Canine Veterinary Physiotherapy
Supporting Comfort, Mobility & Performance in Dogs
Dogs place significant physical demands on their bodies throughout their lives — from everyday activity to sporting, working or competitive roles. Injury, surgery, age-related change or neurological conditions can all affect movement, comfort and quality of life. Canine veterinary physiotherapy supports dogs by improving function, reducing pain and helping them move more comfortably and confidently.
At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy for dogs, delivered with a Fear Free, low-stress approach and always under veterinary referral or consent.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Dogs?
Canine physiotherapy aims to:
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Reduce pain and muscular tension
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Improve joint mobility and flexibility
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Restore strength, balance and coordination
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Support safe recovery following injury or surgery
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Improve endurance and performance
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Support long-term comfort in senior dogs
Each programme is fully tailored to the individual dog, their lifestyle and clinical needs.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Canine physiotherapy may benefit dogs with:
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Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
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Post-operative recovery (orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery)
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Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, muscle tears)
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Neurological conditions affecting movement or coordination
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Spinal pain or reduced core stability
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Fracture recovery (once clinically stable)
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Age-related mobility decline
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Sporting, working or performance-related injuries
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Reduced confidence or movement changes following injury
Physiotherapy can also support injury prevention and conditioning for active and athletic dogs.
What to Expect From a Physiotherapy Session
Initial Assessment
The first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment, which may involve:
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Static and dynamic gait analysis
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Postural and conformation assessment
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Palpation of muscles, joints and soft tissues
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Range of motion testing
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Neurological screening where appropriate
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Discussion of lifestyle, workload and home environment
This allows a clear understanding of your dog’s movement and comfort.
Treatment Plan
Based on assessment findings, an individualised treatment plan may include:
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Manual therapies (massage and soft tissue techniques)
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Therapeutic and remedial exercise programmes
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Pain management modalities, including laser therapy
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Electrotherapies such as ultrasound, TENS/NMES and PEMF
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Stretching and mobility work
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Home exercise and management advice
Treatment is progressed safely and adapted to your dog’s response.
Fear Free, Low-Stress Care
Some dogs find clinical environments challenging. Sessions are delivered using:
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Calm, positive handling
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Adapted session length where needed
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Consideration of emotional as well as physical wellbeing
This helps ensure treatment is effective and as stress-free as possible.
Working With Your Veterinary Surgeon
Canine physiotherapy is provided in collaboration with your veterinary practice. Veterinary referral or consent is required prior to treatment to ensure physiotherapy is appropriate and safe for your dog.
Where appropriate, progress updates and feedback can be shared with your vet.
Supporting Dogs at Home
Owner involvement is key to successful outcomes. Physiotherapy sessions often include:
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Clear home exercise guidance
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Advice on activity modification
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Recommendations on walking routines, flooring, stairs and rest areas
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Support for weight management where appropriate
Small, consistent changes at home can have a significant impact.
Who Can Benefit From Canine Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy may help dogs who are:
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Reluctant to exercise or slower on walks
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Struggling with stairs, jumping or rising
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Recovering from surgery or injury
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Competing or working at a high physical level
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Ageing or showing signs of stiffness