Dog Rehabilitation
Why do rehabilitation with your dog?
Dog rehabilitation can offer your pooch a variety of benefits, helping them recover more quickly and comfortably. Here’s how it can make a difference:
- Pain Relief: Rehabilitation therapies like massage and heat treatments can help ease your dog’s pain, making them feel more comfortable as they heal.
- Better Mobility: Targeted exercises strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility, which is especially helpful for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or dealing with arthritis.
- Faster Recovery: Rehab can speed up healing by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and preventing scar tissue, so your dog can get back to their usual self sooner.
- Stronger & More Active: With tailored exercises, your dog can regain strength, balance, and endurance, helping them live an active life again.
- Improved Quality of Life: For dogs dealing with chronic issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia, rehab can make a world of difference in their comfort and daily function.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Rehab can help correct muscle imbalances or poor posture, which reduces the risk of future injuries and ensures long-term health.
- Post-Surgery Support: After a surgery, rehab can help your dog heal properly, ensuring they regain full use of their body with minimal discomfort.
- Mental Wellbeing: Rehab isn’t just physical—it can also be mentally stimulating for your dog, which can help ease any anxiety and keep them feeling happy throughout their recovery.
Rehabilitation provides a holistic approach to healing, focusing on both physical recovery and emotional comfort.
What we do at High Five Paws:
From Initial Assessment to Recovery
At High Five Paws, I utilize a range of manual techniques and exercise-based rehabilitation to support your dog, whether they are recovering from surgery, managing an issue conservatively, or dealing with age-related osteoarthritis. I believe that consistent, targeted exercise is essential for helping your dog restore balance and renew vitality, ultimately allowing them to live their fullest life.
We’ll begin with an Initial Assessment that typically takes about 90 minutes. During this time, I’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your dog, looking at their gait, posture, stance, and how they move (like transitioning from standing to sitting). If your dog is comfortable and relaxed enough, I’ll also do a detailed orthopaedic assessment, checking joint range of motion, muscle mass, and tone, as well as a neurological exam if needed. I know pets can be anxious during their first visit, so I’ll make your dog’s comfort and trust a priority, adjusting the assessment as needed to ensure a positive experience.
This assessment will help me identify any primary or secondary issues, allowing me to create a personalized treatment plan for your dog. I’ll also provide you with at-home exercises to support their progress and recovery.
To make the most of the Initial Assessment, I will ask you to complete an “Owner and Patient Questionnaire” before the appointment and to reach out to your veterinarian to share any relevant information regarding the issue to be addressed.
In the Follow-up Assessment, I’ll check in with you about your pet’s progress since our last appointment. We’ll repeat measurements regularly to gain an objective view of their development. Your pet will receive treatment tailored to their condition. This may include manual therapy, range-of-motion exercises, other modalities aimed at relieving discomfort, and a review of the prescribed exercises. I’ll adjust the treatment plan as needed. Each session typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
The number and frequency of Follow-up Assessments will depend on your pet’s condition and your involvement with their home exercises. We can discuss this in detail during your appointment.
At High Five Paws, I specialise in rehabilitation for:
- Post-surgery recovery, including TPLO, MMP, extra-capsular cruciate repair, FHO, THR, MPL, and fracture repair
- Post IVDD events, whether managed conservatively or with surgery
- Conservatively managed injuries, including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as cruciate injuries
- Senior dogs, helping them overcome limitations and regain vitality
Let’s work together to support your furry friend’s journey to recovery and help them thrive!
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I will get in touch with you.
Cost
- Initial Assessment (90-minute session): $150
- Follow-up Assessment (60-minute session): $100
- As a special bonus, you’ll get a free Follow-up Assessment after completing 10 sessions