"How soon after surgery can my dog start Physical Rehabilitation?" Many orthopedic surgical cases can begin a physical rehabilitation program with Pawsitive Strides as soon as their sutures have been removed and the incision is fully healed. Is there anything I can do at home for my pet? Absolutely! In fact we encourage home exercises and are more than happy to put together a home exercise plan after your consultation. "I have a friend who has a dog they would like to bring in. Can I refer them to you??" Yes, I would be glad to speak with your friend about the benefits of physical rehabilitation. However, a veterinary referral with complete diagnosis is required to make an appointment. My dog is reaching her senior years and is starting to show signs of stiffness. When is a good time to start therapeutic exercises and treatment? As dogs reach their senior years, many physical changes begin to occur. Stiffness is often associated with arthritic joints and will eventually lead to muscle atrophy and decreased tolerance for activity. The decrease in activity, in turn, exacerbates the stiffness and arthritic changes. This snowball effect can be offset by working to prevent or slow some of these processes with physical rehabilitation. These techniques include modalities to help relieve pain as well as provide goal oriented exercises which focus on range of motion, strength, balance and coordination. How much does physical rehabilitation cost? After your initial evaluation your visits will be charged at an hourly rate of 80.00/hr with a minimum fee of $40.00. Using an hourly rate allows more access to the use of multiple modalities and is therefore more beneficial for your dog. What if my dog is scared of swimming or water? Many dogs who show anxiety around water such as rivers and creeks often seem to be much more comfortable in the underwater treadmill. This may be partly due to temperature as well as solid, even footing which is not provided in nature. We make every effort to ensure that your dog has a positive experience and have found that many dogs who are not normally fond of water learn to enjoy their work in the treadmill. Can I stay with my pet during their session? We encourage dog owners to stay during the sessions so that they can see their dog's progress and also so that they can provide encouragement and support. If, however, we feel that your dog will be more focused and attentive during their therapy we may ask you to step out or leave your dog for the session. |
