Increasingly research shows the link between pain and behavior in dogs. While it’s not the only reason dog’s present with behavioral challenges, it can be a significant contributing factor.

And that’s why in the episode I chat with canine rehabilitation specialist, Sue Van Evra. Sue is the person we go to when our dogs, India and Percy, are feeling stiff and sore. She’s helped them deal with lots of different challenges including back pain and hip soreness. 

But more than that, with her guidance on preventative physiotherapy, India and Percy have remained sprightly and active in a way that belies their age. 

I joke that they do more physio than me. Actually, it’s not a joke – they do!

In this interview with Sue we discuss:

• How we, as dog parents, can learn to spot pain in our dogs.
• What we should do when we do suspect our dogs are in pain.
• How physical therapy and rehabilitation can help dogs of all ages.
• What you can do if you have a dog who’s been prescribed crate-rest but who freaks when crated (hint: the crucial word here is “rest). 

Tune in to hear our chat about these topics, and many more.

About Sue Van Evra

Sue obtained her Physiotherapy Degree from McMaster University in 1993 (after completing both honors and Master’s degrees in Physiology from the University of Western Ontario).  

Sue has spent the last 29 years working as a physiotherapist in outpatient orthopedics with humans, and first started studying Canine Rehabilitation in 2006.  Sue obtained a Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and has worked at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary since 2016. 

She continues to treat humans (mostly dog lovers!) at Two Hands Physiotherapy – located within the Canine Fitness Centre. 

Since December 2021 Sue has also been working at the Canmore Vet Hospital rehabilitating dogs. 

Sue is passionate about learning and problem solving and has completed many advanced courses (both human and canine rehab) to better be able to assess and treat patients effectively. 

Sue is a huge dog-lover and her passion for the canine world makes her excited to be able to work with dogs and to use her experience and in-depth knowledge of physiotherapy principles to rehabilitate the canine population! Sue is on the Advocacy Committee for the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

How to work with Sue

If you live in Southern Alberta then your lucky dogs can get to work with Sue. You can find Sue at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary and at the Canmore Veterinary Hospital.