The Animal Physiotherapist

22/11/2025

21/11/2025

Dogs have made me!

When I was little, our miniature pinscher dog, Biscuit mooched under my high chair waiting for crumbs! Our next dog, Bertie helped me, as a 6 year old to begin understanding the close relationship dogs can form with people. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Monty and Murphy were beside me through my teenage years.

Fast forward (quite a long way!) and all the dogs I have loved and learned from have shaped me in more ways than I can count. Dogs have helped me through illness, dogs have helped me cope with sleepless nights while raising my twins, dogs have opened exciting doors for me with experiences in charities such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and Therapet (part of Canine Concern Scotland Trust).

Many years ago, my wonderful dog Tess and I began learning agility together in Glasgow. We had a wonderful trainer, enjoyed our weekly training classes in Bellahouston Park and eventually worked up the grades all the way to competing at Championship level. My other dogs, Riley and Leo also participated in agility and taught me that different dogs require different handling - helped of course by the same fantastic trainer.

It was through an encounter with a veterinary physiotherapist at an agility competition that I began considering switching to animal physiotherapy. I was already an experienced chartered physiotherapist for humans but ultimately retrained and now have a successful animal physiotherapy practice.

I love dogs and dogs have been a huge part of my life. I have loved combining my passions of physiotherapy, dogs and agility. The Black Friday Offer I will be launching next week is something I have never done before. It combines access to my online 4 week agility course with personalised one to one virtual sessions to help agility handlers get the most out of the course and keep them accountable. Think of it as a winter agility runway to maintain and improve your dog’s fitness and condition and give you an action plan ahead of the new season.

More details about this offer will be released next week ahead of the offer becoming available on Friday 28th November for 10 days. If you want access to the offer before anyone else, please comment below with the word ‘RUNWAY’.

I can’t wait to be able to help more agility dogs and their handlers on their agility adventures!

20/11/2025

I’m looking for 3 motivated agility handlers who want a clear winter training plan to boost their dog’s fitness and condition in the next 30 days.
If this sounds like you and you would like more information, DM me the word ‘WINTER’ to go on the waitlist. I will get back to you very soon!
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17/11/2025

15/11/2025

Today Ivy helped with research in the Paws Lab at St Andrews University looking into dog behaviour and communication. Ivy was an absolute star and loved playing with new toys as part of the study 😍

11/11/2025

05/11/2025

How I help my dog cope with Fireworks night.

05/11/2025

How do you help your pets cope with bonfire night?

Let’s share our tips in the comments.

04/11/2025

This gorgeous girl really enjoyed her physiotherapy session and had a lovely relaxed afternoon afterwards😍.

It’s very rewarding being able to make such a difference to dog’s lives with physiotherapy 🐾🐕👍

29/10/2025

Halloween is here!

This can be a confusing time for our dogs and preparing them can help them cope. Here are 3 easy ways;

1. Costume introduction: If you plan to dress up for Halloween, it can help to introduce the costume gradually. Start by letting your dog sniff and explore the costume before putting it on. Then, gradually increase the duration of wearing the costume, rewarding your dog with treats and praise to create positive associations. This also applies if you plan to dress your dog up as well.

2. Desensitization to decorations: Halloween decorations can be overwhelming for dogs. To prepare your dog, gradually introduce them to Halloween-themed decorations in a controlled environment. Start with less scary decorations and gradually increase the exposure. Reward your dog for calm behavior and provide a safe space for them to retreat if needed.

3. Safe and quiet space: On Halloween night, create a safe and quiet space for your dog to retreat to. This can be a separate room or a designated area with their bed, toys, and water. Keep them away from the front door to minimize stress from trick-or-treaters. Consider playing calming music or using pheromone diffusers to help create a relaxing environment.

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's important to consider their individual needs and comfort levels when preparing them for Halloween. What have you found helps your dog? Helpful suggestions welcome in comments.

27/10/2025

“How to Spot if Your Cat is Saying ‘Ouch’ Without Words 🐾😿”

Cats are masters of disguise — they rarely cry out in pain, but you can still spot subtle signs like:

👀 Reduced jumping or climbing
😿 Licking or biting one spot more than usual
😾 Changes in grooming habits
💤 More hiding or sleeping

Early detection = better comfort and care.

💬 Have you noticed any subtle signs in your cat? Share your experiences in the comments.

📣 Always seek veterinary advice if you’re worried about your cat’s comfort. Physiotherapy may help after diagnosis.