Canine Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

​When we humans go through a serious injury or surgery, it takes quite a bit of time to recover. Getting back on our feet usually requires some extra effort on our part to help strengthen the muscles in the injured area. 

The same is true when getting our canine companions back on their paws after an injury. That’s why the Animal Center of the Antelope Valley offers dog physical therapy among our services. 

What Is Dog Physical Therapy?

Like human physiotherapy, dog physiotherapy is a series of physical exercises designed to target a place of injury on your dog. The goal is to help reduce pain and promote healing by increasing mobility and strengthening muscles in the affected area. This will also help reduce the chance of your dog reinjuring itself. 
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But canine rehabilitation doesn’t only have to occur after a specific event like an injury or surgery. It can also occur to help counteract the effects of neurological or degenerative diseases, arthritis, obesity, or even the effects of old age.  

What To Expect From Canine Physical Therapy

As mentioned, canine rehabilitation and physical therapy mimic human physical therapy techniques. As such, you can expect your dog to go through similar processes you might expect if you were to go through physical therapy. A few familiar techniques you might see include: 

• Heat and cold therapy 
• Water therapy  
• Balance exercises  
• Passive range of motion physical therapy 
• Light walking  

Physical therapy for range of motion will look different depending on the type of injury or surgery your dog has undergone. Rest assured, that we will tailor your dog’s physical therapy to their condition.  

How To Take Advantage of Dog Physical Therapy

If you aren’t sure whether your dog could benefit from physical therapy, our veterinarian team will be able to help determine the best plan for your dog. Visit our contact page today to schedule an appointment. Our team will be able to determine whether physiotherapy is necessary and create a personalized plan to help your dog.