Canine Osteopathy and cold weather tips to keep your dog healthy

Canine Osteopathy works with the same principles as human Osteopathy. By assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing, Osteopaths can help with a wide range of health problems. Osteopaths look at the dog’s body as a whole and treat the underlying problem to restore balance and ease. During the winter months especially, our beloved pets and working dogs can be particularly susceptible to injury and health problems. It’s more important than ever in these colder months, to look after our furry friends.

We are increasingly treating high numbers of dogs in the clinic with injuries from slipping on ice, arthritis caused by wet fur not being dried properly and even as the result of ball throwers. With just a few simple steps you can protect your dog from harm and reduce their risk of injury.

What you can do to keep your dog healthy

Wash off any mud from their fur with warm water
Wash their paws after every walk – to remove salt, grit and mud
Always towel dry your dog after walking in the wet
Keep them fit and healthy – make time for extra play sessions indoors if outdoor exercise is not an option due to severe weather
Make sure they are comfortable and warm at night with extra blankets during the colder nights
Keep them on a balanced and nutritious diet

Things to avoid

Walking on ice, grit and salt
Leaving them outside for longer than you would be comfortable to do so – if it’s too cold for you it’s likely too cold for your dog
Letting your dog off the lead where there is a danger of lakes being frozen over
Sticks – Play fetch with toys, not sticks, which can cause choking and other injuries
Walking after dark if it can be avoided

If you are at all worried about your dog’s health, please get in touch to book a canine osteopathy appointment after consulting your vet. Before an appointment can be made, your vet must fill out the Veterinary Consent Form and attach any relevant medical history to help in the examination and treatment of your dog.