PhysioPaws

11/02/2023

There's so many reasons I hate ball throwers! They can cause repetitive strain injuries from repeated movements, as well as the impact on joints from jumping and landing on back legs, and the dog suddenly stopping to get the ball if they don't catch.

Then you have all these behavioural issues as well, which I see from so many dogs that I treat that we can no longer use a ball in sessions in the hydro pool as they get obsessive with getting it.

There is so many healthier ways for dogs to enjoy walks without a ball or if you must take one, throwing it to them to catch or rolling it on the floor for them to get without them jumping for it.

Repeatedly throwing a ball for a dog to chase will burn off energy and wear it out right??

WRONG , to much hard physical exercise does more harm than good.

Apart from the obvious physical issues and injuries it causes in the joints, there are many other issues associated with repetitive ball chasing.
Dogs can get over aroused, their heartrate and respiration will rapidly increase, and they will have very poor impulse control.
They may jump around or on you, have dilated pupils, chattering teeth, be mouthy, spin, pace or circle, or be very vocal.
When a dog gets in this hyper aroused state the body releases adrenaline, then with the repeated exposure to this adrenaline from continued ball chasing, cortisol gets released into the body.
These hormones can hang around for hours even days or weeks.
Therefore if your dog is engaging in these activities daily, the body never has time to recover so dogs are over excitable or reactive.

“But my dog loves the ball, it's his favourite thing’. Is what I hear all the time
They love it because that is what they know, it's addictive and that is what they associate with your walks.

There are other more mentally stimulating and enriching ways to exercise your dog's.
A walk to gather scents and go exploring,
Try a "your choice" walk and let your dog decide which way to go.
Go "seek seek" find the toy games.
My boys love training walks because of the fun interaction with them.
You can still sometimes play ball games with your dog, but try a ball on a rope and bring the game back to you.

Your dog won't miss the ball as they will be enjoying a much more balanced walk
https://www.pawandorderdogtraining.co.uk/

Do more and have fun with your dog 😊

06/01/2023

I would like to introduce you to the new member of our team ❤️

Introducing Kohan Wesley Alan Collister, born at 34 weeks at 4lb 2 oz on 20th December 2022 at 6:35pm.

We had a traumatic birth with being rushed through for emergency C Section and have been on the neonatal ward since he was born with problems with his health but he is so strong and has come so far already, we are so proud of him!

Loki already adores him and won't let him go anywhere in the house without her, I knew they'd be best friends 😁

09/12/2022

Apologies for not being active recently, there has been alot going on.

I am due to give birth in the next few weeks so have been just treating emergency clients that can't wait to be seen. I am hoping to start taking new clients again next year but if you need advice please message and I will try to help or pass your details on to another physio for help.

Look forward to seeing some of you soon 😁

(Heres my mischief maker giving me evil looks for wrapping her up for a walk🤣)

20/07/2022

Little Elsa never fails to surprise us. I've been trying to find an exercise that works on her balance and strengthening but she has never been keen on the wobble cushion. I wasn't giving high hopes for this but she loves being up on the ball, choosing to stay there when the treats finished.

She's such a smart little girl.

23/05/2022

Our pets are amazing at hiding their pain and it is the subtle signs that we have to look out for, that show they might be In pain.

If you notice any signs of pain, get the vet to take a look and we should be able to help reduce pain with physio.

09/05/2022

I went to meet the gorgeous Frank last week for our session (ignore the pink harness, it's his sisters, I just needed the handle for support).

The initial session was just our assessment and Frank Is a little fighter!! His legs and head tilt does not stop him from having fun, he manages to get around and still enjoys his siblings play time. And the cats enjoyed using my equipment to sleep on while I was there 🤣

He is awaiting further help from a neurological team. The vets have asked me to see Frank to help build some muscle back up in his back legs, work on his balance using his legs properly and his overall balance. This is a challenge for Frank as he has one eye and one ear (on opposite sides) so he is doing absolutely amazing so far! And his mom I'd doing great at being his carer.

I prescribed some basic weight shifting exercises, proprioceptive tasks and advised to use his sisters harness and buy a sling to help support his back legs correctly.

I'm looking forward to seeing Frank progress and hopefully be able to walk unaided by the end of treatment!

I think you'll all agree that he is very cute 😁

21/04/2022

Clients always question why I will treat the whole body when their dog has a specific issue such as elbow dysplasia. These pictures explains this really well, and shows all the compensations that occur during a joint dysplasia.

19/04/2022

Today I went and met Mr. Hyde for his first session/ assessment. He has only been in light work since last February so I came to assess before he began more vigorous work.

He was very well behaved considering he didn't like his Physio a few years ago touching him! I found no concerns and was given the all clear to continue training. He thoroughly enjoyed his massage and we had lots of cuddles😁

Mr. Hyde will be having regular maintenance sessions to maintain his condition.

Did you know healthy horses don't need a veterinary referral form to be treated, as long as no issues are found on assessment. Although I don't require the referral form to treat, as a curtesy to the vets, I email them to let them know treatment has begun.

If you think your horse would benefit from a maintenance session then please get in touch. 😁

19/04/2022

19/04/2022

I am pleased to announce that I am certified for another year with the NAVP as a Veterinary Physiotherapist.

Being a part of this association ensures the physio is fully insured with public and professional liability cover. The association ensures that those registered carry out a set amount of CPD hours each year. This keeps us up to date on the current literature and build our skills.

24/03/2022

If your dog loves the chase balls or jump and catch then please read this from CAM. Its the reason we NEVER recommend ball throwers or the guns that fire balls. It encourages the dog to run from zero to 100 and jump landing on 2 legs and it does cause damage.

There are so many activities you can do which tire them out, especially games using the brain such as scent work. If you must use a ball, then rolling it across the floor will prevent them jumping to catch.

If you are interested in physiotherapy treatment or would just like some more information then please message 😁

18/03/2022

This a great visualisation of parts of the canine body that is affected by hip dysplasia.

If you are concerned your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia then please get in touch and I will advise on the next steps!

01/03/2022

I am currently carrying out a course in canine communications.

This is something that I believe is commonly mis judged by the public, with a dog acting anxious, being conceived as being happy. Such as a submissive dog meeting another and having a tail wagging but turning away, hunching back, shaking or having whale eyes. But as the dog has a wagging tail, humans will often say the dog is being friendly and wants to play, but they miss all other signs the dog shows. I see this day after day and I hope that I can change the views of the public by doing this course to help them understand our canine companions better.

20/02/2022

It's National love your pet day!

I don't know where I would be without my little shadow Loki. She keeps me safe out in public and then I get lots of cuddles when I get home from work treating all my lovely clients!

I couldn't ask for a better pup ❤❤

14/01/2022

As I can't post photos of many of my current clients, here is Elsa coming along amazing with her exercises.

She is circumducting her back legs (she swings them out to the side as she moves) so I am trying to come up with creative solutions for this. She doesn't tolerate her feet being touched and allows minimal range of motion to be done. She is a typical JRT that doesn't like to sit still! Aha.

She loves this exercise and by creating a tunnel effect with the poles, it means she cannot push her legs out to the side and has to walk correctly. We are working hard on ensuring the correct muscles are working.

I do love my sessions with Elsa, I get lots of kisses and get brought her special tennis ball every time ❤

11/01/2022

Sorry I've been short on posts the last few weeks, many of my current clients don't wish to be posted on social media.

I thought I would show you how I tend to produce my home exercise programmes for clients. At the end of every session I produce a programme for the client to complete until our next session. These are tailored specifically for the individual and vary in difficulty depending on what I am trying to target.

Loki is my very willing test subject who carries out the exercises for me to upload so clients can see how to carry them out. She loves when I get the equipment out!

Here is a video of loki trying out a range of exercises including cavalleti poles, wobble cushion and stepping up onto blocks.

Loki has had lots of practice with me and does these under my supervision. Please don't try them at home unless I have specified them in your exercise plans.

Loki does not have any injuries so can try out most of my ideas!

24/12/2021

A quick update- I have been unwell for the last week with no improvement. I have clients booked for the week between Christmas and New year and will update accordingly if needing to rearrange.

I will still be coming online to check messages but will be slower than normal.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas.

03/12/2021

Elsa had her 10th session this week. She has made great progress but now osteoarthritis has come early from her injuries causing a minor setback. After todays session Elsa thought that if she lay on my equipment bag, that I wouldnt make her do any more exercises 🤣🤣
I do love her quirkiness 😁