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As pet owners, we always want our furry friends to be safe and comfortable, especially in our homes. However, when it comes to slippery floors, our dogs may struggle to maintain their footing, putting them at risk of injuries. As dogs age, they may experience mobility issues such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, which can make it difficult for them to stand up, walk, or climb stairs. Additionally, some dogs may have an underlying medical condition that causes them to slip or drag their paws, leading to falls and injuries. Luckily, there are several anti-slip methods that you can employ to help your furry friend navigate slippery floors without slipping or sliding.  slippery floors can be an issue for dogs as they can struggle to maintain their footing, putting them at risk of injuries. Use Rugs or Mats One of the easiest and most effective ways to create an anti-slip surface for your dog is by using rugs or mats. Place them strategically in areas where your dog frequently walks, such as hallways or in front of doors. Make sure that the rugs or mats are non-slip and have a rubber backing to keep them securely in place.  Rug and mats can be a quick and easy solution to slippery floors Apply Anti-Slip Traction Products There are various traction products designed to improve the grip of your dog's paws on slippery surfaces such as; i) Paw pads, like rubber booties. They can be a little difficult to get on and have limited durability when worn outside on the pavement but they can provide good grip on wooden floor boards or other smooth surfaces. Unfortunately your dog can't have these on 100% of the time so if this is the option you want to try you will need to structure timed intervals when wearing them. ii) Paw grips, such as Dr Buzby’s toe grips. These are little rubber rings that are applied to your dog's nails to provide extra grip. Unlike the rubber booties, once you properly put these on the nail they can be left on 100% of the time. Regular checking of the placement of the toe grip is recommended incase they ride up towards the nail bed. iii) You can also try applying paw wax or balm to your dog's paws, or use a product called PawFriction which can provide a non-slip surface that grips the floor. Make sure if you do want to go for this method, that you choose something that is non toxic and that your dog doesn’t chew or swallow any of the product which can be a bit of a risk.  Dr Buzby's toe grips; cited from www.toegrips.com Try Nail Trimming Long nails can make it harder for your dog to grip the floor, so keeping them trimmed can help improve traction. Regular nail trimming is crucial, especially for dogs with long nails or those with paw deformities that affect their grip on surfaces and don’t forget to trim the hair back between the pads too! I am a big advocate for keeping nails short! If you want to give nail trimming a go yourself I recommend the Millers Forge nail clippers and then to use a Dremel to round off the edges for a smooth finish. If you want to read more about how to trim a dogs nail, head over to the face book page ‘nail maintenance for dogs’ where you will find some handy tips and guidance.  Long nails can make it harder for your dog to grip the floor Use Yoga Mats Another effective anti-slip method is using yoga mats. You can place them in areas where your dog frequently walks or sleeps, such as on their bed or in their crate. Yoga mats offer a comfortable surface for your furry friend and also provide traction, reducing the risk of slipping.  Yoga mats are a quick and inexpensive way to provide more traction for your dog Slippery floors can be a safety hazard for dogs, but there are various anti-slip methods that you can use to help your furry friend navigate them safely. My personal preference is to change the environment with mats or yoga mats and give a good nail trim however it's important to find a solution that works best for your dog's needs. Always ensure that the method you choose is safe and comfortable for your furry friend AuthorJoanna Whitehead; Physiotherapist, Canine Physiotherapist & Hydrotherapist Patella luxation is a common orthopaedic condition in dogs that occurs when the kneecap, or patella, slips out of its normal position in the groove of the femur. This can cause pain, lameness, and difficulty walking for the affected dog. Fortunately, canine physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment option for patella luxation, and can help improve the dog's mobility and quality of life.  Common Signs Of Patella Luxation Canine physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that is specifically tailored to dogs. It involves a range of techniques that can be used to help improve a dog's mobility, strength, and flexibility. In the case of patella luxation, canine physiotherapy can be particularly effective because it can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, which can help keep the patella in its proper position. One of the key techniques used in canine physiotherapy for patella luxation is therapeutic exercise. This involves a range of exercises that are designed to help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. These exercises can include things like squats, lunges, and leg lifts, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual dog. 
Therapeutic exercises for patella luxation
Another technique that can be used in canine physiotherapy for patella luxation is manual therapy. This involves hands-on techniques that are used to help improve the dog's range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing. Manual therapy can include things like massage, joint mobilization, and stretching exercises. In addition to therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, other techniques that can be used in canine physiotherapy for patella luxation include hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, and laser therapy. Hydrotherapy involves using water to help improve the dog's mobility and strength, while electrical stimulation and laser therapy use specialized equipment to help reduce pain and promote healing.
If your dog has been diagnosed with patella luxation, canine physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment option. By working with a qualified canine physiotherapist, you can help improve your dog's mobility, reduce their pain and discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life. So if you're looking for a non-invasive, holistic approach to treating patella luxation in your dog, consider canine physiotherapy at Canine Kinetics as an option. AuthorJoanna Whitehead ; Physiotherapist, Canine Physiotherapist & Hydrotherapist |
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June 2024
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