Lead The Way Vet Physiotherapy and Behaviour Training

20/01/2025

Since it's Pet Obesity Month and following my blog on why weight matters, here are some tips to help your pet reach a healthy weight:

• Portion control – Its common sense but weigh your dog’s food if you don’t already, you might be surprised at what you have been providing

• Use a smaller bowl – A smaller bowl can help prevent you from overfeeding. It can be easy to add more food when the bowl looks empty compared to the amount you’ve been feeding.
• Feed for your dog’s ideal weight – Feed according to your dog’s target weight, not their current weight. Again, it might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this is overlooked. If your pet is severely overweight, start by feeding the amount for the next weight bracket down for a week, and gradually continue reducing the portions until you reach the ideal amount.
• Avoid treats – Try to avoid giving treats. If you use them for training, reduce the amount of food at meal times to account for the treats you give.
• Opt for long-lasting chews – Choose chews like antlers, horn chews, or vegetables (such as carrots or turnips, if suitable for your dog) instead of short-lasting chews like dental sticks. These provide longer-lasting enrichment for your dog.
• Gradually increase exercise – Increase your dog’s activity level gradually. If your dog has joint issues, be mindful of that, but small increases in activity can help with fat loss and gain muscle mass.
• Resist those begging eyes – I know it’s hard, but this isn’t about whether or not to give your dog "human food." It’s about being aware that shared food, even in small amounts, adds up and can lead to weight gain. During mealtimes, try putting your dog in another room or stay firm that your food is yours. If you have small children, it may be easier to keep the dog in another room at meal or snack times, as kids can be more likely to give in to the begging eyes or drop food that your dog will quickly snaffle up.

Helping your pet lose weight is just as much about supporting you as the owner as it is about helping your pet.

14/01/2025

Hi everyone

I know it's a bit late but Happy new year! I know every year a lot of us make a new year's resolution to lose weight or get fitter but what about our pets? As we know obesity is on the rise across the board so here is my latest blog of why weight matters especially when it comes to msk issues.

Why Weight Matters.January 14, 2025/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Dog Physio Staines, Hip dysplasia treatment london, National Senior Dog Month, Pedigree dog, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets, Senior dog/by CharlotteWelcome to my first blog...

03/12/2024

Hi everyone, it's that time of year again and it feels like every year it comes around faster. This blog has some tips to get through the Christmas period without any mishaps. I've included the Animal poisons line's phone number in the blog as it's always a handy one to have and they do fantastic work.

Have a Jolly Doggy ChristmasDecember 3, 2024/0 Comments/in Christmas, Dog Physio London, Dog rescue, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by CharlotteWell I’ve already heard Wham! and Last Christmas for the 3rd time today so it must be that time...

26/11/2024

Hi Everyone,

As it is senior dog month, I have written a short blog on caring for your older dog. Hope you find it helpful.

Senior Dog MonthNovember 25, 2024/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Dog Physio Staines, National Senior Dog Month, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets, Senior dog/by CharlotteAs we enter the last week of November I wanted to take a moment to share...

08/11/2024

Hi All,

With Remembrance Day fast approaching, many of us will remember the soldiers that fell in both WW1 and WW2 (as well as other conflicts around the world that our brave soldiers have served their country).

I would ask at this time you also give a thought to the animals that served alongside them. First to come to mind is the horses and dogs who have routinely served in military service for centuries and provided a wide variety of valuable roles from artillery guardians to trench messengers, delivering intelligence between neighbouring soldiers, often under heavy fire.

Horses and donkeys worked hard delivering supplies, often in conditions men and machines could not withstand. Pigeons carried vital messages, quickly and efficiently over long distances. Canaries often advanced with the attacking troops, ensuring the early identification of poison gas. Cats helped suppress vermin such as mice and rats in the trenches, slowing the spread of disease. In more recent times dogs have been used for their skills in areas such as bomb detection and search and rescue.

Perhaps if you are visiting London at this time, you might make a visit to the “The Animals In War Memorial”, a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century. Situated Brook Gate, Park Lane on the edge of Hyde Park, it was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of World War I.

They served together, they fell together and they shall be remembered together. Lest we forget.

One of my favourite stories on this subject is the tale of Judy the English pointer who was the only dog to be a prisoner of war in Meden POW camp and her master Frank Williams.

Judy | Naval Prisoner of War dog | National Military Working Dogs memorial

07/11/2024

Little dog lost in Trent park.

05/11/2024

Hi everyone

Here is my latest blog about a case I have been working on. Moonstone is a puppy who unfortunately sustained bi lateral elbow fracture when thrown out of a moving vehicle.

MoonstoneNovember 5, 2024/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Dog Physio Staines, Dog rescue, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by CharlotteI’m afraid another very personal and difficult blog that thankfully has a happy ending. Poor Moonstone is...

30/10/2024

Look out for these guys. Unfortunately they are becoming rare and we need to protect them

29/10/2024

Hi All - On Thursday of last week, I had the pleasure of being asked to present a “Lunch and Learn” on veterinary physiotherapy for Joii vets practice in London Colney to support their CPD activities.

It was also a great networking opportunity for me and I had the pleasure of meeting Lauran, Amber and Meritxell and hear about some of the great work they are doing in our sector. What was clear is that they are a truly dedicated team and give 100% to the pets under their care. If your vet practice is interested in me providing a complimentary insight into the world of veterinary physiotherapy and how it can benefit your patients, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m currently undertaking these CPD activities in and around Staines and the surrounding areas as well as West and North London and Hertfordshire areas My thanks again to the team at Joii and keep up the amazing work!

23/10/2024

Hi everyone,

This time of year can prove challenging for pets. With people dressed up for Halloween and fireworks night upon us it can be a challenging few weeks. In this blog there is some advice to help manage during this time.

Taking care of your pets this Firework seasonOctober 23, 2024/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Dog Physio Staines, Dog rescue, Fireworks, Lost Dog Awareness Day, Pedigree dog, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by CharlotteThe season that many o...

01/10/2024

Hi Everyone - new month, new blog. I wanted to take a moment to talk about the fantastic team work that it takes to successfully treat any animal. I've focused on vets for this piece but it takes vets, vet physios, vet nurses, groomers, owners and more to successfully treat any animal. Let me also take this opportunity to thank all the friends in my professional network, team work makes the dream work!

Treating an animal is a team effortOctober 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by CharlotteIf there is one thing I’ve learnt working in this fantastic industry, it’s that successfully treating an animal with an illness or injury requires a team effort. Of course, the primary person you must call...

18/09/2024

Hi everyone here is my blog about Canine first and I was honoured to be asked to help demo with Guiver from Dog First aid Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire at Paws on the Green

Canine First AidSeptember 18, 2024/0 Comments/in Canine First Aid, Dog First Aid, Dog Physio London, Dog Physio Staines, Pet Physio London, Pet Physio Staines, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by CharlotteLast weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to the “Paws on the Green...

08/09/2024

Look forward to seeing you all today at the Paws on the Green charity dog show at Elm court Potter Bar

05/09/2024

Hi everyone,

I'll be here this Sunday if you want to come and say Hi or find out how physiotherapy can benefit your dog.

04/09/2024

This blog is very personal to me about a rehabilitation case of a dog with Meningoencephalitis (MUO).

Finnbar: Rehabbing Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO)September 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO), Pedigree dog, Pet Physio London, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by CharlotteThis is a particularly personal blog for me ab...

04/08/2024

Hi everyone check out my new blog on pulling on the lead on

Pulling on the LeadAugust 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Dog Physio London, Pet Physio London, Physical Therapy For Dogs, Rehabilitation for Pets/by Charlotte  Walking your dog should be one of the most enjoyable things about owning your pet. Yet during my time as a behaviour trainer, I saw many people stru...

10/07/2024

Hi Everyone

New blog this week on the importance of sleep for your dogs. check it out at

Lead The Way is a specialist mobile canine physiotherapist operating in the North London region. From her base in Enfield, Charlotte has extensive experience of treating all breeds from new born puppies through to dogs enjoying their twilight years.

26/06/2024

Hi Everyone,

Quick post today about the heat we are experiencing. I know after the long wet winter and lack of sun we have had this year, we are understandably all very excited now the sun is shining and the weather is warm. A word of caution though, your dog may unfortunately not share your enthusiasm! They are wearing a fur coat in this heat that they can’t take off, they are also unable to sweat as effectively and can struggle to cool down in the weather we are experiencing.

Whilst the weather is warm please;

· Regardless of breed, think about walking your dog in the early morning or in the evening when the sun is going down and temperatures are cooler (even at these times it can still be very warm) so please be aware.

· Try and walk in shaded arears where they are away from direct sunlight.

· Don’t leave your dog in the car!!! No not ever no no no.

· Make sure you dog has plenty of water and shade at home.

· Do not leave dogs in conservatories, similar to a car they get extremely hot and present a very real risk to your pet.

Preventing heat stroke in dogs is easy with some forethought, however every year many dogs die unnecessarily because owners do not correctly assess the risks. No dog has died missing a walk…. so please have fun in the sun but ensure your dog can rest and keep cool while the temperatures are high. Ideally leave them home they won't be bored they will sleep.