What to Expect | Paws and Claws

What to Expect at Your Physiotherapy Appointment

We understand that bringing your pet for physiotherapy — especially for the first time — can feel daunting. Our goal is to make every visit as calm, comfortable and positive as possible for both you and your pet.

All physiotherapy sessions are tailored to the individual animal and are carried out under veterinary referral or consent.

Before Your Appointment

Before your visit:

Veterinary consent will be obtained prior to treatment
You may be asked for background information about your pet’s condition, lifestyle and goals
Please allow your pet to toilet before arrival
Bring any relevant medical information if available
Bring treats, toys or familiar items to help your pet feel at ease

If your pet is nervous or anxious, please let us know in advance so we can adapt the session.

During the Appointment

Appointments are unhurried and focused on your pet’s comfort.

Your session may include:

A full assessment of posture, movement and gait
Gentle hands-on examination
Manual therapy such as massage or soft tissue techniques
Therapeutic exercises
Electrotherapies where appropriate (e.g. K-Laser, ultrasound, TENS/NMES, PEMF, heat or cold therapy)
Ongoing monitoring of your pet’s comfort and response

Not all treatments are used for every pet — therapy is always adapted to individual needs.

After the Appointment

Following your session:

You may be given a simple home exercise or management plan
Advice will be provided on activity modification or environmental changes
Follow-up appointments will be discussed if appropriate
Progress can be communicated with your veterinary surgeon

Many pets show gradual improvements over time, particularly with consistent treatment and home support.

What to Expect for Dogs

Physiotherapy for dogs is adapted to their age, size, temperament and lifestyle.

For dogs, you can expect:

Time to settle into the environment
Movement and gait assessment (walking or gentle exercises)
Hands-on therapy delivered at your dog’s pace
Breaks if your dog becomes tired or overwhelmed

Physiotherapy can support dogs recovering from injury or surgery, living with arthritis, or working and sporting dogs needing performance support.

What to Expect for Cats

Cats require a calm, flexible and respectful approach.

Feline physiotherapy sessions:

Are quiet and unhurried
Allow cats to remain in their carrier initially if preferred
Involve minimal handling and respect feline choice
May be shorter and spread over more visits

Cats are never forced to participate. Treatment is guided by your cat’s comfort and willingness, following Fear Free and Cat Friendly principles.

Victory Visits may be recommended before treatment for nervous or sensitive cats.

Is Physiotherapy Painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. Techniques and treatments are adjusted to your pet’s tolerance, and sessions will be stopped or modified if your pet shows signs of discomfort or stress.

Your pet’s welfare is always the priority.

Home Visits & Victory Visits

For pets who struggle to travel or find new environments stressful:

Home visits may be available on a case-by-case basis
Victory Visits can help build confidence before treatment begins

Please get in touch to discuss suitability.

If You’re Unsure

If you’re not sure what your pet will need or whether physiotherapy is right for them, you’re very welcome to contact us to talk through your concerns.

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy, we provide evidence-based treatment to support recovery, comfort, and mobility in both dogs and cats. All sessions are carried out under veterinary referral or consent and tailored to your pet’s individual needs.