Senior Dogs and Physiotherapy: A Path To Improved Quality of Life
As dogs age, they face many similar challenges to humans – arthritis, muscle weakness, joint stiffness and reduced mobility. These can significantly reduce their quality of life and can cause pain, discomfort and decreased activity levels. Physiotherapy can provide huge benefits to senior dogs, helping them remain comfortable in their older years.
The Ageing Process in Dogs
Before we look at the benefits of physiotherapy for senior dogs, it is important to understand the ageing process and how this affects dogs so that we can provide them with the best possible care for their individual needs. Dogs are usually considered ‘senior’ when they are around 7-8 years of age, although this will vary depending on size and breeds with larger breeds showing signs of ageing around 5 years onwards, with smaller breeds ageing more slowly.
- Joint degeneration: this is where cartilage wears down over time and can lead to arthritis. Dogs often start showing signs of pain, inflammation and reduced joint mobility.
- Muscle atrophy: as dogs age they can sometimes start showing signs of declined muscle mass and strength. They may find everyday tasks such as getting into the car a struggle.
- Decreased flexibility: ageing dogs often struggle with stiffness in their joints and muscles, so normal movements such as stretches are often more challenging.
- Reduced endurance: older dogs tend to tire quickly and may not have the energy levels they used to. This can cause a more sedentary lifestyle, which will not help any other age-related issues they are having.
- Chronic pain: arthritis is common in older dogs, causing chronic pain and affecting the overall mood of an ageing dog. As we are now quickly approaching winter, arthritis and pre-existing injuries can be exacerbated by cold and wet weather in dogs of all ages.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Senior Dogs
Physiotherapy is a form of rehabilitation where massages and exercises are used to improve mobility and alleviate pain in both animals and humans. For senior dogs, physiotherapy is one of the best ways to reduce pain and the physical challenges that come with ageing. Here are some of the benefits of physiotherapy for senior dogs:
1. Pain management
Techniques such as laser therapy, therapeutic massage and hydrotherapy are a great way to reduce inflammation as they improve circulation and promote the release of endorphins. Regular physiotherapy can help manage chronic pain associated with arthritis, to help dogs remain more comfortable.
2. Improved mobility
Physiotherapy can have a huge positive impact on the mobility and flexibility of senior dogs. As well as the core sessions, owners should carry out targeted exercises and stretching routines to help their dog build up their strength. For dogs that struggle with joint stiffness, physiotherapy is key to help improve their range of motion.
3. Stronger muscles
As dogs age, they can often suffer from muscle atrophy but this can be counteracted by physiotherapists carrying out controlled exercises. By strengthening the muscles around the affected joints, this can provide stability and support to help improve a dog’s ability to move. Regular strength building can also prevent further muscle degradation, keeping senior dogs active for longer.
4. Improved balance & coordination
Dogs often struggle with balance and coordination as they get older, which can lead to an increased risk of injuries. Physiotherapy can include exercises to help with this, improving a dog’s stability. With equipment such as balance boards, physiotherapists can help improve a dog’s proprioception, reducing the risk of them falling.
5. Weight management
Both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are a great way to reduce weight in older dogs. The heavier a dog is, the more weight and strain on their joints, leading to faster ageing. By creating exercises that are tailored to a dog’s specific needs, they can burn calories without overexerting themselves.
6. Improved cardiovascular health
Regular physiotherapy can work wonders for a dog’s cardiovascular health. Hydrotherapy is incredibly low impact and means that a dog can get their heart rate up quite quickly without the extra strain and pressure on their joints.
Working With A Canine Physiotherapist
If you are considering physiotherapy for your dog, it is incredibly important to choose a highly qualified canine physiotherapist who understands the individual needs of your dog. They will develop a specific treatment plan, and can also teach you effective exercises and techniques that you can continue at home in between sessions.
Physiotherapy can be a very powerful tool in improving the quality of life for senior dogs, and with the right care, your senior dog can continue living an active life.
For more information about physiotherapy for dogs, our expert team at WitsEnd are on hand to help. To book an appointment or for more information, please call us on 0116 244 2455.