Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy

08/05/2025

📸🐾 Photo shoot fun and exciting plans ahead! 🐾📸

I recently had my first ever photo shoot at Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy with Megan from Megan Elizabeth Marketing. Megan was fab and put me at ease (I was very nervous, and even wore make up for the shoot!) and I wanted to share some exciting news and some of the pictures that were taken.

With some beautiful new photos ready to go, I am refreshing my services and preparing to showcase the amazing dogs (and their dedicated owners) I get to work with every day. 💚

Here is what is coming soon:

🐶 New Packages – Whether you have a playful puppy or a wise senior dog, there will be tailored support for every stage of life. Think comfort, confidence, and lots of feel-good moments.

🦴 Puppy Exercise Classes – Designed for growing bodies! These sessions support your puppy’s development with safe, enjoyable exercises that help them build strength and coordination. Yes, there will be wobble boards. Yes, it will be adorable. 😍

🐕‍🦺 Hip Dysplasia and Strengthening Classes – Created especially for dogs who need extra support staying active and mobile. These courses are all about building strength, reducing discomfort, and giving you the knowledge to help your dog at home.

📚 Anatomy and Massage Workshops – These popular sessions will be back in June! Learn how to understand your dog’s body, spot signs of tension and pain, and use gentle massage techniques that support recovery and relaxation. You will be surprised how much your hands can do!

✨ It is all about helping you feel confident, connected, and hands-on in your dog’s care – with expert guidance, plenty of laughs, and lots of tail wags along the way.

📩 Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message if you would like to be the first to hear when these new services launch – or just say hello if any of this sounds like something your dog would benefit from!

Let us make 2025 the year we support their steps, from tiny paws to wise old souls. 🐾💚

25/04/2025

"Excuse me... I believe this is my session!"
Noel (on the left) was fully in the physio zone—relaxed, focused, loving every minute—until Merlin decided he fancied another go! 😄

Merlin had already had his turn, but clearly thought Noel wouldn’t mind a little company. Judging by Noel’s unimpressed face, though... he did mind!

These two always keep me smiling 🐶💚

13/03/2025

✨ Happy 78th Birthday to my inspirational mum! 🎉🐴

Now she will not be happy with me for mentioning her age, but I think she’s an inspiration to us older riders—still out hacking at the incredible age of 78! I can only hope I am still doing the same when I reach her age.

Here she is (on the left) on her first ride of 2025—waiting for the sunshine to appear before getting back in the saddle (nothing wrong with being a fair-weather rider at 78! 😉). After five months off, she was understandably a little nervous heading out, and as all riders know, that first hack of the season can be a bit daunting! Libby was feeling a bit spooky, but mum handled it like a pro.

Unfortunately, we both struggle with arthritis in our hands, but for mum, even simple tasks like fastening a bridle /doing up girth, pulling on hoof boots etc are getting tougher. It takes her a little longer to get ready (and she definitely complains about it! 😂), but the moment she’s out, taking in the beautiful scenery from Libby’s back, I love to see how much joy it brings her, and joy to me to see her still enjoying her horse.

To my amazing mum - I hope you have a fabulous birthday (maybe even another ride out), and here’s to many more years in the saddle! 💕🐎

P.S. If I look like I’ve put on a few pounds, it’s just my body protector under that pink hi-vis! 😆

23/02/2025

Thistle’s Journey – From Wobbly Steps to Strength and Stability 🐱💙

Meet Thistle, a special cat with an incredible spirit! Adopted from Oaktree Animal Charity, he’s 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 he’s still gaining confidence with hands-on work, his progress has been amazing!

Thistle’s Physiotherapy Plan
His dedicated owners have embraced his structured exercise plan to improve his balance, strength, and coordination. His routine includes:

🐾 Wobble Cushion Training – Engaging his core muscles for stability and body control.
🐾 Pole Work – Encouraging better paw placement, proprioception, and range of motion.
🐾 Sits with High Fives – 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 owners’ dedication, Thistle has made huge improvements in just a few weeks—he’s steadier, stronger, and more confident!

Thistle’s 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! 🎉🐾
Has your pet faced mobility challenges? Physiotherapy isn’t just for dogs—cats can benefit too! If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out. 💙

21/02/2025

Is your dog's food bowl at the right height? 🐶🍽️

I recently found a fantastic raised feeding bowl called a Fluff Trough www.facebook.com/flufftrough, that has been a game-changer—especially for dogs recovering from surgery or those who struggle with floor-level feeding.

Why a raised feeder is a must-have:
✅ Better digestion – Promotes healthier eating posture, reducing bloating, gas, and regurgitation.
✅ Vet-recommended & award-winning design – Backed by experts for optimal feeding comfort.
✅ Patented open-front ‘trough’ design – Improves posture and makes mealtime easier, especially for brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers & more).
✅ Less strain on joints & spine – Keeps the head elevated, back level, and weight evenly distributed, preventing unnecessary pressure on the front limbs and neck.
✅ Non-slip base – Provides stability and reduces anxiety during meals.
✅ Perfect for managing health conditions – Helps dogs with IVDD, BOAS, myelopathy, neurological issues, esophagus issues, regurgitation, vestibular disease, and more.
✅ Easy to clean & mess-free – No more food spills all over the floor!
✅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 🐾



Have you tried a raised feeder for your pup? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️🐕

06/02/2025

🐶 Thinking about attending my Understanding Canine Anatomy and At-Home Massage workshop but not sure if it’s right for you?

Here’s what a recent attendee had to say:

👇 *"A really interesting and informative course covering signs to look for, behaviour, anatomy, as well as exercises and techniques to try. Mel is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her subject.

The small class size allows for lots of interesting, relatable discussions personalised to your individual dog(s) and experience.

I really hope she will run some more courses to build on this introduction to canine massage and help me to keep my dogs happy and healthy. Sign me up!"* – Jeanette

If you want to learn how to support your dog’s comfort and mobility at home, this workshop is for you! 🐕💆‍♀️

Click Link below
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

📍 Held at my Brampton location
📅 Limited spaces available

Drop a comment or send me a message if you'd like to join the next one! 💙

29/01/2025

👉About Muscle/Tendon/Ligament Pain 🐶💡

I’ve 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.

👉What is happening in my body?
My movement is stiff and uncomfortable
I can’t 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 moment😁!!)
My lower back and neck are feeling the strain
And everything feels… off.

Once the pain starts to ease, I’ll begin a rehab programme—not just to release trigger points and tension in the affected muscles, but to strengthen them too. If I don’t, 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!

👉Why 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 rehabilitation—targeted work to restore movement, reduce compensations, and strengthen muscles to help prevent repeat injury.

This is exactly what I focus on in physiotherapy—helping animals move freely again.

👇Have you noticed your dog moving differently after an injury?
Maybe a little stiffer, slower, or shifting their weight?

Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about your experiences! 🐕

20/01/2025

🎉 Workshop Countdown: Only 4 Days to Go! 🎉

Are you ready to:
✅ Understand your dog’s anatomy?
✅ Master gentle massage techniques?
✅ Strengthen your bond with your furry friend?

📅 When: Saturday, 25th January, 2-4 PM
📍 Where: Geltside Farm, Brampton
💷 Price: £30

✨ Don’t miss out—spaces are limited! Comment 🐾 if you’re excited, and I’ll send you the details to sign up.
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

14/01/2025

🐾 Exciting News for Dog Lovers! 🐾

Join me for the next workshop on Saturday 25th January, from 2 pm to 4 pm at my Brampton location for the ‘Understanding Canine Anatomy & At-Home Massage Techniques’ workshop! 🎉

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you better understand your dog’s body and learn simple yet effective massage techniques to support their health, relaxation, and overall happiness. 💕

Here’s what you’ll learn:
👉 Anatomy Essentials – Discover simple bony landmarks to guide your massage with confidence.
👉 Gentle Massage Techniques – Perfect for helping your dog relax and recharge at home.
👉 Comfort & Consent – Learn to read your dog’s body language and adapt to their needs.
👉 The 3 T’s – The key principles for safe and effective massage every time.

📣 Special Introductory Price: Only £30! (Price increases to £40 soon, so don’t wait!)

🗓️ When: Saturday 25th January, 2 pm - 4 pm
📍 Where: Office 2, Geltside Farm, Brampton, CA8 1TA

This is your chance to connect with your dog on a deeper level while learning skills that will benefit their well-being!

🌟 Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out. Book your spot today! Click the link below for more details and to secure your place. 👇👇

💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a message!

10/01/2025

❄️ Stay Safe on the Ice: Tips for Your Dog During This Cold Snap

Did you know that slippery surfaces, like icy pavements, can be just as dangerous for dogs as they are for us? While their paw pads might look tough, they don’t always provide the grip needed to stay steady on icy ground—especially if your dog has hairy feet! Hair between their pads can reduce traction even further, making slips and slides much more likely.

🐾 Why does this matter?
Even a small slip can lead to strains, sprains, or more serious injuries for your dog. And if slipping happens repeatedly, the risk of injury increases. Research shows that sudden trauma, like slipping, can lead to soft tissue damage or exacerbate existing conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

💡 Tips to Help Prevent Slips and Keep Your Dog Safe:

👉Trim the fur between their paw pads to improve grip and reduce ice buildup.
👉Walk on grass or snow-covered paths instead of icy pavements whenever possible.
👉Consider using dog booties for extra traction. If your dog isn’t a fan, try paw wax, which can provide additional grip.
👉Take it slow and steady on walks—avoid quick turns or running on slippery surfaces.
👉Watch for signs of discomfort after your walk. Limping or stiffness could indicate an injury from a slip.

Remember, prevention is key! Keeping your dog safe from icy slips will help them stay active and healthy during these frosty months.

Let’s make winter adventures fun and safe! 🐕❄️

Have you noticed your dog slipping more than usual? Drop your experiences below, or feel free to reach out for advice! 🐾

🐾 IT'S THOSE FEET AGAIN 🐾

I have posted fairly recently the importance of loving our dog's feet. Here's another quick reminder with the cold weather in mind

🦶🏻 FOOT BATH - if you're pavement walking, be aware of the salt/grit - give their paws a foot bath when you get home.
🦶🏻 FUR BABY - Trim the fur between your dog's toes to prevent ice balls/mud building up
🦶🏻 CRACK ME UP - Check for cracks in their paw pads or redness between their toes.
🦶🏻 BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING - if your dog has sore/arthritic toes, consider some boots for more tread, support & to keep them warm & dry.

I hope you've found these tips useful! xx