Canine rehabilitation is a specialized field of veterinary medicine that focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions. It includes therapies such as physical exercises, hydrotherapy, massage, and laser therapy.

Properly qualified therapists, whether they be a veterinarian or a physiotherapist, possess the necessary training, knowledge and expertise to provide safe and effective treatment for your dog. As a veterinarian, I am able to assess, diagnose and provide your dog with treatments and a rehabilitation plan.

Potential issues from seeing someone who is not properly qualified could lead to ineffective treatment at best, or an exacerbation of your dogs condition at worst.

Yes! As with human physical therapy, this is a well established and evidence-based practice that has proven effective in various healthcare settings. There are numerous studies that support the positive impact on a wide range of conditions. You can search them yourself, or I can provide further information if you have any questions.

When you arrive, whilst your dog acquaints itself with the room and myself, we will discuss your dogs history, reason for the visit and your goals for rehab. Following this, if your dog is mobile, I will begin by videoing them at a walk and a trot, and ideally some transitions. An example of a transition is your dog moving from a sit to a stand.

I will then do a full body evaluation with an assessment of every joint, the spine, ligaments, muscles, tendons and bone - within what your dog will comfortably allow.

From here, I will move to treatments of any areas of issue in your dog. I will also run through some exercises for you to do with your dog at home, and give you handouts and information to take with you.

If your dog is experiencing mobility issues, pain, stiffness, or has recently undergone surgery or suffered an injury, rehabilitation may help. Signs like limping, difficulty standing up, or reluctance to play can indicate a need for therapy.

Please bring your dog on either a harness or a leash. You are welcome to bring your dog's favorite treats, though I will also have some available. To ensure the best experience, please avoid feeding your dog right before the appointment, as we usually use food to help make the rehabilitation process more enjoyable.

Since I am working independently, I kindly ask that you remain with your dog for the duration of the appointment

Ideally, I recommend that all clients have at least a recent veterinary check-up before their appointment. While a veterinary referral is preferred, it is not mandatory. Having a referral with access to your dog’s medical history allows me to focus on issues more efficiently, ensuring the most effective treatment. Additionally, it facilitates communication with your veterinarian, enabling me to keep them informed about your pet’s treatment and progress while working together as part of your pet’s dedicated healthcare team.

Even without a referral, it is likely I will still ask you to get your vet to forward me your dogs previous records.

As a veterinarian, my services are often covered by pet insurance; but this will depend on your specific policy. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm the details of your coverage. If your policy includes these services, I can provide detailed invoices to assist you in claiming reimbursement for treatment costs.

The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the condition and treatment goals. Some dogs may benefit from only a few sessions, while others with chronic conditions may require ongoing therapy.

Some dogs show improvement immediately, while others may take several weeks. Progress depends on the severity of the condition, consistency of therapy, and adherence to at-home care.

Yes! Rehabilitation strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances coordination, reducing the risk of future injuries, especially in active dogs.

Absolutely! All dogs are welcome and suitable for rehabilitation. I practice a fear-free approach, focusing on building a trusting relationship with your dog through positive reinforcement, treats, and a calm, relaxing environment. For particularly nervous dogs, especially during their initial sessions, a hands-off approach may be used to ensure their comfort and confidence.

Quite the opposite, rehabilitation is designed to be gentle and pain-free. We prioritize comfort and use positive reinforcement techniques to keep your dog relaxed and engaged. The aim is for your dog to leave feeling better than before they came in.