Dog Physical Therapy: Everything a Pet Parent Should Know About Physical Therapy for Dogs

Whether your pup is recovering from surgery or an injury, physical therapy for dogs may help your pet as they heal.

Here, you’ll learn about the types of dog physical therapy (PT), why PT for dogs might be recommended, and the benefits of physical therapy for dogs.

What Is Physical Therapy for Dogs?

Physical therapy for dogs is very similar to physical therapy for people. In fact, many of the same techniques are used in both pet physical therapy and human physical therapy.

The goal of physical therapy for dogs is to improve a dog’s mobility (movement) and function while decreasing pain.

When talking about dog PT, vets often will call it canine physical rehabilitation. Technically, the term “physical therapy” applies only to humans, but let’s use both terms here.

There are veterinary professionals who are certified in rehabilitation or animal physical therapy.

Physical therapy for dogs can be done at specialty rehabilitation clinics, veterinary teaching hospitals, and some private practices. A rehab professional may also teach you at-home rehabilitation exercises to do with your dog.

Types of Physical Therapy for Dogs

There are many types of animal physical therapy. If your dog needs physical therapy, their therapeutic plan will be created to meet your pet’s individual needs.

The following are examples of types of PT that can be used in dog physical rehabilitation:

• Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy includes the use of underwater treadmills and swimming pool exercises. This therapy allows dogs to build muscle and improve mobility while reducing strain on joints.

  • Hydrotherapy is good for dogs who have arthritis, who are recovering from an orthopedic surgery (hip dysplasia, CCL, or IVDD) or injury, or who have muscle weakness due to neurologic conditions.

• Acupuncture: During an acupuncture treatment, small needles are put into specific points on the patient’s body. In some cases, electrical impulses may be run through the needles.

  • Acupuncture has a wide range of uses, but it’s often used for musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions.

• Manual therapy and passive range of motion: These techniques involve flexing and extending joints and moving them through their range of motion. These sorts of exercises are very common after orthopedic surgeries or musculoskeletal injuries.

  • For example, if your dog has had a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO), the veterinarian is likely to recommend passive range of motion exercises as part of the recovery.

  • Chiropractic treatments may fall in this category as well.

• Therapeutic exercises or canine physiotherapy exercises: If you’ve ever needed physical therapy for an injury, the therapist likely had you do specific exercises. This is therapeutic exercise.

  • Physiotherapy exercises for dogs can include things like balancing on three legs, walking on the front legs, sit-and-stand exercises, and side-hopping.

  • These exercises can help with recovery from an orthopedic injury. They may also be useful for building muscle in dogs who have neurologic conditions.

• Therapeutic massage: The main goals of massage are to relieve pain, improve mobility, and improve circulation (blood flow). Massage may be recommended after surgery or an injury.

• Therapeutic laser: Therapeutic laser involves using light to encourage tissue repair. Most commonly, the type of light used is infrared light.

  • Laser therapy can be used to relieve symptoms of arthritis or to encourage healing of injuries. This can include surgical incisions.

• Therapeutic ultrasound: You’ve likely heard of diagnostic ultrasounds, but ultrasound can also be used therapeutically.

  • This therapy uses sound waves to heat tissues and cause vibrations. The goal is to break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and ease pain.

  • Like many of the other options, therapeutic ultrasound is often used for orthopedic injuries, including sports injuries.

• Ice or heat therapy (thermotherapy): Heat and cold are both commonly used in PT. The use of ice is more common in the days after an injury.

  • For example, your veterinarian may recommend icing the site of a fracture repair for several days after surgery.

  • Heat is used to help relax muscles and increase blood circulation. Heat may be used for orthopedic injuries or after the first few days of surgery recovery.

Why Would a Dog Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy for dogs is helpful for dogs recovering from surgery or injury. It can also help with the management of long-term neurologic or neuromuscular conditions.

Examples of conditions treated with some form of canine physical rehabilitation include:

• Post-operative pain and stiffness, especially orthopedic procedures

• Wounds

• Cruciate ligament tears

• Osteoarthritis

• Sports injuries

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

• Hip dysplasia

• Wobbler syndrome

• Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

• Obesity

Physical therapy may not be helpful in every case. Your veterinarian is your best source for whether your dog could benefit from animal physical therapy.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Dogs?

Physical therapy for dogs can ease pain, improve mobility, and improve function. Dogs recovering from surgery or injury may have a faster recovery if they get physical rehabilitation.

Dogs who experience these benefits have a better quality of life. In some cases, physical therapy may allow dogs to return to their favorite activities—like running agility courses—more quickly.

The risks of dog physical therapy are minimal if the program is made by a reputable rehab professional. Some dogs may have pain if their limits are pushed. Injuries can also worsen if exercises are done improperly.

To prevent injury, do physical therapy exercises with your dog only if a veterinary professional has shown you how to do them properly.

Never look up exercises and attempt them on your own.

When searching for a rehabilitator, make sure you choose someone who is certified in animal physical rehabilitation.

Look for a professional with a certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT) certification or a veterinarian who is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

In some cases, your dog may benefit from anxiety medications while undergoing physical rehabilitation.

Cost of Physical Therapy for Dogs

The overall cost of physical therapy for dogs will depend on the condition being treated, the therapeutic options used, and how long the condition needs treatment.

The first consultation for dog physical therapy will usually cost $100 to $200. Typically, an individual session can range anywhere from less than $100 to $300.

Costs also vary by geographic location and practitioner.

At-Home Physical Therapy for Dogs

With veterinary guidance, pet parents may be able to do massage and certain manual therapies or exercises at home.

Doing PT on your dog without veterinary guidance could cause injury.

In some cases, support slings or other mobility devices may be helpful. Cooling and heating pads may also be recommended, especially during surgical recovery.