If you’ve ever been injured or undergone surgery, you know how vital rehabilitation can be for recovery. But did you know that dogs and cats can also benefit from physiotherapy?  

Also known as animal rehabilitation, this specialized care helps pets recover from injuries, surgeries, or manage chronic conditions. Physiotherapy improves mobility, reduces pain, and enhances overall quality of life—giving pets their best chance to stay active and comfortable. 

At BBVSH, we often get questions from pet owners about animal rehabilitation. Here’s a helpful guide to some of the most common concerns and how physiotherapy can make a difference for your furry friend. 

What is physiotherapy for pets, and does my dog or cat need it?

Animal physiotherapy is similar to human physiotherapy—it involves tailored exercises and treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries or surgeries. Pets with arthritis, back pain, joint issues, or those recovering from orthopedic or neurologic surgery are often good candidates for rehabilitation. 

Even pets that are aging or dealing with chronic conditions like hip dysplasia can benefit from physiotherapy. It’s all about giving them the best chance to stay active and comfortable. 

At BBVSH, we understand that each pet is unique. Our animal rehabilitation team provides comprehensive and individualized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s specific needs. After a thorough assessment, our team collaborates closely with you to provide education, guidance, and unwavering support throughout your pet’s healing process. 

How does animal physiotherapy work? What should I expect?

At BBVSH, animal rehabilitation (physiotherapy) starts with an individualized assessment to determine your pet’s specific needs. Depending on the condition, the following therapies may be recommended: 

• Hydrotherapy (Underwater Treadmill): This therapy uses the buoyancy of water to reduce stress on joints while providing resistance to strengthen muscles. The underwater treadmill is particularly effective for pets recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or needing low-impact exercise to improve mobility.

• Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses light energy to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation. It’s particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery. 

• Canine Massage Therapy: Gentle massage can increase blood flow, loosen stiff muscles, and reduce discomfort, preparing your pet for therapeutic exercises. 

• Custom Exercise Programs: Tailored exercises help strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and support mobility. These programs may include controlled movements, stretches, and balance work. 

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat therapy relaxes muscles and improves circulation, while cryotherapy (cold therapy) reduces swelling and inflammation, especially after surgery or injury. 

• Electrical Stimulation for Dogs: Electrical currents accelerate healing, slow muscle atrophy and build muscle mass during periods of inactivity. 

• Therapeutic Ultrasound: This modality uses sound waves to target deeper tissues, reducing pain and improving healing in muscles and tendons. 

• Weight Management Support: Establishing goals, tailoring exercise programs and examining diet to safely reduce body weight, improve body condition and move towards a sustainable, long-term, healthy lifestyle. 

Therapists might also provide exercises you can do at home to help your pet continue progressing between sessions. 

What are the benefits of physiotherapy for my pet?

Rehabilitation can do wonders for pets struggling with mobility issues or recovering from injuries. Some of the biggest benefits include: 

• Pain Relief: Chronic conditions like arthritis or post-surgery discomfort can be managed with targeted therapies. 

• Better Movement: Exercises and therapies can improve flexibility and strength, making everyday activities easier for your pet. 

• Faster Recovery: For pets healing after surgery, rehabilitation prevents muscle atrophy and reduces inflammation. 

• Overall Well-Being: Staying mobile and comfortable boosts your pet’s mood and quality of life. 

How does physiotherapy aid post-surgical recovery? 

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping pets regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery. At BBVSH, we recognize that post-surgical recovery requires a tailored approach to ensure optimal healing and long-term outcomes. 

Our rehabilitation team collaborates closely with pet owners to create individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each pet. These plans often include a combination of hydrotherapy, laser therapy, range-of-motion exercises, and other supportive modalities to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent complications. 

During recovery from orthopedic surgery, pets may struggle to achieve a full range of motion or rebuild strength through land-based activities alone. Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) is particularly beneficial in this stage, as the buoyancy of water reduces stress on healing joints while encouraging movement and muscle rebuilding. 

By incorporating physiotherapy into a pet’s post-surgical care, we aim to speed recovery, minimize discomfort, and help them return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. 

Can physiotherapy help prevent problems down the line?

Yes! Regular rehabilitation can help maintain joint health, prevent obesity, and keep muscles strong—key factors in preventing injuries or worsening conditions as pets age. 

Why does BBVSH offer animal rehabilitation?

At BBVSH, we know that pets are family. Whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a cat with arthritis, we want every pet to live their best, most comfortable life. Rehabilitation bridges the gap between medical care and daily well-being, ensuring pets get the holistic care they deserve. 

Plus, as a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital, we often treat pets with complex needs—physiotherapy is just one of the ways we support their recovery journey. 

Is physiotherapy right for my pet?

If your dog or cat is recovering from surgery, showing signs of pain, or struggling with mobility, physiotherapy might be a great option. Talk to your veterinarian or reach out to our rehabilitation team at BBVSH for an assessment. 

Your pet’s health and happiness are worth it—and we’re here to help them every step of the way. 

___________________

About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a family owned, veterinary specialty and 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC, serving the Vancouver metro area and greater British Columbia. We have a sister hospital in Bellingham, Washington.

As a certified VECCS Level I facility and a Level II VetCOT Trauma Centre, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with board-certified specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue.

Our board-certified specialists offer services in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and animal rehabilitation.

If you have questions or want to learn more about dog or cat physiotherapy, visit our Animal Rehabilitation page or give us a call at (604) 514-8383.