Articles with alternative treatments

Heat and Cold Therapy for Dogs: When To Use Heat versus Cold?

It is a question commonly asked of physical therapists everywhere: when do I use heat, or should I use cold? How do you know which one to use? Your veterinarian or physical therapist will be able to provide this answer for your dog’s individual circumstance, assuming you can contact them. What if you are unable to reach your dog’s care…

by Susan E. Davis PT

DIY Physical Therapy for Dogs: What Can You Do at Home?

The question: “Wow, can I really do physical therapy on my own dog?” The answer: “Yes, with some help from a sound professional resource, you can!” Let’s put things in perspective and use some probable scenarios. Your dog went outside to do his ‘business’ in the backyard just as the rain ended. He ran around happily, sliding and turning when…

by Susan E. Davis PT

All Hands on Pet: My Foreword to Susan Davis’ Book on Physical Therapy

What do you think of when you hear the words physical therapy? If it sounds like work, it is. The benefit however far outweighs the effort you put in. And even though your dog needs to do much of the work, it will require dedication on your part as well. If your dog is recovering from an injury or surgery,…

by Jana Rade

Canine Massage–Every Dog ‘Kneads’ It.’ Benefits and Techniques of Dog Massage

Massage has always been a “cornerstone” treatment for physical therapists. The benefits of massage to human beings having various medical conditions has a proven record. Dogs can now benefit as well. Dog massage physiological benefits The benefits dogs receive from massage are many of the same benefits that humans do, The benefits include: reduced tension decreased pain reduced inflammation increased…

by Susan E. Davis PT

PRP for Partial Cruciate Tear: Pearl Is Running Again

Dogs with different clinical conditions with different outcome goals, including musculoskeletal conditions, can benefit from platelet therapy. Pearl’s story Pearl was found as a stray on the streets. She was a bloody little malnourished baby girl. Veterinarians were not able to determine exactly what caused her leg disfigurement. However, because of the scar tissue and the scarring around her torso,…

by Dr. Jeff Schaffer

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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