Many pet owners now understand the unique benefits of physical therapy for dogs after their pet becomes injured or has another health problem that affects their quality of life. In the same ways that humans use physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain mobility or recover after a surgery, dogs can also have excellent medical outcomes with the appropriate support. Both puppies, elderly dogs, and any age in between could potentially need physical therapy.
Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital specializes in canine rehabilitation and regenerative medicine for recovery. Physical therapy for dogs is designed to restore, maintain and promote optimal functionality and mobility, particularly after an injury or surgery has occurred that could impact the dog's ability to move around easily or hinder their quality of life. Our veterinarians want to ensure that your pet has the resources and support needed to encourage confidence while also improving muscle strength, coordination, range of motion, and much more.
Some Common Health Issues That Require Physical Therapy Include:
- Obesity
- Muscle Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Arthritis
- Surgery Recovery
- Chronic Conditions
- Neurological or Orthopedic Conditions
How Does Physical Therapy for Dogs Work?
Physical therapy for dogs often spans a wide range of modalities or approaches. This could include the use of multiple different types of equipment or types of physical therapy. Before determining which type of physical therapy might be most beneficial, an experienced veterinarian may require a complete physical examination. This can also help pinpoint unforeseen health issues that could impact the effectiveness of these therapies and confirm nothing more serious is occurring.
If a dog is recovering from a surgery or other injury, physical therapy is often a critical part of the healing process. Unfortunately, not all veterinarians provide these services, and many of their patients may not have the support needed to heal completely. At Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital, we know how crucial these treatments are throughout the healing process.
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Some of the common types of physical therapy that dogs will utilize for rehabilitation purposes include:
Heat and Cold Therapy
Warming muscles before physical activity can help prepare them for an upcoming activity or reduce the chances of further strain. However, using ice after exercise can help reduce the pain and inflammation that are occurring. Depending on the unique needs of a dog, one of these two forms of therapy may be utilized to help prepare them for rehabilitation exercises. Because a pet's skin can be sensitive to these treatment types, using a thin barrier to protect them from extreme temperature changes is recommended.
Laser Therapy
Although a recent development in veterinary medicine, laser therapy can help accelerate the healing response that a dog can have. Through the use of a safe therapy laser, the body's natural healing process is utilized through a process called photo-bio-modulation, also known as light therapy. As a non-medication approach to physical therapy, this modality has shown great promise for a wide range of medical conditions. It is considered entirely safe as well as non-invasive.
Chiropractic Care
Countless pet owners already utilize chiropractic care regularly; however, they might not think that their pet could benefit from these services for pain and increased mobility. When a dog's spine experiences abnormal ranges of motion, these restrictions can have drastic impacts throughout the body. The goal of chiropractic care is to maximize mobility and optimize nervous system functionality.
Are There Any Risks to Physical Therapy for Dogs?
Although physical therapy is considered highly safe, complications can occur if the rehabilitation processes are not done correctly. If a muscle is strained further, it could have long-lasting impacts that may worsen the canine's issues. For this reason, it is vital to ensure that any physical therapy your dog needs is conducted by a professional veterinarian or a trained rehabilitation specialist.
When physical therapy is done correctly, it can be uncomfortable. The Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital team wants to ensure that each dog we provide physical therapy for has the support needed to heal correctly while also managing the pain they might be experiencing. If you have questions or concerns about the physical therapy that your dog is currently undergoing or might need, our team of veterinarians can help simplify the process and ease any fears that you may have.
How Can You Schedule Physical Therapy for Your Dog?
Any dog owner that needs to schedule physical therapy treatments for their dog for the first time will need to contact the team at Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital. In many cases, we will require an initial consultation and examination to determine what problems your dog may be facing and then create the best care plan possible to meet those unique problems. Our veterinarian team strives to ensure your dog is treated like it was our own and will work tirelessly to ease any stress or fear associated with their visit and recommended treatments.
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