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Previously, we explored the story of Deirdre Duggan, founder of Pet Paws Physio, and her remarkable journey establishing a pet rehabilitation center in East Cork.
In this feature, Deirdre will introduce various physiotherapy methods and explain their benefits. Additionally, she'll share practical caregiving tips for senior dogs and demonstrate massage techniques, enabling dog parent to comfortably practice these at home.
Deirdre Duggan
The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Pets
Did you know that physiotherapy could give paralyzed animals another chance to walk again? This specialized treatment helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for pets.
Deirdre has shared her most memorable physiotherapy cases, showcasing her expertise. One is Harry, a Corgi who regained mobility after a severe spinal injury, as mentioned in our previous article, "Pet Paws Physio: Rehabilitating Mobility in Seniors." Among the other remarkable examples is Bruce Lee, a partially paralyzed Bichon Frise whose owner traveled from Kildare for treatment. Through physiotherapy, Bruce Lee was able to walk with the aid of a wheelchair, regaining his independence.
Another memorable case, was Charlie, an 11-year-old dog who needed spinal surgery to treat IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). Years previously this remarkable little dog, had previously sustained a spinal injury after being hit by a car while living in Australia. After necessary surgery and intensive physiotherapy, this dog fully recovered, despite initially being paralyzed and unable to lift its head.
His four limbs were very weak. He could barely lift his head. He had unfortunately developed secondary complications, in the form of an immune mediated polyneuropathy and had to go on a high dose of steroids. It was very scary and touch-and-go as to whether he would recover, but with very intense physio, he eventually regained independent walking, which was fabulous!"
Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for pets, addressing orthopaedic, neurological, and soft tissue dysfunctions, as well as providing acute and chronic pain relief. It can also be beneficial for pets recovering from medical conditions, as many of these dogs have lost condition and are weak are long recovery periods or from holding tension because of pain.
Pain, behavior, movement, and dysfunction are all interconnected. Pets with behavioural issues may also benefit from physiotherapy, as these dogs may be altering their posture or gait and holding tension in their muscles and myofascia when they are in a chronic state of anxiety and stress. Prolonged abnormal posturing and muscle tension can cause pain and result in the dog becoming more reactive in or refraining from certain scenarios and activities. Additionally their behavioural problem may be caused by an underlying pain issue. Physiotherapy can be utilised in conjunction with Veterinary care and canine behavioural consultant to help reduce the source of pain and the secondary affects associated with pain.
For senior dogs, whose mobility declines with age and conditions like arthritis, physiotherapy can mitigate muscle atrophy, alleviate pain, and enhance mobility. This ensures a higher quality of life in their senior years. With a combination of physiotherapy and diligent home care, noticeable improvements in mobility can be seen within a few weeks.
Common Non-invasive Physiotherapy Methods
1.Manual Therapies:
Manual therapies include soft tissue mobilization and massage, aiming to reduce pain and improve mobility. Often combined with other therapies, massage enhances effectiveness by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
2.Movement Therapies:
Movement therapies are an integral part of land-based training, aimed at strengthening muscles and improving mobility. They involve specific exercises and training to enhance core muscle groups, improve balance and coordination, and strengthen limbs. These exercises may include balance board training, obstacle courses, and targeted muscle strengthening exercises.
3.Hydrotherapy:
Hydrotherapy utilizes water to support and enhance physical rehabilitation. It is commonly employed for muscle strengthening and recovery, especially beneficial for older dogs or those struggling with muscle mass development. By utilizing buoyancy and water resistance, the therapist can utilise the properties of water to facilitate movement while reducing stress on joints, making it suitable for sensory calming and for dogs unable to tolerate land-based exercises.
4.Electrotherapies:
Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation):
Laser therapy employs light energy to target tissues, primarily for pain relief and healing. By delivering red or blue light, laser therapy increases blood flow and cellular activity. Red light enhances blood flow and healing, while blue light possesses antibacterial properties. Light energy absorbed by photoreceptors triggers a chemical reaction, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and cellular repair processes. ATP is a molecule that provides energy for cellular functions, essential for tissue repair and regeneration. To ensure safety and comfort during laser therapy, wearing protective eyewear or covers for the dog is recommended.
Post-Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF):
PEMF involves the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields to promote pain relief and healing. Through a copper coil within the pad, PEMF generates a magnetic field via pulsed electrical currents. This realignment of positive and negative ions within the body cells enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and aids in pain relief.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):
TENS involves the use of electrical currents to provide pain relief. Sticky pads placed around the area of pain deliver electrical currents, exciting sensory nerves and stimulating the release of endogenous opioid encephalin, while reducing the activation of noxious (pain) sensory pathways, promoting pain reduction.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES):
NMES is used for muscle stimulation and re-education. Electrical currents stimulate muscle contractions, aiding in muscle strengthening and recovery, particularly after surgery or injury.
5.Heat Therapy:
Heat therapy uses heat to enhance blood flow to target tissues, increasing pliability and aiding in pain relief. By increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, heat therapy makes tissues more pliable for subsequent massage or manual therapy.
For owners who want to bring their dog to a physiotherapist, it is essential to discuss their pet’s clinical history with a veterinarian before starting physiotherapy and to provide referral information to the physiotherapist. This ensures their dog receives the most suitable treatment, as some therapies might not be appropriate for every dog. For example, dogs with heart issues or epilepsy might not be suitable for hydrotherapy, and some might be anxious or resistant to electrotherapy, necessitating alternative treatments.
Physiotherapy isn't just about one thing. I'll do my full assessment, and then determine what would be beneficial for owner’s dog. This could incorporate electrotherapies, manual therapies, movement therapies, advice about home environment, and a home exercise program. It's a combination. The more the owner can do at home, the more cost-effective it becomes, which is what I aim for.”
Deirdre points out the pivotal role of dog owners in their pets' rehabilitation journey. While she offers initial guidance, the essence lies in consistent practice by owners at home.
"If pet owners do nothing at home, nothing's going to change. It’s about maintaining that quality of life, giving them the best quality possible because we want to improve their health span over their lifespan."
How to Enhance Your Senior Dogs' Quality of Life
Here are some tips Deirdre shares for enhancing the quality of life for senior dogs, including how to safeguard their furry babies mobility.
1.Obersve Your Dog
Obersve Your Dog First and foremost, it's essential to observe and understand your pet. Look for signs of pain or discomfort, such as changes in posture, like sitting to one side or lying unevenly. Alterations in foot positioning, such as turning the feet outward or forward, can also be indicators.
What people expect is an 'ouch' or a leg to be lifted, but that’s actually more common in acute pain. Chronic pain, for example, pain associated with arthritis is not as obvious and tends to be more subtle. It’s often the subtle signs they’re giving out all the time that we’re not noticing."
Regularly check for body shape changes, such as a torpedo shape where the front body is larger than the back, to monitor muscle atrophy (muscle wasting) in senior dogs.
2.Weight Management
Weight management is another critical aspect of caring for senior dogs. It's essential to reduce unnecessary food intake and be mindful of their food motivation, especially around children who might drop food. Maintaining an appropriate weight helps reduce strain on their joints and overall health.
3.Create a Safe Home Environment:
Ensure the home has non-slip surfaces around dog activity area to prevent falls and slips, as these can greatly impact the dog's mobility and recovery. Many hind leg issues are due to slippery floors, which can lead to muscle dysfunction caused by slipping. Avoiding using stairs as much as possible is recommended as well. For small dogs, consider carrying them up and down stairs, while for larger dogs, using assistive devices to reduce joint pressure is advisable. Alternatively using stair gates to prevent stair usage may be necessary for your dog’s safety and maintenance of spinal and joint health.
Deirdre emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the type of stairs, particularly wooden ones, which can be problematic for dogs. For instance, a client of hers experienced an incident where her dog slipped and injured himself on the wooden steps, prompting her to carpet the stairs for added safety.
I think it is really important to note that, preventing them from doing things like jumping up or down off furniture or rushing up and down stairs can really help maintain their joint health. These activities can be really hard on their joints, especially as they get older, and we want to avoid unnecessary strain on their aging bodies."
If dog parents cannot completely prevent their dog from jumping on and off the sofa, they should at least consider preparing a ramp, steps, or a non-slip rug, or placing a non-slip kid's gym mat at the spot where the dog lands to cushion the impact. It is better to train them to use the ramp as early as possible. Alternatively, non-slip dog shoes can provide extra grip and protection.
4.Safe Play and Exercise
Avoid high-impact toys like ball throwers that can strain a senior dog's joints. Moderation is key when it comes to exercise; while it's crucial for their overall health, over-exertion can exacerbate joint issues. Opt for short, daily walks of 10 to 20 minutes, tailored to the dog's pace and interests, to provide mental stimulation without overburdening their joints. Additionally, in colder weather, using winter coats and rain gear can help keep dogs warm and dry, reducing the risk of joint pain caused by cold and wet conditions.
Incorporating strength and balance training into a dog's routine, such as walking on varied surfaces and using balance pads, can further support joint health. Introduce exercises like fold-downs or bows, but be vigilant for signs of fatigue or trembling, indicating when they've had enough.
There are also simple movement therapies that owners can practice at home with their dogs without buying extra equipment. For instance, Deirdre demonstrated Cavaletti Pole Exercises, which are straightforward yet effective activities for dog owners to include in their routine. By guiding the dog over poles or low hurdles, these exercises not only promote physical well-being but also improve the dog's eye-paw coordination. Household items such as brush handles, mop handles, bamboo sticks, or pool noodles can be used to create makeshift poles.
Alternatively, having the dog walk over the owner's legs while seated on the floor with legs extended provides gait and balance improvement, and mild joint exercise. This encourages leg lifting and joint flexion, distributing the synovial fluid around the joint, lubricating the joint and providing nutrition to the joint’s articulating surfaces and enhancing joint health. These activities also improve physical fitness and strengthen the bond between owner and dog.
Consulting a pet physiotherapist can offer valuable guidance on the most suitable exercises tailored to a dog's specific health needs.
5.Mental and cognitive stimulation
Setting up an enriching environment is also beneficial. Smell is the most important sense in our dogs and keeping them sniffing is really important for mental stimulation. Use interactive games and toys to stimulate their cognitive abilities. Activity games like snuffle mats, and food puzzles can keep their minds sharp and engaged. These activities not only provide mental stimulation but also enrich their daily lives.
6.Massage
Regular massages can help relieve muscle tension and pain, promoting blood circulation and tissue repair. Simple massages, which do not require a lot of time, can provide significant relief for a dog's body and mind.
Simple Stroking:
Begin with gentle stroking along the dog's body. This helps you become familiar with their physical condition, allowing you to notice any lumps, bumps, or sensitive areas. Stroke horizontally parallel to the spine along the back and then vertically down the sides of the neck, chest and abdomen and over the front limbs and hind limbs.
Circular Movements:
Use the flats of your fingertips to perform circular petrissage movements, applying gentle compressions. You can also use your knuckles for compressions on tighter areas gradually.
Observing Reactions:
Pay attention to the dog's reactions. If you notice trembling or tight areas, gently place your hand over that area and hold until you feel the tissue relax, then slowly release your hold.
Relaxed Environment:
Perform the massage when the dog is relaxed and calm, such as during the evening or in between activities. Spending even five minutes on a massage can be beneficial.
All these tips are rooted in Deirdre‘s deep understanding and practical experience in canine rehabilitation, with the goal of aiding dog owners in providing better home care and enhancing the quality of life for senior dogs.
It's not about being perfect or getting it perfect; it's just about trying. You start today because time is of the essence, and with older dogs, every day is precious. We need to do as much as we can for them now. It's all about maintaining their quality of life, keeping them strong, healthy, happy, and engaged.”
Deirdre encourages all senior dog parents that many improvements don't have to happen all at once, but rather through consistent efforts over time. Starting with assessing the home environment for safety and then making weekly adjustments, such as introducing massage or exercise, while observing the dog's changes, creates a positive cycle because ‘Small Things Together Make Big Changes’!
