Rehabilitation for pets is a burgeoning field of study that acknowledges that, like humans, dogs can benefit from a customized exercise program and other therapeutic techniques that reduce pain, improve fitness, and restore function. It is based on the same principles as physiotherapy for humans: to recover, maintain, and maximize strength, movement, function, and total health. There is an emphasis on physical examination, diagnosis, evaluation, and interventions. Additionally, it prioritizes the relationships between the animal, owner, veterinarian, and other animal health care providers.
What exactly is pet rehabilitation?
Stretching, massage, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, ultrasound or therapeutic laser, and home exercise programs may be incorporated into the rehabilitation plan for your pet. Not all therapies are appropriate for pets, and your pet will receive a personalized rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation can also be paired with acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and pain management approaches to ensure your pet enjoys the highest quality of life possible plus you can even avail the services of a professional pet groomer if needed.
What to expect?
Physical therapy is typically accepted and even appreciated by most pets. Professionals utilize many positive reinforcement techniques to aid your pet throughout the sessions. Examine your pet’s specific mobility restrictions as the initial step. The diagnostic and treatment plan will be adapted to your pet’s unique demands, physical capabilities, or limitations. Manual therapy, therapeutic techniques, and exercise are frequently used in treatment.
Exercises
By qualified professionals, Cavaletti poles, rocker boards, physio rolls, weave poles, and balance discs will give you more info on what will be utilized. They will also teach your pet new movements, such as high-fives, sitting to standing, play bows, and many others.
While your pet is treated in the clinic, the veterinarian will send you home with further exercises, stretches, or heat/cold therapy treatments. These exercises will increase your range of motion along with your strength and stamina within that range.
This is a collection of resources you can use now and in the future to care for your pet. In addition to improving your pet’s comfort, strength, and ability around the affected area, the trainers are eventually aiming to retrain the neuromuscular firing of the muscles used in their stride in order to prevent future injuries.
Medications
Many patients are likely currently on anti-inflammatory medications, the most often prescribed painkiller. However, the primary objective is to reduce reliance on these medications. These techniques can greatly reduce your pet’s pain and decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medications.
Anti-anxiety medication could aid anxious patients. Massage therapy necessitates a relaxed patient, and the majority of pets are able to relax for a massage after two sessions after following a brief exercise routine. Please refrain from administering any human medication to your pet unless your veterinarian from an emergency pet hospital has specified a dose and brand.
Conclusion
Numerous veterinarians offer rehabilitative services for cats and dogs. Rehabilitation for animals tackles a broad spectrum of injuries, orthopedic conditions, and neurological disorders. Pet therapy can increase mobility, decrease discomfort, enhance motor function, and speed post-operative recovery. A skilled rehabilitation team will employ a variety of techniques to ensure that your animal receives the greatest possible advantages.
