Physiotherapists can help if the back is pulled and pinched. It is no different with dogs. Pain can be relieved through targeted grips. Physiotherapy for dogs can be used for various complaints, to provide support, to relieve pain, or for rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy for Dogs
- There is an active and a passive area in canine physiotherapy
- Movement exercises are used that are made actively with the dog
- In passive physiotherapy, the dog is treated without actively participating
How does physical therapy for dogs work?
Active physiotherapy
In the active area, the dog’s cooperation is important. Movement exercises are used here, in which the dog actively cooperates. In many cases, the exercises can be carried out playfully and with treats or toys.
The aim is to build muscle, train mobility, and balance, or improve coordination and stamina.
Various devices and aids can be used, such as a treadmill or an underwater treadmill.
The underwater treadmill is particularly effective. Ten to 20 minutes are enough here, but it is incredibly exhausting for the dog. He has to step against the resistance of the water. He has to slowly get used to the underwater treadmill. If a four-legged friend is prone to cystitis, its use could be counterproductive. Cavaletti and slalom training is used to strengthen mobility or coordination. Of course, everything is adapted to the dog’s speed and physical condition as well as the range of motion of the dog.
Passive physiotherapy
In passive physiotherapy, the therapist treats the dog lying on a table or pad on the floor. Most dogs enjoy the treatment and relax in the process.
First and foremost, the treatment loosens the tissue, clears blockages in the joints, and stimulates blood circulation and metabolism.
The grip techniques have to be learned and anatomical knowledge is required. Therefore, nobody should just tinker with their dog.
An experienced therapist, on the other hand, knows which method is the right one, and on the other hand, has the necessary anatomical knowledge to use the handles correctly. If used incorrectly, more can break than can be cured. If a dog has a bruise or sprain, the cold can be beneficial. For heat treatment, on the other hand, there are many options that are relaxing and stimulate blood circulation. Grain or core pillows, red light, and hot packs are used.
The massage is carried out with various targeted grips and stroking techniques. These techniques work deeply and reach the muscles. In this way, the tension in the muscles is released. Massages can be relaxing or stimulating, depending on how they are performed. They can be carried out with the hands or with aids such as hedgehog balls or brushes.
When should physiotherapy be used in dogs?
If a dog has musculoskeletal disorders or pain, physiotherapy can help. It can also prevent pain in the first place. If a dog has been operated on, physiotherapy can support the healing process: Your four-legged friend will regain its physical performance more quickly. With targeted muscle and coordination building, post-operative edema and wound healing disorders can be treated.
What does physiotherapy for dogs cost?
The veterinarian calculates according to the fee schedule for veterinarians. But not every veterinarian is also a physiotherapist. The trained independent physiotherapists for dogs are not subject to any fee schedule. You can make your prices variable. A unit usually costs between $40 and $60. A treatment usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. If the dog physiotherapist comes home because he is working on the move, travel expenses may be due. If the dog has health insurance, it will cover part or all of the costs. Certain conditions may also exist here, for example, only a veterinarian may perform rehab after an operation.
How many sessions do you need?
Depending on the findings that a veterinarian should always make, a different length of treatment time may even be necessary for the same diagnosis. At the first appointment, the physiotherapist will take a close look at the dog and then give a prognosis of how many treatments will be necessary to restore the four-legged friend.
Who does physical therapy for dogs?
Some veterinarians offer physiotherapy. Many animal health practitioners have also added physiotherapy to their portfolios. There are also physiotherapists who specialize exclusively in physiotherapy. The diagnosis should be made by a veterinarian or an animal health practitioner. Mobile therapists also treat at home: Of course, dogs feel more comfortable in their familiar surroundings, but in some cases, this can make treatment more difficult because the dog uses its home rights. Most dogs like to go to the therapist’s practice, especially if they notice after the first treatment that they will be helped.
