Thistleโs Journey โ From Wobbly Steps to Strength and Stability ๐ฑ๐
Meet Thistle, a special cat with an incredible spirit! Adopted from Oaktree Animal Charity, heโs a large, long-backed cat facing mobility challenges due to a luxating patella and a lesion near his sacral area. These issues have caused weakness and muscle wastage in his back legs, making movement more difficult.
When I first met Thistle, I expected him to be quite reserved, but he surprised me! Instead of hiding, he was curious and engaged, showing his playful personality. While heโs still gaining confidence with hands-on work, his progress has been amazing!
Thistleโs Physiotherapy Plan
His dedicated owners have embraced his structured exercise plan to improve his balance, strength, and coordination. His routine includes:
๐พ Wobble Cushion Training โ Engaging his core muscles for stability and body control.
๐พ Pole Work โ Encouraging better paw placement, proprioception, and range of motion.
๐พ Sits with High Fives โ Strengthening his back legs and improving balance.
The Power of Home Exercises
In physiotherapy, 80% of progress happens at home. We provide the plan, but consistency makes the difference. Thanks to his ownersโ dedication, Thistle has made huge improvements in just a few weeksโheโs steadier, stronger, and more confident!
Thistleโs story is a testament to patience, love, and commitment in animal rehabilitation. With the right support, even the wobbliest steps can become strong strides!
Well Done, Thistle! ๐๐พ
Has your pet faced mobility challenges? Physiotherapy isnโt just for dogsโcats can benefit too! If youโd like to learn more, feel free to reach out. ๐
#CatPhysio #RehabSuccess #ThistleTheBrave #FelinePhysiotherapy #PetWellness #StrongerEveryDay
Is your dog's food bowl at the right height? ๐ถ๐ฝ๏ธ
I recently found a fantastic raised feeding bowl called a Fluff Trough www.facebook.com/flufftrough, that has been a game-changerโespecially for dogs recovering from surgery or those who struggle with floor-level feeding.
Why a raised feeder is a must-have:
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Better digestion โ Promotes healthier eating posture, reducing bloating, gas, and regurgitation.
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Vet-recommended & award-winning design โ Backed by experts for optimal feeding comfort.
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Patented open-front โtroughโ design โ Improves posture and makes mealtime easier, especially for brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers & more).
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Less strain on joints & spine โ Keeps the head elevated, back level, and weight evenly distributed, preventing unnecessary pressure on the front limbs and neck.
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Non-slip base โ Provides stability and reduces anxiety during meals.
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Perfect for managing health conditions โ Helps dogs with IVDD, BOAS, myelopathy, neurological issues, esophagus issues, regurgitation, vestibular disease, and more.
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Easy to clean & mess-free โ No more food spills all over the floor!
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Plus, for those who like to use a lickimat whilst doing their exercises, such as weight shifting, there is even the option of putting a lickimat in the fluff trough for easier, cleaner access!
If your dog could benefit from a more comfortable mealtime, check it out here if you live in the UK, https://pawtion.co.uk/?ref=MELANIEBROWN ๐พ
#FluffTrough #Pawtion #PetFeeder #AsSeenOnTV #ViralPetProduct #DogLovers #PetProducts #VetRecommended #PetHealth
Have you tried a raised feeder for your pup? Let me know in the comments! โฌ๏ธ๐
๐About Muscle/Tendon/Ligament Pain ๐ถ๐ก
Iโve been dealing with peroneal tendinopathy (swelling and pain around the outside of my ankle bone) recently, and I wanted to share how this small issue can cause a bigger problem in the body.
Right now, my injury is only two days old (Acute phase), which means rest is the priority.
๐What is happening in my body?
My movement is stiff and uncomfortable
I canโt flex my foot properly, and every step feels awkward.
My opposite leg is working harder to take the weight (and there is more of it at the moment๐!!)
My lower back and neck are feeling the strain
And everything feelsโฆ off.
Once the pain starts to ease, Iโll begin a rehab programmeโnot just to release trigger points and tension in the affected muscles, but to strengthen them too. If I donโt, I risk the same injury happening again. I have had numerous sprains in this ankle and have been wearing flat trainers which have not helped!
๐Why is this relevant to you?
Horses and dogs go through the exact same process. If they injure a ligament or muscle, they naturally shift weight to other limbs, leading to tension in the back, neck, and even areas far from the original injury. While initial rest is essential, the real key to recovery is rehabilitationโtargeted work to restore movement, reduce compensations, and strengthen muscles to help prevent repeat injury.
This is exactly what I focus on in physiotherapyโhelping animals move freely again.
๐Have you noticed your dog moving differently after an injury?
Maybe a little stiffer, slower, or shifting their weight?
Drop a commentโIโd love to hear about your experiences! ๐
T E S T I M O N I A L ๐
Say hello to the dashing Finn! Not only does he charm everyone with his good looks, but he's also a brave trooper who has triumphed over hip dysplasia. Now, he's strutting around confidently with his new hips! It's been an absolute joy working with Finn and his devoted dog parents. ๐พโจ
Sshhh, Thursday Secret tip alert!
For those that have a dog on crate rest or will soon because of surgery, you may be wondering how to help reduce the boredom and frustration factor for your dog.
Tip No 2 - Move your crate around the house (if possible), this will give your dog a chance to see everyone in the family, get different smells and interaction, and mental stimulation. If this is not possible, why not place the crate near an open window (weather permitting in the UK!) or a window/screendoor and let your pup inhale the scent outside their crate.
Please share any other tips you have in the comments below or share this tip with a dog parent who needs it.
Follow for more tips on how to keep you and your dog sane during this tricky period of rest and recovery
#DogPerformance #DogCare #dogcare #CanineFitness #DogTraining #caninerehab #DogSports #PetCare #JointHealth #DogHealth #DogArthritis #JointPainRelief #dogphysio #DogAgility #BorderCollies #caninephysiotherapy #animalphysiotherapy #ArthritisRelief #PetWellness #SeniorDogCare #animalphysio #caninearthritis #vetphysio #AnimalWellness
Introducing Pawlates โ the ultimate fusion of exercise and pilates designed specifically for our four-legged friends! Whether your dog is a fitness enthusiast or simply loves to stretch and play, Pawlates offers a fun and effective way to boost their strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
๐ Benefits of Pawlates for Dogs:
Improved Flexibility: Pawlates incorporates gentle stretching exercises that help to lengthen and loosen tight muscles, promoting greater flexibility and range of motion.
Core Strength: Just like in human pilates, Pawlates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles, which are essential for stability and balance.
Joint Health: By engaging in controlled movements and weight-bearing exercises, Pawlates helps to support joint health and reduce the risk of injury or degenerative conditions such as arthritis.
Enhanced Coordination: Pawlates challenges dogs to maintain proper form and alignment during exercises, improving their coordination and body awareness.
Mental Stimulation: Pawlates sessions provide mental stimulation and enrichment, keeping dogs engaged and focused while strengthening the bond between pet and owner.
๐ก Tips for Incorporating Pawlates into Your Dog's Routine:
Start with simple Pawlates exercises such as "sit-to-stand" or "paw reaches," gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient.
Use treats and positive reinforcement to motivate your dog and make Pawlates sessions a fun and rewarding experience.
Practice Pawlates on a soft surface such as grass or carpet to provide added comfort and support for your dog's joints.
Incorporate Pawlates into your dog's regular exercise routine, aiming for short sessions several times a week to maximize the benefits.
๐พ Ready to Paw-late Your Way to Better Health and Fitness? ๐พ Follow for more tips and advice.
#Pawlates #DogFitness #PetHealth #DogPerformance #CanineAthletes #DogArthritis #PetWellness #DogAgility
If your dog is on crate rest, they will be very bored, very quickly.
By filling your dogs kong with their favourite treat and freezing it (if possible), they will spend longer trying to lick all the good stuff, and this provides them with entertainment plus licking releases good endorphins which are thought to have a calming effect and help your dog to relax and decompress.
Win, win for you and your dog.
Do you have any other tips? Please comment below or if you would like my FREE 'Guide for Crate Rest Tips'. #DogArthritis #CanineFitness #dogphysio #PetCare #caninephysiotherapy #dogcare #PetWellness #SeniorDogCare #DogAgility #animalphysiotherapy #caninerehab #DogHealth #DogPerformance #BorderCollies #DogTraining #DogCare #DogSports #PetHealth #CanineAthletes
Sshhh, Thursday Secret tip alert!
For those that have a dog on crate rest or will soon because of surgery, you may be wondering how to help reduce the boredom and frustration factor for your dog.
Tip No 1 - Fill a cardbord box, with leaves, stones, twigs from all your dog's favourite places, and use an old piece of material to rub on trees, or grass at their favourite sniffing posts! Place in their crate and refresh regularly, this will help with canine enrichment and mental stimulation to provide your dog with sniffing feedback!
Please share any other tips you have in the comments below or share this tip with a dog parent who needs it.
Follow for more tips on how to keep you and your dog sane during this tricky period of rest and recovery
#DogPerformance #DogCare #dogcare #CanineFitness #DogTraining #caninerehab #DogSports #PetCare #JointHealth #DogHealth #DogArthritis #JointPainRelief #dogphysio #DogAgility #BorderCollies #caninephysiotherapy #animalphysiotherapy #ArthritisRelief #PetWellness #SeniorDogCare #animalphysio #caninearthritis #vetphysio #AnimalWellness
Do you have an aging dog, or has your dog undergone limb surgery?
Does your dog have joint stiffness?
Joint stiffness is caused by a number of factors
๐Aging โ tendons and ligaments lose their flexibility
๐Pain โ the body avoids full movement of a joint
๐Inflammation โ swelling taking up all the joint space
๐Have you ever heard of the saying 'Motion is lotion' or if you don't use it, you lose it'
By incorporating certain exercises and gentle exercise, you can improve your dog's mobility, improve range of motion and their wellbeing.
For your FREE guide on '5 tips to manage joint pain in your dog', comment JOINT and I wll send you the link.
Has your dog has been diagnosed with one of the following?
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Joint Trauma
-----Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear
-----Joint Fractures
-----Injury such as hyperextension, following a fall or jumping
- Patella luxation
-Osteochondrosis
Then your dog will have set up compensation patterns to help alleviate the discomfort in their joints.
๐ Have you noticed your dog:
Limping
Skipping with a back leg
Holding a limb off the ground
Wiggling their bottom while walking
Sitting with legs splayed out
Struggling to jump on/off furniture
Excessive licking on one leg
Difficulty getting out of bed
Limited joint flexibility
These could be signs of underlying joint issues that require veterinary attention.
But there's hope! Strengthening your dog's core and surrounding muscles can help alleviate pain and correct imbalances caused by compensation.
๐พ๐ช Don't wait! Take action to support your pet's joint health today. For more tips and advice
Follow ๐ฉ
Like โค๏ธ
Save โน๏ธ
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๐พ Keep your furry friend safe during playtime!
Activities like chasing balls can be risky for your dog's limbs, especially the ligaments in their toes, wrists, and knees.
It's crucial to be aware of the potential risks during playtime.
While watching your dog chase a ball can be entertaining, it's important to be mindful of potential consequences. Dogs can easily become addicted to this activity, relentlessly pursuing the ball without a "switch off" button.
For breeds like collies or spaniels, known for their boundless energy, this can lead to hours of non-stop play. Once the chase mentality sets in, it can be challenging to redirect their focus.
Did you know that such intense movements can strain the ligaments in your dog's toes, wrists, and knees?
Additionally, those unpredictable bounces could lead to injuries in other vital areas such as bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles.
Let's prioritize moderation and consider alternative forms of stimulation to keep our furry friends healthy and balanced. How about modifying the exercise and , reduce the time spent chasing balls, and instead hide the ball and then let your dog use his nose to sniff out those smells and provide mental stimulation instead.
Comment 'EXERCISES' below for more suggestions.
Have you ever questioned the way in which your furry companion silently adjusts when they are not feeling their best?
Similar to humans, dogs possess remarkable mechanisms to compensate for discomfort or injury.
Take into consideration a sprained ankle โ while your body instinctively distributes weight to the other leg, what does your canine friend do?
What occurs subsequently?
A sequence of compensations is established by the body, as shifting weight leads to adaptations that can result in pain in other muscles, which we commonly refer to as referred pain.
Our dogs possess the ability to subtly modify their bodies in order to continue moving, often without our awareness.
How can you help?
Watch your dog move, do they twist their body, or wiggle their bottom (quite common particularly in labradors!) or do they skip and keep weight off one leg every now and again.
There are lots of clues and I will be sharing these with you.