A veterinarian’s referral is necessary for an evaluation and treatment of your animal. We
will keep in constant contact with your veterinarian on your dog’s progress to ensure th
best care for your pet!
Download our Veterinary Referral form to bring to your dog’s veterinarian.

What is Canine Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation treats dogs with dysfunction, injury, pain or physical
abnormalities through the application of physics, biomechanics, anatomy,
physiology, and psychology. Treatment techniques include modalities (ice, heat),
joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization and massage, therapeutic exercise,
acupressure, and much more.

How can I determine if my dog needs physical rehabilitation?
Many dogs of all ages can benefit from the services of physical rehabilitation. In
the human world of health care, we receive physical rehabilitation after an injury
or surgery, for any type of pain or dysfunction. We also receive treatment after
neurological injuries (such as a stroke), for fractures, sprains or strains, for the
treatment of wounds, athletic injuries, arthritic conditions (Lyme Disease) and the
effects of aging (osteoarthritis).
Dogs can receive physical rehabilitation for all of the above. Too often, our pets
do not receive physical rehabilitation and this may prevent them from returning
to a full recovery.

How do I get started?
Speak with your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation for your dog. A
veterinarian’s referral is needed for the evaluation and treatment of your pet. If
you are having difficulty speaking with your veterinarian about a referral, please
contact us and we can contact your veterinarian for you.

Can I get started at home?
Until the initial evaluation, the most important thing you can do at home for your
pet is to become cognizant of all of the limitations and problems your pet may be
having. For example, is your dog presenting with stiffness in the morning or after
exercise? Also, it will be important for you and the rehab practitioner to set up
reasonable goals for your pet.

How long will it take to notice an improvement?
Depending upon the diagnosis and condition of your dog, improvements may be
seen within 3 or 4 sessions, or it may take longer. Dogs with arthritis usually
demonstrate small improvements immediately and larger improvements in a few
weeks. Younger dogs may also demonstrate immediate improvements. Whereas
older dogs take longer to heal. Each dog is an individual and will recover at
different rates

Can all dogs benefit from physical rehabilitation?
Most dogs can benefit from physical rehabilitation. Realistically, there are many
conditions that physical rehabilitation cannot cure. For example, physical
rehabilitation treatments will not cure cancer, arthritis, or progressive
neurological diseases. However, it can help improve the quality of life for many
dogs and it will help them lead longer and more functional lives.

Can physical rehabilitation help my healthy dog prevent future injury?
Physical rehabilitation can certainly play a role in the prevention of injuries. It is
critical that owners maintain the musculoskeletal health of their pets and
recognize any injuries or problems. Early detection may prevent further problems
from occurring.

Can healthy dogs benefit from physical rehabilitation?
Absolutely! We offer packages for the healthy dog to come in and get regular
exercise. This is especially popular when the weather makes it difficult to exercise
regularly — the cold of the winter or the heat of the summer. The treadmill is a
wonderful cross-training tool and is a benefit to any dog’s program. Performance
dogs, dogs with weight issues, arthritic pets, and dogs that have recovered from
conditions are perfect candidates for this program!