Senior Dogs
Helping older dogs stay comfortable and moving
Dogs slow down as they age. That's normal. But a lot of what we put down to old age is actually pain or stiffness that can be helped. An older dog that moves less isn't always just tired. Often the body has started to wear, and moving has become harder.
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Rehab can make a real difference here. It keeps older dogs moving, keeps their muscle strong, and keeps them comfortable. The goal is simple. We want your dog to enjoy their later years and keep doing the things they love for as long as they can.
Common issues older dogs get
As dogs age, a few problems tend to show up. Many dogs get more than one at the same time.
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Arthritis — The most common one. The joints wear over time and become stiff and sore. You might see your dog slow to get up, reluctant to jump, or stiff after rest.
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Muscle loss — Older dogs lose muscle, especially over the back end. Less muscle means less support for the joints, which makes sore joints worse.
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Weakness and wobbliness — Some older dogs get weak or unsteady in the back legs. They might struggle on slippery floors or tire on walks.
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Old injuries catching up — A cruciate tear or a joint problem from years ago often turns into arthritis later in life.
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Weight gain — A less active dog can put on weight, and extra weight loads the joints even more.
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Slowing down generally — Less interest in walks, more sleeping, and trouble with stairs or getting in the car.
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These build up slowly, so they're easy to miss. A dog that's "just getting old" is often a dog that's sore and could feel better with the right help.
Why It Matters
When an older dog hurts, they move less. When they move less, they lose muscle and gain weight. That puts more load on the joints, which makes the pain worse. So the problem feeds itself, and the dog goes downhill faster than they need to.
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The good news is that this cycle can be slowed. Keeping your dog moving, keeping their muscle on, and managing their weight all help them stay comfortable and active for longer. The earlier you start, the more you can do.
Why rehab suits senior dogs
Older dogs often can't manage hard exercise. Their joints won't take it, and a long walk can leave them sore for days. Rehab gives them a way to stay active without that strain. The work is gentle, controlled, and set at a level that suits your dog.
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It also fits dogs who can't have surgery or heavy medication. For many older dogs, hands-on rehab is the safest way to keep them moving and out of pain.
How we Help
We build a plan around your dog and where they're at. The aim is to keep the joints moving, keep the muscle strong, and keep your dog comfortable day to day.
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The treatments we usually use for older dogs are:
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Hydrotherapy —Exercise in water takes the weight off sore joints while still building strength. The water holds your dog up, so they can move and work their muscles without the strain of standing on land. It suits older dogs well because it's gentle on the body.
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Laser therapy —Used to ease pain and inflammation in sore joints and support healing. It's painless and your dog can relax through it.
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Targeted exercises —Gentle movements set to your dog's level, to build muscle, keep the joints moving, and help with balance and steadiness.
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Ageing is ongoing, so we set up a plan you can keep going with, and we adjust it as your dog's needs change. We work alongside your vet's advice.
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If your older dog is slowing down, stiff, or struggling to get around, it's worth a look. Talk to your vet first for a check-up, and we're happy to help keep your dog comfortable and moving.
