Pet Paws Physio

01/08/2024

Senior Paws wrote a lovely article about some physiotherapy methods and mobility care for senior dogs 🐾💖
Thank you Hanching and Michael for your pouring your passion for senior dog care into words. It was a pleasure to be part of this. Check out this article for hints and tips for maintaining senior dogs mobility and joint health 🦴💪🐾💞

Did you know that physiotherapy could give paralyzed animals another chance to walk again? This specialized treatment helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for pets. 🐕
【Pet Physiotherapy Methods and Mobility Care for Senior Dogs】

In this feature article, the Founder of Pet Paws Physio, Deirdre Duggan, will introduce various physiotherapy methods and explain their benefits. Additionally, she'll share practical caregiving tips for senior dogs and demonstrate massage techniques, enabling dog parents to comfortably practice these at home.
📖 Read more here:
https://seniorpaws.ie/pet-physiotherapy-methods-and-mobility-care-for-senior-dogs
🐾 Let's enhance our senior dogs' lives with the power of physiotherapy!

12/07/2024

Thank you 🙏 Amanda and Rollo for this wonderful review. Rollo and his brother Solo (there for moral support and a cuddle 🤗) always bring a smile to my face, they are the most fabulous dogs.💕 Rollo is so receptive to physiotherapy and it's wonderful to hear and see how well he does in life living with OA 💕Rollo's pawrents are amazing at spotting when Rollo is uncomfortable and addressing this immediately.

"Rollo who was 8 in February was referred to Deirdre at Pet Paws Physio by our wonderful vets at the Vet Clinic Midleton.  He had had a GDV and two week stay in ICU in September 2022 with accompanying Systemic Inflammatory Response, Myo Carditis and Pneumonia and although he recovered well he was left with scar tissue, arthritis and compensations throughout his body. 

When we first saw Deirdre he had had an episode where he lost some coordination, was very slow on the stairs and was struggling with pushing himself up onto the ramp into and out of the car.  He is a very big chap at 65kgs so this was all having an effect on his mobility and quality of life.

Deirdre is brilliant and Rollo loved her immediately.  She was very thorough working through all the tightness in his body and we straight away noticed improvements as he walked straight down the stairs that evening. 

He has been seeing Deirdre for a year now and the difference has been amazing.  He is using his ramp easily as his back legs are much stronger, his balance is so much better and he has re-gained a lot of flexibility around his shoulders/neck and elbows.  She also recommended a brilliant heat pad which he loves and wears over his shoulders on the way home from the beach.

Deirdre always gives us follow up exercises and stretches to do at home with detailed explanations and/or videos and has been a wonderful support to us and Rollo is enjoying his sea walks and swims and is his best playful happy self which is wonderful to see. " 

Amanda, John, Solo and Rollo Marrow

11/07/2024

How a multi dog professional team can work together to promote better healthcare for your beloved fur friend 💕

Meet your Dogs Full care team & the MOST important part of my Behaviour Toolkit!

This is why referral and working collaboratively is so vital.

This is based on a true case (you might remember the beautiful Darby post from yesterday).

💉Kathryn at  diagnoses & treats uncomfortable skin conditions & owner reports behaviour concerns so Kathryn refers to

💊Erin from   to perform a pain assessment and treat medically.

We're not here yet but the following steps will potentially be.....

💊Erin may refer for further invesitgation by or refer to...

🦾 Deirdre from who devises a program for the owner to follow at home to restore movement, form and function.

Catherine follows up to assess for progress and takes the training program to the next steps to build confidence and engagement with owner via play and refers to Caroline .ie

🐕Caroline assess's the best form of training activity via dog sport to compliment both veterinary, physiotherapy and behaviour needs.

🇮🇪We may even refer to hydro via at  or the treadmill at   and the required equipment will be referred to  and    to support quality independent, Irish businesses.

🍗Training treats will be referred to and depending on the dogs dietary needs and toys & training aids will be referred to

Ask me again why networking matters?

💯

25/06/2024

Received a lovely email a few days ago updating me on their dog's progress. Pet guardians play the most important role in their pets care. People can receive all the guidance and support in the world but if they are not consistent with following that advise nothing will change. Even little changes over time can have big results 💕

24/06/2024

🎉 physio clinic at Veterinary Specialists Cork 🎉

I am very excited to announce I will be hosting a physio clinic every Wednesday at the fabulous Cork in Little Island.

Please contact me directly to arrange an appointment 🐾

Who can benefit from physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is beneficial in treating conditions that affect movement and function such as orthopaedic, neurological and soft tissue dysfunctions and their associated pain. Patients recovering from weakness associated with medical conditions may also benefit from a gentle return to function strengthening program.

I work closely with the referring Veterinary Surgeon to ensure the best treatment outcome. Examples of common conditions that benefit from physiotherapy are:

🐾Pre and post cranial cruciate surgery (eg:TPLO, TTA, Lateral support suture)

🐾Conservative management of cranial cruciate ligament disease when surgery is not an option

🐾Pre and post luxating patella repair surgery (eg: tibial crest transposition and block or wedge recession trochleoplasty)

🐾Post FHO surgery (Femoral head and neck ostectomy)

🐾Post fracture repair

🐾Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease management

🐾Elbow dysplasia

🐾Hip dysplasia

🐾Post fracture repair

🐾Any joint dysfunction,tendon strain or ligament sprain

🐾IVDD ( intervertebral disc disease)- post spinal surgery or conservative management.

🐾Wobbler syndrome ( cervical spondylomyelopathy)

🐾Degenerative myelopathy

🐾Lumbosacral disease

🐾Vestibular disease

🐾FCE (Fibrocartilaginous embolism)

🐾 Maintenance of strength and condition in healthy geriatric pets to aid in combatting natural decline in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia )in the aging animal and maintaining quality of life

🐾Pain associated with overuse of muscles due to chronic compensation

www.petpawsphysio Tel:086 3150786

10/06/2024

Gus ruptured his Achilles tendon back in February.
His amazing guardian has done super work to get him back on his feet.

We are progressing his exercises to help challenge his proprioceptive system, strengthen supporting and affected soft tissue structures and promote balanced movement and powering.

Keep up the great work Gus 💪💓

02/06/2024

Thanks so much to Senior Paws for this lovely article about my journey into the canine rehabilitation world 💕

Did you know pets can benefit from physical therapy just like humans? Can senior dogs regain mobility through physical therapy? 🐕

【Pet Paws Physio: Rehabilitating Mobility in Senior Dogs】
In this feature, we interviewed Deirdre Duggan, founder of Pet Paws Physio, to explore her journey from becoming a veterinary nurse to establishing a Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy center in East Cork🐾.

📖 Read more here:
https://seniorpaws.ie/pet-paws-physio-rehabilitating-mobility-in-senior-dogs/

Stay tuned for our next installment, where we share professional insights and tips from Deirdre on caring for senior dogs, preventing mobility issues, and home-based physical therapy techniques. Follow Senior Paws for more insightful articles!

22/05/2024

Slippery floors are the bane of every dog's life.

Some people think it's funny when their dog runs and slips when taking a corner and slams into a wall , or their feet slip from under them when they are trying to maintain a standing or sitting posture, or when their paw pads find no traction to grip onto when they are trying to get up from lying or standing, or when our older dogs in particular need to sit or lie down frequently even when eating because trying to stay standing upright against the forces of gravity when you have naturally declining age related muscle cells/mass and strength ( called sarcopenia) and your paw pads have worn and become smooth losing their natural traction!!!

But I don't find it funny at all. Everyday I see dogs with different musculoskeletal ailments. These ailments are most definitely exacerbated by them having to constantly navigate slippery floors.

Slippery floors are great to keep clean but a nightmare for our dog's musculoskeletal health 😥

I encourage you to risk assess your home and observe your dog walking, trotting , moving from a sit to lie to stand- if you notice any one of their feet sliding while they are in a static posture this means they are struggling to maintain grip.

I recently received these fab pictures from a fabulous client who invested in her dog's comfort by purchasing these pilates mats and placed them around areas where her dog navigates the most in the home 👏👏👏

I don't do house calls but recently i had to visit 2 clients homes and I was so impressed to see they had followed my advise about placing a path of mats around their home for their dog 💕

I would also ensure to keep furry feet at bay- regularly trim hairs under and around paw pads or ask your vet or your groomer to do it for you.

Special doggie booties with traction are great too but are not suitable for all dogs.

They had it well sussed in the 80s when the house was covered in carpet 😊

Comment below if you have any more suggestions 💕

30/04/2024

This 10 month old ball of cuteness, Sophie has grade II bilateral luxating patellae. She was advised by her vet to start a strengthening program to help strengthen her bilateral Quadriceps femoris muscle group.

The patella/knee cap sits in the tendon of this important group of muscles. Weakness in her Quads along with having a shallow patellar groove ( the groove at the distal/ end of her femur/thigh bone where her knee cap sits in) allows the patella / knee cap to slip in and out. This will also pull the Quadriceps tendon and muscles medially - towards the midline.

Sometimes you will notice they will skip on the leg or sometimes hop and then walk normal. Thats because the knee cap has slipped out 🫣, sometimes they can pop it in place again themselves and sometimes it may remain luxated- they can't extend their knee/stifle then. The problem is if the patella is popping in and out regularly it can wear down the articulating cartilage and this will cause inflammation, pain and lead to osteoarthritis as well as an array of compensatory secondary issues.

Strengthening the Quadriceps Femoris muscle group ( and all the muscles of the pelvic limbs), along with exercise modifications will help provide enough tension on the patellar tendon to keep the patella in place, or at least reduce the amount of times it luxates. This can also form part of their prehab if they need surgical intervention and this will help them recover quicker.

Sophie and her pawrent have been super and small changes in environment and play and walking times have already made a huge difference.

29/04/2024

Had the best day yesterday hosting the Thriving Oldies retreat day with Caroline of Dogsercise.
This healthy senior dog retreat day was all about fun, education, fitness, awareness, and relaxation inspiring dog guardians of aging dogs on all the ways they can enrich and enhance and prolong their dog's healthspan as they age.

I really enjoyed these fab dogs and their humans 💕 They were a wonderfully proactive group

Our mission is to help senior dogs not just survive into their latter years, but thrive into old age 🐾💖

If you are interested in our next thriving oldies retreat or have any questions, please DM me or Caroline and booking is through website
https://dogsercise.ie/thriving-oldies/
Places are limited, so that we can focus on your dog's needs.

27/04/2024

Thank you so much to Hanching and Michael from Senior Paws for chatting with me today about senior dog care and, physiotherapy, signs of pain, and what we can do to be more proactive in keeping our aging dogs mobile and strong. It is a topic that is so close to my heart 🥰

I really enjoyed hearing their stories about their beloved senior dogs. We shared our experiences of caring for our senior dogs, the highs and the lows. But it's the least we can do for our beloved fur family who give us so much unconditional love throughout their lives.

The article will be published sometime very soon.

Check out www.seniorpaws.ie a resource for all things related to Senior dogs 🐾🐾
https://seniorpaws.ie/

14/04/2024

Dogsercise and Pet Paws Physio are throwing a FREE pamper day for senior rescue dogs! Check out the entry criteria above and get in with a chance of a fantastic day with your golden oldie!❤️

Retreat location: Dogsercise HQ near Youghal!

10/04/2024

I miss these two cheeky pups everyday. I don't know why but today grief got the better of me and I had a little cry. I miss them so very much, but I know I was so very lucky to have them in my life, they taught me so much, and brought so much joy to my life. They are the reason I delved into the veterinary rehab world.

When I was nursing in a lovely small animal hospital I remember all the older dogs coming in, their pawrents grasping for ideas of what more they could do to help their dogs as they aged. I wondered too. I feared for my 2 young lively JRT pups and wanted them to be comfortable and strong throughout their life especially into their golden oldies years. Back 20 years ago there weren't many options out there only medication.

I remember the magazine arriving by post into the hospital and in that there was an article about veterinary physiotherapy. That was my Eureka or "aha" moment. This was the missing link to help all those aging dogs feel more comfortable and live their best life. This was what I could do to help dogs. AND THAT IS WHAT I DID DO TO HELP MY TWO BELOVED PUPS KEEP STRONG AND MOBILE AND COMFORTABLE 💕

Being proactive rather than reactive is key to a long happy healthspan throughout their long life span. I want your dog to feel the same

Comment below if you would like me to post more about how you can help your aging dog 💖

07/04/2024

Was fabulous to be part of the canine pain panel session today with these two amazing professionals, Sinead and Catherine from

Thank you too to Esther from and for hosting such a great event. It was a lovely gathering of like minded people

02/04/2024

Come say hello to me at Dogs Day Out event at Ballymaloe on Sunday April 7th

I will have a little stall where you can come say hello and ask me any questions regarding your dog's mobility.

I will also be part of a canine pain panel at 11am as part of scheduled talks on the day.

I look forward to meeting you all and your lovely canine friends 🐶💕🐾

13/03/2024

I am so grateful for this amazing testimonial from a lovely pawrent. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write this, I greatly appreciate it. I treated her 3 older dogs, who were the sweetest bunch and enjoyed life to the very end. It was my absolute pleasure to be part of their journey. I miss them very much 💕

11/03/2024

As a small business I am so so grateful to clients taking the time to write a testimonial. It's so wonderful to hear their beloved furfriends have benefited from my knowledge and skills, it really means a lot to me, thank you 💕 This is shared with clients' permission.

"We have attended Dee (Petpaws Physio) over the last number of years with 2 of our dogs. Both different ages, breeds and personalities. Charley was 12 year old Chocolate lab with Arthritis and Luna is a 2 year old Springer Collie Cross with hip dysplagia. Dee was recommended to us by our vet and I can still recall the initial telephone conversation. Dee was kind warm and very knowledgeable and reassuring via telephone and so much more in person. It is very evident her love of animals but also her adaptability depending on the dog in front of her and the condition they present with. In both instances she provided top quality hands on treatments, exercises,and theromotherapy. Very detailed home exercise plans were provided with video links to allow us further support for correct technique. She was able to provide tips and suggestions for different adjustments that could be made in environment to aid improved quality of life. We are so incredibly fortunate to have such an absolute invaluable resource here in Cork. 100% recommend to everyone."
Phil and Laura Manning

07/02/2024

I am super excited to be part of this amazing human dog retreat in the amazing settings of Wild Hideaways in West Cork 🐾💕

01/12/2023

Goodbye for now sweet Shadoe 💔
Shadoe was coming to me regularly for physio as she had osteoarthritis in her elbows. She was always a real sweetheart , the apple of her dad's eye and won us all over with her gentle, friendly and loving nature. She was so very well loved by her pawrents and fur family and by those who had the pleasure of meeting and treating her. She always brought a smile to my face , and will always be remembered with love 💓
I will miss your fun loving, whole body bum shuffling waggy tail . She was a special lady and it was my pleasure to have been part of her journey.

Sweet dreams Shadoe 💕

30/11/2023

As the weather gets colder it's really important we think of our furry friends and how the cold can affect them especially those with less body fat , older animals, reduced mobility and those with osteoarthritis.
If they feel cold, they will tense up their muscles reducing blood flow and circulation to these areas which can cause muscles and tendons to contract and lead to stiffness when moving joints. Like us all, dogs might not be as active during the winter months too as weather might not always permit walks outdoors, this can contribute to deconditioning of muscles contributing to stiffness.

Ensure your dog gets some form of exercise daily, even if it's just a toilet walk outside, then do more enrichment work or conditioning or training exercises inside. It's important to stay active during the winter months so they don't lose muscle mass. Muscles provide the power for movement. Set up a doggie gym, doing simple active range of motion exercises such as stand to sit to lie to stand, standing and giving paw, bow, standing on step with head lure, walking over poles at ground level , and weaving ( figure of 8)can all help keep your dog's muscles and joints moving and healthy. Ensure to perform exercises on a non-slip surface. If your dog is showing signs of weakness or fatigues easily or has an underlying condition please check with your vet or physio what exercises are appropriate for your dog.

Wearing well fitting, waterproof coats when out and about. Putting on a jumper layer when inside.

Remember dogs do a lot of lying down at ground level, so ensuring their beds are away from draughts or blocking draughts at doorways so they don't get cold.

Thermotherapy over areas of tension can be really beneficial. There are many heat pads on the market , so do your research. I love the epiony heat mat from

I really like the lovely fluorescent yellow coat that the handsome Zeus is modelling, which is soft on the inside and waterproof on the outside, allowing him to be seen in the darker winter months. it can be easily put on too- no lifting of feet 🐾

28/11/2023

Flashback to that day last October when I met some amazing veterinary nurses and shared my knowledge. It was such a pleasure meeting like minded people with a passion for physio and rehabilitating the canine patient.This was an introduction to physio day long theory and practical workshop for veterinary nurses. It is such a broad topic and profession, so there was a lot to cover . And I feel I only skimmed over everything 🙈Hopefully we will have a day 2 to help solidify the day 1 knowledge and put it all into practice 👏👏👏
I am so very grateful to Sarah and Siobhan from for making me feel so welcome. Their dedicated CPD venue in Co. Tipperary is fabulous. Also a big shout out to the 6 super dogs who came along and let us work with them 💕
I am so grateful for all the fantastic feedback from the day.
The more RVNs doing physio in practice the more our animal patients benefit in the long run. Physio will promote a better outcome post surgery and limit or eliminate post op compensatory movement patterns from occurring. Having the tools to assess each patient and know what their individual needs are and know how to address these will result in better outcome measures.

After working for many years as an RVN in small animal practice, i started my journey into the physiotherapy profession by doing CPD courses like this. It gave me a grá and insight into what was involved and gave me the nudge to further my education and change careers entirely. I haven't looked back since. I never regret one day of following my heart down this career path, it is very rewarding. I learn every day from my patients and their pawrents. I continue to attend CPD events and courses, always expanding my knowledge. I love rehabilitation, and I find it fascinating, and so beneficial.

11/11/2023

learning.
curious

I really enjoyed the 2 day focusing on myofascial chains in the equine and canine patients. It was inspiring, educational and empowering 💕 thanks to for hosting another great summit 🙏

Now to put my knowledge into practice 😁😁😁

03/09/2023

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month

Recognising the subtle signs of pain is critical for our pets long term comfort and wellbeing 💕

Education of what these signs of pain can look like in our pet is important so we can act upon without delay

First step 📍 awareness- education, observation of behaviour and movement and recognition of signs of pain

Second step 📍action- monitor, record, and veterinary examination

Third step📍 intervention - diagnostics, medical management, exercise management, environment management, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy

29/08/2023

Love getting updates from clients . This amazing fella turned 5 today and has been through so much. He was in a road traffic accident in 2022 which left him with multiple fractures and neurological deficits. He recovered from his injuries and complications and has achieved his goal of independent function 👏👏👏 The accident has left him with an unusual gait which results in compensatory movement patterns but he is perfect in every other way 💕. A good attitude and the right help has kept this amazing guy going and helped him regain strength.
His lovely carer Helen shared this picture of him today.
I see Seamus every few months for physiotherapy assessment and treatment. He goes to Emily for regular hydrotherapy sessions , she does amazing work with him to keep him strong, comfortable and reeducation of neuronal pathways .
Happy birthday Seamus 🥳🥳🥳🎈🎈🎈

28/08/2023

Delighted to be partnering with Wimba and bringing this service to East Cork . Check out their page for more details on their fab custom made orthosis or DM me for details 💕

Exciting news alert!

We are thrilled to announce that Wimba has entered into a brand new partnership with Pet Paws Physio! 🤝 We are embarking on this journey with immense enthusiasm and anticipation for the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for placing their trust in us and choosing Wimba. 🚀

Let's restore pets mobility together! 🐾

25/08/2023

Gyuri appreciation post 🎉

Met this boy today he is doing so well.

Keep up the great work Gyuri 💕💪😍

07/05/2023

Tissue healing times chart

We love this helpful and handy chart from AARV member clinic River Canine Rehabilitation out of Missouri where AARV member Kara Amstutz, DVM, CCRT, CVPP practices. Any way in which owners can understand the different types of tissue injuries that require different average healing times helps everyone on an animals rehabilitation journey! 🐾👏👩‍⚕️

29/04/2023

Enjoyed the Canine spinal assessment and treatment workshop in the UK today.

Learned more about spinal assessment and treatment including spinal mobilisations and traction techniques. As always assessment is the key word and without good assessment (which involves a combination of observations of static and dynamic postures, active and passive range of motion) treatment will be aimless.

Many thanks to Felicity Parris of
Sussex Vetphysio Services and SVPS Education and all the amazing physios who shared their knowledge and dogs today 💕

Took advantage of my little trip to UK and took myself into Hastings, where the traditional Jack in the Green festival was on. Great start to the summer 🌞

05/11/2022

Veterinary and Animal physiotherapists of Ireland meet up in Athlone 2022💖

Was so great to meet like minded people in the profession and discuss all things Veterinary physio from case studies to modalities to business.
We come from different parts of Ireland, from different backgrounds, some of us treat small animals, some treat equine patients, some treat humans and some treat all species 💪
It was a pleasure meeting such a knowledgable bunch and I left with some golden nuggets of information 👏👏
It was lovely to put faces to the names 💞

There were a few faces that couldn't make today who were missed and who will hopefully make the next meet up 💓

A special thank you to Aisling who organised today , beautiful venue and food 😋🙏🙏

We plan to meet again and discuss case studies, what's new in the field and any other matters related to veterinary physiotherapy. So if there are any vet physios, hydrotherapists or rehabilitation therapists out there who are interested in meeting up the next time, drop any of us a DM or comment below.

14/10/2022

Really enjoyed this lecture with Carmen Heriter about isometric exercises ( static muscle engagement/strengthening exercises) and ideas on how to teach patients to do and hold positions and build on that.