What Can You Expect From a Canine Physiotherapy Session?

if you've never taken your dog to a veterinary physiotherapist. Or canine massage therapist, you may wonder what will happen. Will your dog even like it? Although my interest in natural animal therapies has been for a very long time. I didn't know whether my dog would like someone else massaging him. Particularly if he was feeling sore. It would be understandable if he wasn't keen.

These worries put me off organising a physio session for him for a while. But after some 'conventional medicine' prescribed by his veterinary surgeon didn't help him. I decided far better to try veterinary physio and massage than more pills! Although my own home canine massage sessions were helping him. I needed to do more.

Choosing a Veterinary Physiotherapist for My Dog

Next who to choose? I'm lucky. Having developed this website many years ago. I've a good understanding of the different complementary therapies for animals. And qualifications an animal therapist should have.

Knowing that my veterinary surgeon was happy for my dog to have physiotherapy, I went in search of a qualified practitioner in my area. I found that West Country Canine Therapy (WCCT) was local to me. I need not have worried. Sarah who runs WCCT is kind and gentle. Although my dog has never had massage or physio in his 15 years, he knows the benefits as is enjoying it!

So what should you expect? On your first veterinary physio or massage session. Your veterinary physiotherapist or canine massage therapist will spend time assessing your dog. This is essential. Every dog is different. Every ailment and injury is different, depending on the dog. A therapist will need to see what your dog does. How he or she moves. What areas of the body need help.

Even though your veterinary surgeon will have given your dog's therapist a summary of the problem. (NB: The vet will need to grant permission beforehand). The therapist will have more time to assess your dog. They will add a different perspective to your dog's treatment. They will ask you lots of questions, to understand how your dog's lifestyle is being affected by any ailments. And also what sort of lifestyle your dog has, is it active, involve lots of stairs, hill walking, going in the sea, etc.

Physiotherapy and massage will work alongside any medication your dog needs. Your veterinary surgeon will tell your dog's therapist, about your dog's current medication. Help the therapist help your dog by saying about any supplements he or she takes too.

Your dog's therapist will also tell you of any lifestyle changes you could make to improve your dog's life.

Is more than one veterinary physio or massage session needed? Yes! Quick fixes aren't possible. Although you may see a quick improvement. Most injuries/ailments will need a few sessions. But a qualified and reputable therapist will not keep seeing your dog if it's not needed.

Being able to 'sign off' a dog from further treatment is a positive. It depends on what your dog's issue is.

Some veterinary insurance will cover physiotherapy or massage treatment. It depends. If you don't have insurance, my view is that if you end up spending a lot of money on pills on a long-term basis. Then that's not cheap either!

I'd rather forego a meal out for myself, than not give my dog a chance of good natural health. I'm sure as a dog lover you'll agree with this!

Veterinary Physiotherapy Recommendation

If you live in the Devon/Somerset area, then I do recommend West Country Canine Therapy. For your dog's physiotherapy, rehabilitation or hydrotherapy!
Visit Sarah's website at https://westcountrycaninetherapy.com

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About The Author
This article has been written by Suzanne Harris. Who is also the designer and developer of this site. A lifelong animal lover with a passion for ensuring animals can access complementary therapies for their health and wellbeing.