Canine physiotherapy FAQs
Clear, practical answers about whether physiotherapy may be appropriate, what happens at an appointment and how to take the next step. You do not need to know exactly what your dog needs before getting in touch.
If your question is not covered, you are always welcome to ask.
Could physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy is not only for one type of dog or one stage of recovery. The first step is understanding the individual dog in front of me.
What is veterinary physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy uses detailed assessment, clinical reasoning, hands-on treatment and carefully chosen exercise to support a dog’s comfort, movement, strength and everyday function. It works alongside veterinary care; it does not replace diagnosis, medication, surgery or emergency treatment.
Which dogs may benefit from physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy may be appropriate for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, living with arthritis or another long-term condition, managing a neurological problem, returning to activity, or needing support with strength, balance and mobility. It can also have a role in proactive physical-health checks for growing, active, working and sporting dogs.
What signs might an owner notice?
Often the first clue is a change from what is normal for your dog. You may notice:
- stiffness after rest or difficulty getting up;
- a limp, shortened stride or change in posture;
- reluctance with stairs, jumping, the car or longer walks;
- reduced stamina, confidence or willingness to play;
- uneven weight bearing or muscle development; or
- a change in mood, handling tolerance or response to touch.
These signs can have many causes, so a veterinary assessment may be needed before physiotherapy begins.
Is physiotherapy only for injured or post-operative dogs?
No. Rehabilitation after injury or surgery is an important part of physiotherapy, but it is not the whole picture. Physiotherapy may also support dogs with long-term mobility needs, age-related change, sporting or working demands, and healthy dogs attending for a proactive physical-health review.
Can older dogs or dogs with arthritis have physiotherapy?
Yes, when it is clinically appropriate. A plan for an older or arthritic dog is shaped around comfort, confidence and useful everyday movement rather than pushing them through a standard exercise programme. Veterinary input remains important, particularly if pain, medication needs or mobility have changed.
Can puppies, active dogs and generally healthy dogs attend?
They can. A growing dog may benefit from a thoughtful physical-health check; an active, working or sporting dog may need support with strength, conditioning and the demands of their activity; and a healthy adult dog may attend for an Annual Physiotherapy MOT. Any sign of injury, disease or unexplained pain changes the route and should involve the dog’s vet.
When should I contact my vet rather than wait for physiotherapy?
Contact your vet promptly for a sudden or severe change, marked pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, a significant wound, inability to stand or walk, rapidly worsening neurological signs, or anything that feels urgent. The Dog Physio is not an emergency veterinary service. If you are unsure, your veterinary practice is the safest first call.
Do you offer hydrotherapy at the Hungerford clinic?
No. The Hungerford clinic provides land-based veterinary physiotherapy, rehabilitation, stance and movement assessment, therapeutic exercise and Class IV laser therapy where appropriate. Hydrotherapy is not provided at this clinic.
Referrals and forms
The owner enquiry, detailed intake form and veterinary referral form each have a different purpose.
Does my dog need veterinary referral or consent?
Remedial physiotherapy for illness, injury or suspected pathology requires veterinary delegation after a veterinary surgeon has examined the dog. RCVS guidance treats musculoskeletal therapists as part of the vet-led team. Healthy maintenance and competition care is treated differently in the guidance, but the dog must still be registered with a vet and treatment must stop if a concern is identified. The Dog Physio will confirm what is required for your dog before treatment begins.
You can read the RCVS supporting guidance and the RAMP clarification.
How do I arrange a veterinary referral?
Your veterinary practice can send the relevant clinical history and permission through the dedicated Veterinary Referral Form. If you have already spoken to Abi, she can explain what is needed and, with your permission, liaise with your veterinary team. Your vet may wish to examine your dog before delegating physiotherapy.
Which form should I use?
Not sure yet? Owners should begin with the short Tell me a little about your dog enquiry.
Preparing to attend? Complete the detailed New Client Intake Form when you are ready to provide history, practical details and consent information before a first appointment.
Veterinary professional? Use the vets-only Veterinary Referral Form to send clinical information and referral or consent.
Will you communicate with my dog’s vet?
Yes, where appropriate and with a suitable consent or other lawful basis. Physiotherapy is part of joined-up care, so Abi may obtain relevant history, clarify a referral, share assessment findings or progress, and recommend veterinary reassessment if something changes. Other professionals involved in your dog’s care can also be included with your permission when useful.
Your first appointment
There is time to listen, observe and let your dog settle. The appointment is adapted to the dog rather than rushed through a fixed routine.
What happens during an initial assessment?
Abi will begin by discussing your dog’s history, daily life, current difficulties and your priorities. The assessment may include dynamic movement and posture assessment in person or from suitable video; stance and weight-distribution readings; a hands-on assessment of muscles, joints and function; and relevant measurements. Findings and realistic goals are discussed with you, followed by initial treatment where appropriate and a practical plan for the next step.
How long do appointments take?
An initial assessment and consultation allows approximately 60–90 minutes. A full Physiotherapy & More follow-up is approximately 60 minutes. Shorter laser-only or exercise-review appointments have their own timings on the Pricing page. Timings are approximate because the pace and content are adapted to the individual dog.
What treatments might be included?
Depending on the assessment and clinical need, a session may include massage and other soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, therapeutic exercise, movement assessment or stance analysis, rehabilitation planning, owner education and Class IV laser therapy. Not every dog needs every treatment, and the plan may change as they progress.
Will treatment hurt or distress my dog?
Your dog’s welfare comes first. Assessment and treatment are adapted to their comfort, tolerance and presentation on the day. A painful, worried or tired dog is not pushed through a technique or exercise. Abi may slow down, change the plan, pause or stop if continuing would not be appropriate.
My dog is nervous, anxious or sensitive to handling. Can they still attend?
Often, yes. The clinic is designed to provide a quieter setting and dogs are given time to settle and investigate at their own pace. Please explain any worries, triggers, bite history or handling sensitivities before the appointment so the visit can be planned safely. The aim is to build trust, not force interaction; occasionally an assessment may need to be adapted, divided across visits or postponed for veterinary or behavioural support.
Do I stay with my dog?
Yes. Owners are encouraged to stay involved throughout the appointment. You know your dog best, your presence can help them feel more secure, and involving you makes it easier to explain findings and practise any home exercises safely.
What should I bring, and how should I prepare my dog?
Please bring your dog on a secure lead with a suitable collar or harness. Where possible, arrive with them clean, dry and given an opportunity to toilet. It is helpful to have:
- an up-to-date medication and supplement list;
- any discharge notes, reports or imaging information not already supplied;
- short videos of a movement that is difficult to reproduce in clinic; and
- suitable treats if your dog has allergies, dietary restrictions or strong preferences.
Documents can be attached to the New Client Intake Form.
Plans, progress and home exercises
The plan should remain realistic for your dog and manageable for you at home.
How many sessions will my dog need?
There is no standard number. It depends on the reason for physiotherapy, the dog’s health and response, your goals, veterinary advice and what can be managed between visits. Some dogs need a short course with progressively wider spacing; others with long-term or changing needs may benefit from periodic review. Abi will explain the reasoning and review the plan rather than asking you to commit to an outcome that cannot be guaranteed.
Will my dog be given home exercises?
When appropriate, you will be shown a small number of tailored exercises or practical changes to support the clinic plan. They may target strength, balance, coordination, weight bearing, confidence or everyday movement. The emphasis is on correct, achievable work rather than a long list. Do not add, intensify or restart exercises beyond the guidance given; ask if anything is unclear or difficult.
What happens between appointments?
Follow the individual advice you have been given and make a note of useful changes—for example comfort after rest, walking tolerance, confidence with a task or how an exercise feels. Updates help shape the next session. If your dog becomes unexpectedly worse, stop the relevant exercise and contact Abi or your vet as advised.
Is it normal for my dog to be tired or sore afterwards?
Some dogs are temporarily tired or mildly sore after an assessment, treatment or exercise change, and this can sometimes be noticeable for 24–72 hours. You will receive advice appropriate to your dog. Contact Abi if the response is stronger, lasts longer than expected or worries you; contact your vet promptly for marked deterioration or an urgent change.
What if my dog is unwell before an appointment?
Please contact Abi before travelling if your dog has vomiting, diarrhoea, a new cough, fever, a suspected contagious condition, an active parasite problem, a new wound, or another significant change in health or mobility. The appointment can then be reviewed safely. For urgent illness or injury, contact your veterinary practice or its out-of-hours provider.
Fees, insurance and attending
Clear arrangements reduce surprises and make it easier to concentrate on your dog.
How much does physiotherapy cost, and when is payment due?
The initial assessment and consultation is £65, and a full Physiotherapy & More follow-up is also £65. Laser-only, exercise-review and Annual Physiotherapy MOT appointments have separate fees. The latest full list is on the Pricing page.
Payment can be made by cash, card or bank transfer and is due on the appointment day unless another arrangement has been agreed in writing.
Can I claim physiotherapy through pet insurance?
Some policies cover veterinary physiotherapy, rehabilitation or complementary treatment, but insurers and policies differ. Check the available limit, excess or co-payment, pre-authorisation requirements and whether your insurer recognises a RAMP-registered Veterinary Physiotherapist before treatment.
The preferred route is pay and reclaim: you pay at the appointment, receive the appropriate invoice or receipt, and manage the claim with your insurer. A direct claim may be considered only by prior written agreement and where the insurer and policy allow it. A £25 administration fee applies to each direct-claim submission, which may include no more than six sessions. You remain responsible for any excess, excluded amount, shortfall or unpaid balance.
Do you offer home visits?
Home visits may be available on a case-by-case basis. Suitability depends on your dog’s needs, location and whether an assessment or treatment can be provided safely and effectively at home. The purpose-designed, ground-floor Hungerford clinic remains the usual setting for appointments.
Please use the general enquiry form to explain your circumstances. Any practical arrangements and costs will be confirmed before a home visit is booked.
Where is the clinic, and when is it open?
The Dog Physio is at 59 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0NE. Appointments are arranged in advance so each dog has suitable time and space.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange?
Please give as much notice as possible. There is no cancellation fee with at least 48 hours’ notice. Up to 50% of the booked fee may be charged with 24–48 hours’ notice, and the full booked fee may be charged with less than 24 hours’ notice or for non-attendance.
Genuine emergencies, sudden contagious illness and exceptional circumstances are considered fairly. Read the full cancellation section.