Canine Arthritis Matters

Carrie Smith joins Hannah Capon to discuss physiotherapy approaches for managing arthritis in dogs through two case studies. Sidney developed allodynia after multiple surgeries, causing normal touch to feel painful due to chronic pain and central sensitisation. His case highlights how painful dogs are often mislabelled as “difficult” and how therapies like kinesio-taping can help. The second case follows Emily, a 15-year-old malamute whose arthritis suddenly worsened despite good management. With extra rest, support, and time, Emily recovered well, demonstrating the importance of adapting care during flare-ups. Carrie also shares an acupuncture case, reflecting her continued passion for rehabilitation therapy.

5 Key Takeaways:
Pain is not always obvious

Arthritis pain can alter the nervous system, making normal touch feel painful.
Behaviour can indicate pain is present

“Difficult” behaviour in dogs may actually be a sign of hidden pain.
Treatment should be individualised

Effective arthritis care needs a tailored, multimodal approach.
Flare up are part of the arthritis journey

Arthritic dogs often experience flare-ups that require extra support and rest.
Patience matters

Patience, compassion, and creative therapies can improve quality of life.

Guest Bio:
Carrie Smith graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She holds a certificate GUNN IMS (dry needling), a certificate in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and a certificate in sports physiotherapy. Carrie was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team 1996-1998 including the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan and team physiotherapist for the Canadian Men’s National Rugby Team 2007-2012, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Since 2018 Carrie has been the physiotherapist for the Canadian WAO Team (World Agility Open) and she is the owner of Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre and Kemptville Canine Centre.

Learn more about CAM:
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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

This weeks Facebook Live is with Nicki Bell who is joined by Steph Ellis. Steph is a veterinary nurse turned physiotherapist, shares practical guidance on exercising young dogs and managing arthritis. She questions rigid rules like the “five minutes per month” guideline and instead focuses on tailored conditioning, core stability, and recognising fatigue. The conversation underlines how movement, rest, and early training to settle shape long-term joint health.
Steph Ellis is a qualified veterinary nurse and veterinary physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience. She holds a postgraduate diploma and is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists.
She has worked for seven years as a self-employed physio with Four Feet Physio, alongside part-time work at a Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance affiliated practice. Much of her work focuses on arthritic patients and owner education.
Steph also has personal experience managing a young, active dog with multiple orthopaedic conditions, including elbow injury, carpal deformities, and hip dysplasia.
Rethink the 5-minute rule
Exercise needs to be tailored to the individual dog, not a fixed formula.

Focus on conditioning
Strength and core stability are more important than just increasing activity.

Clarify lead exercise
On-lead work should be controlled and purposeful, not just slow walking.

Spot fatigue early
Small changes in movement or behaviour often signal the need to stop.

Teach proper rest
Dogs need to learn how to settle, as rest is key for recovery and joint health.

Relevant links
Support your dog’s joints before issues arise. Download the ramps booklet in the memberzone and learn how to reduce strain in everyday life. https://caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/
Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd
Have questions send them to: [email protected]
Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.
Guest BioKey takeaways

This episode of Canine Arthritis Matters focuses on the role of exercise in managing canine osteoarthritis.

Core message: exercise is essential, but highly individual. It is not just about “going for a walk”, but about a structured, adaptive approach that considers the dog’s condition, environment, and behaviour.

The conversation between Hannah Capon and Dr. Danielle Anderson expands exercise into a multidimensional tool:
• physical rehabilitation
• mental stimulation
• emotional bonding

They highlight that many dogs are either over-exercised or under-exercised due to lack of guidance, and that caregivers often struggle to balance routine, emotion, and medical reality.

The episode reframes exercise as a tailored, monitored, and evolving component of a broader care strategy, not a fixed routine.

Guest Bio

Dr. Danielle Anderson is a Canadian veterinarian specialising in canine rehabilitation and pain management.

She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2002 and later completed her certification in canine rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee.

Driven by a need for better pain management solutions, she founded her own rehab facility (SAW Veterinary Rehab), where she focuses on improving mobility, function, and quality of life for dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis.

Her work combines clinical expertise with hands-on therapy, exercise programming, and a strong emphasis on owner education.

Key Takeaways

1. Exercise is always relevant, but never one-size-fits-all
Every dog requires a tailored plan based on age, condition, and lifestyle.
2. “Exercise” is more than walking
It includes transitions (standing up), balance work, hydrotherapy, mental stimulation, and targeted rehab exercises.
3. Too much exercise is just as harmful as too little
Many dogs push through pain, which misleads owners into overdoing activity.
4. Monitoring is critical
The proactive-reactive-reflective approach helps adapt exercise safely over time.
5. Caregiver behaviour is a major factor
Emotional attachment, routines, and lack of guidance often drive poor exercise decisions.

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

This May we are fousing on exercise, Hayley Laches joins Nicki Bell to introduce Canine Hoopers, a low-impact dog sport designed to be inclusive for all dogs and handlers. Unlike traditional agility, Hoopers removes jumping, sharp turns and high physical strain, making it especially suitable for older dogs, dogs with mobility issues or those in pain management programs.

Dogs navigate a flowing course of hoops, tunnels, barrels and mats, either alongside their handler or at a distance. The focus is not speed or intensity, but movement, confidence and connection. Hoopers shows that exercise does not need to be high impact to be effective – it can be adapted, accessible and still deeply enriching.

The key message for May: exercise should be possible for every dog – it just needs to be the right kind.

Guest Bio

Hayley Laches is the founder of Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK), established in 2017. She developed Hoopers as an inclusive, low-impact alternative to agility, allowing dogs of all ages and abilities to stay active. Through CHUK, she offers training, competitions and the Good Hoopers Awards, helping owners build stronger relationships with their dogs through accessible exercise.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Exercise is not one-size-fits-all
Even dogs with limitations can stay active – the format just needs to be adapted.
2. Low impact does not mean low value
Controlled movement without jumping or sharp turns still builds strength, coordination and wellbeing.
3. Confidence is as important as fitness
Hoopers supports mental stimulation and reduces fear or frustration linked to movement.
4. Handler flexibility matters
Owners can run with their dog or guide from a distance – making it accessible for humans too.
5. Consistency over intensity
Regular, manageable movement is more beneficial than occasional high-intensity exercise.

Relevant Links

Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK)
https://www.caninehoopersuk.co.uk/

CHUK Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/caninehoopersuk

Hayley Laches website
http://tamingcanines.co.uk/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this April episode, Hannah Capon explains why home adaptations are a core part of managing chronic pain in dogs. She shows how simple changes like improving floor traction, adjusting access points and supporting rest areas can reduce pain, prevent flare-ups and improve confidence.

Using concepts like frailty and acute-on-chronic pain, she highlights that senior and arthritic dogs have less reserve, making slips, stress and poor environments far more impactful. The home can either support recovery or actively worsen the condition.

The key message: the environment should be safer, easier and more enjoyable. It is one of the most powerful, accessible and often overlooked tools in improving quality of life.

Key take homes
1. Home adaptations are a fundamental part of chronic pain management and can significantly influence both disease progression and quality of life.
2. Simple, low-cost changes such as improving floor traction can have a major clinical impact.
3. Osteoarthritis should be viewed as a complex syndrome where environment affects pain amplification, behaviour and flare-ups.
4. Frailty in senior dogs increases vulnerability to slips and environmental stressors, making home safety critical.
5. Chronic pain affects not only movement but also sleep, cognition, behaviour and emotional state.

Relevant links

CAM Member Zone
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

It’s My Home Too - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/tools/home-assessment-tool/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.