We caught up with Floofs and Friends employee, Kelly, who splits her time between pet-sitting and being a pet physiotherapist ~ Let's take a look at the insights she has for us!
Pictured: Kelly, pet physiotherapist and Floofs and Friends pet-sitter.
⭐ What does a Physiotherapy session look like?
Your first physio session would start with collecting your pet’s relevant history. For example, previous injuries, medical ailments and general info etc.
Following this, a thorough assessment will be performed, to include: Static, dynamic and palpation assessment. If required, a spinal and/or neurological assessment may also be completed.
If necessary, key areas of muscular dysfunction, pain/swelling/heat etc. can be addressed through treatment; this consists of soft tissue massage, mobilisation and stretching, as well as various electrotherapies.
Finally, as a take-home, I provide comprehensive advice regarding your dogs daily routine, and may even give you some targeted exercises to do. Supplementary services include writing vet reports, and for those whom require something more intensive, I also offer at home tailored exercise/treatment plans.
⭐ How do you balance your physio job alongside working for a pet sitting company?
It's actually quite easy!
Luckily, I have a wonderful client base whom are always happy to be flexible with their appointments, as well as pet owners whom are happy for me to pop out for an hour or so during their stay, to see to the odd client. However, when I'm on a pet sit, they always come first, as they’re paying me to stay with their pet! I always discuss this with owners before the booking.
⭐ What sort of breeds can you help?
Any and all! I specialise in sporting dogs as it’s a particular interest of mine. Therefore, my client base is currently lots of collies and spaniels!
But I also see dogs from dachshunds to Dobermans, and everything outside and in between!
⭐ What specific concerns can you address?
I am a musculoskeletal specialist, so anything orthopaedic. At the moment, im seeing a massive influx of luxating patellas. I also get a lot of cruciate ligament ruptures and hip dysplastic clients.
Physiotherapy is vital for any dog undergoing an orthopaedic surgery, and especially for those whom are going down a conservative treatment route (non surgical). Outside of physical ailments/conditions. I also see a lot of golden oldies for maintanence, and sporting dogs for sporting enhancement and injury prevention (or prehab!)
⭐ Will physiotherapy be fun for my pet?
It can and should be!
This depends on your pets personality and experience. Lots of animals get very apprehensive upon the first appointment, as I think they mistake you for a vet. They often get especially concerned when you start palpating around their bottom! (no thermometers here!)
I always take a gentle, patient approach, and will never force an animal to stand and undergo assessment/treatment if they’re quite clearly telling me they’re uncomfortable or usually, in too much pain!
⭐ What signs should I look out for that my pet needs physio?
This is a very broad spectrum, and every dog will react to pain differently. Usually, the most obvious signs are lameness/limping/stiffness and not wanting to/ or being as excited to exercise. Lethargy and increased irritability are also big indicators of pain.
Other more specific signs are biting/licking persistently at certain areas, being visibly wobbly and/or struggling to jump/ascend stairs etc.
Signature signs of luxating patella are hopping/skipping on the back legs. Remember! There is no such thing as a ‘terrier hop’. Dogs don’t hop for no reason, and it will get worse without intervention!
⭐ How can physio help senior pets stay active and enjoy life?
Did you know that over 80% of dogs over the age of 8 have arthritis?
Not only can early intervention slow down or even potentially prevent osteoarthritis formation, but it can greatly reduce inflammation and pain, as well as associated musculoskeletal problems from offloading painful legs!
⭐ Where can we find you if we have enquiries?
Feel free to follow my Facebook page to view my credentials and prices.
I also post educational information and client progress!
Kelly Flude Veterinary Physiotherapy | Website: www.kfvetphys.com | Email: kflude@outlook.com Phone: 07421 855888
Thank you Kelly for taking time to answer these questions! If you have any further questions, please comment on this post, or get in touch with Kelly directly using the contact information above!
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