Pets require physical therapy just as much as their owners to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pet physical therapy started in the 60s as a way to rehabilitate horses that were injured during races. While dog therapy started significantly 20 years later, pet therapy is a norm in most places around the globe. It is not just therapy but also a fast-growing form of veterinary healthcare.
Which pets benefit most from pet physical therapy?
Physical therapy for pets is not limited to specific animals. Veterinary services are offered even to service dogs which help limit gait abnormalities and injuries. Your older pet is also a prime candidate for our services seeing the process can aid in alleviating the pain that comes age-related physical changes. Physical Therapy sessions also help treat acute pain, swelling, orthopedic conditions, and weak limbs or decreased mobility.
Your pet will also benefit from our physical therapy sessions regarding their strength and physical conditioning. Consider bringing your injured pet to our clinic for a physical therapy session. Injured pets often have stiff muscles or lose muscle control after roughly 48 hours of an injury. We use physical therapy to prevent your pet’s muscles from shrinking especially after an injury seeing movement should be limited at such a time.
Services that can be offered during physical therapy
Veterinarians offer a variety of services which aid in ensuring your pet is appropriately rehabilitated. Therapeutic exercises come in handy when strengthening your pets’ muscles as well as hydrotherapy. Clinics also offer balance training especially for pets that have suffered a stroke as well as ultrasound and thermal therapy.
The range of services also features massage and coordination exercises which significantly boost your pets’ balance and range of motion.
How to know if your pet needs physical therapy
It is possible for your pet to develop a medical condition and not show any physical signs until it’s a little too late. Consider bringing your pet to a vet clinic for physical therapy if you see any of the following red flags.
If it’s hard for them to get up after napping
If they are reluctant to perform any activity such as walking
A decreased appetite
Evident pain
Hesitation when climbing or going down the stairs
Conclusion
Aside from helping rehabilitate your pet through working physical therapy sessions, Veterinarians can also conduct a full physical exam on your pet. We also advise our clients against visiting different clinics as varying methods can be harmful to your pet. Contact us today and watch your pets’ quality of life change exponentially for the better.
Sources: Pet Health Network, Good Pet Parent
