full report of findings, treatment performed, and plan going forward. This will also be sent to your referring Vet.

Follow-up treatments will continue these treatments as well as making any adjustments depending on your dog’s progress. 

 

Can I claim for treatment on my pet insurance?

The majority of insurance companies will cover the costs of veterinary physiotherapy treatment. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to discuss this.

If you would like to claim the costs of treatment back, please provide me with your insurance form to complete. Please note, I do not do direct claims. 

Online Canine Arthritis Assessment

If you would like to, please feel free to use our free online Canine Arthritis Assessment. This assessment is based on the University of Liverpool produced validated questionnaire to help people measure with great accuracy, the level of their dog’s arthritis.

To take part – please use this questionnaire

It will be sent to us automatically and we will send you your results. In using this questionnaire, you agree to us storing your email address and contacting you about your dog’s results and future communications from Surrey Veterinary Physio. You can opt out at any time and your details will not be sent to any third party.

Once you receive your results it is totally up to you as to how you move forward. There is no further obligation. But it can help you choose the next steps in your dog’s care plan. 

Blue has become a new dog since working with Sam. She has luxating patellas which affect her gait and cause discomfort and Sam has provided us with a physio plan to help build her muscle and understand her needs. The laser therapy has helped to manage discomfort and has made her so much happier!

Sam’s fear-free and patient approach has worked wonder on Blue, who finds it hard to trust new people, and she runs into the vet room to see Sam!
She has made such a difference to Blue’s wellbeing and I cannot recommend her services enough!!
L Thomas
2024
Sam is an absolute star! When my 1 year old dog had a significant injury to her leg which resulted in three operations and eight weeks being crated, I wanted to cry. I was so sure she’d never walk properly and be the same dog again. Sam was so kind and thorough and reassured me from the first meeting that Dolly would soon be back to herself. Four months later, she is nearly completely better thanks to the physio, so much do that she’s started jumping on the dining table again! 😬😩!
Sam was also so sweet to my other uninjured dog who loved her and always gave treats to her as well. She is wonderful- my dogs adore her and animals know best!
L Martin
2023