Natasha Pickett Veterinary Physiotherapy

17/09/2024

🐶 The office is back open! 🐾

Anyone waiting for a reply from us will be answered as soon as possible! In the meantime, we thought we share with everyone who has booked in - or is thinking of doing so - what a physiotherapy session has in store for you and your dog.

Get in touch with any questions you may have 💕
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

08/09/2024

OUT OF OFFICE

We are heading off to France for a spell, hopefully we may find some good weather at last too! Emails will still be answered but it may be difficult to get in touch by mobile for a few days.
NPVP will return on Tuesday 17th September for anyone who needs us ❤

17/08/2024

Thank you so much to everyone to came to talk to us at the dog show last Sunday ❤️ It was so much fun meeting you all and stealing lots of doggy cuddles 🐶❤️

I also want to say a huge thank you to my lovely assistant Nick, who is also a huge support behind the scenes as well as on the stand. It wouldn't be possible for us to attend this show without him ❤️

If any of you didn't get a chance to chat about how physiotherapy can help your dog, please do not hesitate to get in contact 🐕
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

15/08/2024

Gorgeous boy Carlos has been practising his sit-to-stands, an exercise used to encourage muscle development in dogs with reduced quadriceps and hamstring mass. For an 11-year-old Labrador, he sure is in lovely condition ❤🐶

Disclaimer: This exercise is usually performed on a flat surface, however Carlos had just enjoyed his massage and left a rather large amount of fluff all over the carpet so we opted to head outside in the sunshine 🌄

If you've got a golden oldie in need of some arthritis support, have a chat with us.
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

11/08/2024

We're at Nickys Place in Temple Normanton today attending their dog show for Together For Dogs. Come down and say hello, we can't wait to see you all.

Can't make it today and want to have a chat about how we can help your dog?
🐶 Send us a message on the page
❤️ Text or call 07438986739

07/08/2024

🐶Handsome boy Delta has been seen for his summer maintainence check and we are pleased to report he is doing well. His strength is certainly stronger than ever! 💪

If you have an active pup that you think could do with an MOT, drop us a message.
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

01/08/2024

A little Lilah 'pupdate' for everyone and Lilah's mum has some lovely words to share 💕

Delilah had her third physiotherapy session with us yesterday and it has been a delight to see how far her confidence has improved and her body has progressed ❤️ In six weeks, Lilah and her mum have been hard at work with their physio exercises and have significantly improved her muscle balance and gait pattern.

Well done guys and thank you for your lovely words 🥰

If your dog needs a helping hand, drop us a message and have a chat!
Think your dog might need a helping hand?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

27/07/2024

🐶 Another new face on the block is the lovely Bertie. He is looking a bit shocked that he's been told he has to give up the nice therapy mat he has got rather cosy on.

❤️ This sweet boy has been suffering with some hindlimb lameness so he can begun physiotherapy to manage his discomfort and improve his condition.

Think your dog might need a helping hand?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

16/07/2024

🐰 Today we get to wish Bracken (Our incredibly helpful office assistant) a very happy Gotcha Day! We have officially had Bracken for a year now and have immensely enjoyed his antics (not that the skirting boards agree).

Happy Gotcha Day Bracken! ❤️

11/07/2024

🐶 We've had a few new faces begin with us over the past few weeks and we would like to introduce the lovely Carlos - an 11-year retired guide dog! He has started physiotherapy to keep him in tip top shape as he has been diagnosed with some arthritis.

Now there have been more than a few sleepy patients during their physiotherapy treatment but full on snoring during his massage was a new experience! 😴

It is safe to say that Carlos has well earnt his retirement and is going to be thoroughly spoilt - as is deserved ❤️

Does your aging pup need some TLC to help with their arthritis?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

21/06/2024

🎵 "It must be love, love, love" 🎶
Or at least that's what we think is happening here between Delilah and the treat that is in my hand 😂

This gorgeous little girly is the newest (and smallest!) recruit to NP Vet Physio as she has been diagnosed with a pesky luxating patella (meaning her kneecap doesn't quite stay where it should at all times!).

We'll be working to make her more comfortable and reduce her symptoms over the next few months - we can't wait to see her progress 💪🐶

Think your dog might need a helping hand?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

19/06/2024

🏆 We have a winner! 🥳

❤ A big thank you to RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire for hosting the Fun Dog Show on Saturday. We had a lovely time speaking to fellow dog lovers and meeting lots of adorable pups!

⭐ On the day we ran a little giveaway to win the entire jar of treats as well as a free canine physiotherapy session worth £50! We are now very pleased to announce we have done the count up and our winner with a guess of 215 was the closest to the 231 total treats! 🥇

🐾 Many congrats and a thank you for participating, there will be a little runner up prize for the rest of you unlucky guessers. Look out for us getting in contact shortly🐶

Think your dog might need a helping hand?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

15/06/2024

We're at the RSPCA Fun Dog Show 2024 today and we're ready for you lovely people to come and ask all those burning questions you may have!

See you at 11 o'clock 😍

05/06/2024

🎉 Natasha is off to the show! 😀

Come and say hello at RSPCA's Chesterfield Fun Dog Show and ask all those questions you have about whether physiotherapy is right for you and your dog 🐾

For some additional fun, have a guess at our 'how many treats in the goody jar to be in with a chance of winning a FREE physiotherapy session and the entire jar of treats - closest guest wins! 🦴🍗🏆

🐶 If you want to get booked in before the show (you can still win the goodies if you attend), give us a shout on the below details ❤️
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

DOG SHOW REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🐾🐶🥳🏆
With only a few weeks to go we are super excited to be counting down the days until our Fun Dog Show on Saturday 15th June. You can pre-register you gorgeous pooches before the event and receive a 10% discount on your registrations. Check out the 13 fabulous classes you can choose from:

🐾Best Condition
🐾Most Appealing Eyes
🐾Dogs the Judges Would Most Like to Take Home
🐾Best Biggie
🐾Best Betweener
🐾Loveliest Lady
🐾Best Vintage
🐾Happiest Puppy
🐾Dog with the Waggiest Tail
🐾Top Tiddler
🐾Child's Best Friend
🐾Most Fabulous Fella
🐾Best Rescue Dog

To register please visit https://chesterfield-rspca.org.uk/event/fun-dog-show-and-family-day-2024/

01/06/2024

A quick guide by Canine Arthritis Management

Think your dog might need a helping hand?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

26/05/2024

Last tip to wrap ups this month, and we sincerely hope it was obvious it was coming!

⭐ Hint 6: The Power of Physiotherapy! ⭐

Physiotherapy provides an all-rounded approach to arthritis by looking from the perspective of the client, veterinarian and complementary therapists. However, it is most suited to clients who are willing to do some exercise changes at home with their dog.

Physiotherapy provides numerous home management improvements, a personalised rehabilitation plan consisting of exercises and therapies to keep the good work going in-between therapy sessions. During the session itself, physio provides laser therapy and manual tissue work to decrease pain, improve range of motion, restore movement pattern and improve muscle symmetry, mass and tone.

NPVP hope you have found this May series useful for your pups at home ❤️

Get booked in today
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

25/05/2024

⭐ Hint 5: Hydrotherapy Helps! 🐬

Here is a long not seen video of NPVP swimming a German Shepherd a few years ago. This youngster was attending following a diagnosis of growing pains, known as panosteitis.

Hydrotherapy is delivered either in a swimming pool or on an underwater treadmill. Finding a good centre can be difficult but NPVP is happy to advise anyone on where to find a trustworthy centre as they are not all created equal!

At minimum a centre or the person providing hydrotherapy should:
🐾 Be registered with National Association of Canine Hydrotherapists, Canine Hydrotherapy Association or International Register of Veterinary Animal Practitioners
🐕 Be able to provide results of monthly water testing displaying no harmful bacteria
🐾 Rinse your dog post-swim to remove chlorine or bromine, ideally they will also rinse before to remove water contaminants from your dog's fur
🐕 GET IN THE WATER WITH YOUR DOG. Your hydrotherapist cannot effectively treat your dog if they do not get in the water with them to monitor and adjust gait/take resting heart rate.

NPVP is not only a Level 7 qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist, they are also a qualified canine hydrotherapist so happy to help whenever!

Need to find a trustworthy centre?
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

22/05/2024

Tip 4: The power of a Pain Trial

Owners and veterinary professionals are often concerned that starting medication early means that the patient will 'have no where to go' as the pain progresses. However, dogs with uncontrolled pain will not be able to improve their muscle mass and muscle symmetry. More often than not people will say they are also not sure if their dog is pain.

This is where a pain trial can be a powerful tool.

Keeping your veterinarian on board every step of the way, a short-term (potentially even just a week or two) pain trial offers a method of seeing if your dog is in pain. Does their behaviour improve? Do they get the zoomies for the first time this year? Can we make it up the stairs to bed?

If the answer is yes, then keeping that pain management on board is vital whilst physiotherapy and hydrotherapy works to make your dog stronger and more comfortable in their own body. Once we have made progress, your dog may be able to weaned off the medication or at least move to a lower strength alternative that leaves plenty of medication routes to use should they require it as they age and arthritis continues.

Start managing your dog's arthritis
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

19/05/2024

🐕 Is it time you did something about your dog's arthritis? 🐾

Get booked in for physiotherapy with just a few details
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

16/05/2024

🍗 Tip 3: Raising the food bowl 🦴
❗️If you have a deep chested breed, please speak to your veterinarian about whether this is appropriate prior to starting❗️

Every time food bowls comes up in consults, NPVP thinks of these great diagrams by Humanimalis. Whilst we often throw a bowl of food on the floor for our dogs, the hunched over position puts significant stress on the forelimb joints and requires significant spinal flexion. Raising the bowl even a little allows for a more neutral spine and better body balance. This particularly allows dogs with joint discomfort to be able to eat and drink more comfortably whilst decreasing the risk of their legs slipping out from the angle.

This is a great point to look a back at tip 1 (Rugs, rugs and more rugs!) where we said popping a mat under where your dog stands to eat can make standing significantly more comfortable and safer.

Start managing your dog's arthritis
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

15/05/2024

Never seen a truer cartoon when it comes to showering your dog before and after hydrotherapy 😂

14/05/2024

🐕Checklist: Can your dog sit and stand correctly?

Good boy Delta here is showing off his beautiful sitting position and he is also a master of the stand too 💪 When a dog transitions between a sit and stand, they should not need to move their hindlimbs, limbs should be in line and hindlimbs nicely folded underneath them.

Does your dog...:
🐾 'Plop' into a sit rather than easing down in a controlled manner?
🐶 'Heave' up into a stand using their forelimbs rather than pushing up with their hindlimbs?
🐾 Let a limb flop to the side immediately or within a few seconds?
🐶 Sit on top of one hindlimb?
🐾 Refuse to sit at all or perhaps only on specific surfaces?

If your dog does any of these, it is worth having a chat as your dog may be beginning to show signs of an underlying issue or at least be developing some muscle weakness and asymmetry. Solving issues before they develop is the best method of slowing decline in wellbeing with chronic conditions and aids quicker recovery for acute conditions.

Get booked in with just a few details
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

11/05/2024

Tip 2: Ramps and Steps

It is unrealistic to avoid the car when it comes to needing to transport our dogs and often owners like their dogs to join them on the sofa. Ideally, we would lift our dog into/out of the car and on/off the sofa, however more often than not either the dog is too big/heavy for an individual to lift or we ourselves aren't physically able to lift them.

Getting into and out of the car is a high impact situation that causes significant joint concussion and should the landing and take off not be perfect is a recipe for musculoskeletal disaster!

Alternatively to ramps, you can get a set of small folding stairs for the back of the car. Boxwork or a small set of solid stairs to climb onto the sofa is really useful for breeds that can't simply step up onto sofas and need to jump (even most labradors!)

Below is a good video for introducing a car ramp to your dog for the first time.

Get booked in for physiotherapy and more great advice with just a few details
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739

Introducing your dog to a ramp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kmgywWvtBA

09/05/2024

Stating off with the simple changes 💕

⭐️ Tip 1: Rugs, rugs and.....more rugs! ⭐️

All of us at some point have slipped on wooden floors in socks, the heart jerking moment that leaves you walking a bit slower and careful for the next few hours. The unlucky ones of us will hit the floor with a thump!

This is exactly what it is like for dogs walking on non-carpeted or surfaces without rugs. Whilst they may be able to get through the day without faceplanting, their muscles are working overtime to protect them from injury, creating chronic hypertension that leaves movement restriction and discomfort. Slips and thumps produce bruising, strains and in the extra unlucky - breakages!
Rugs and carpets are an absolute must to reduce compensations and improve the comfort of arthritic dogs.

Don't forget! Popping a mat underneath where they stand for their food and water bowls will also reduce the chance of their legs slipping out and making it far easier to maintain correct posture.

Get booked in for physiotherapy and more great advice with just a few details
❤️ Pop us a message on the page
📧 [email protected]
📞 07438 986 739