Canine Arthritis Matters

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah speaks with Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog, about canine anxiety, reactivity and the often-overlooked role of pain. Sarah shares how her experiences with Bella inspired her to create products that help dogs communicate their need for space. They discuss how trauma, physical discomfort and chronic pain can influence behaviour, and why anxious or reactive dogs should not simply be labelled as aggressive. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising subtle signs of pain, investigating underlying causes and improving public understanding. Sarah explains how yellow warning equipment can help protect vulnerable dogs and support their wellbeing. Hannah also shares her experiences as a caregiver since using a My Anxious Dog harness with Elsie (the Moroccan street dog that often “guest” stars in the CAM podcast!).

5 Key Take-Home Messages

1. Anxiety is a welfare concern: Anxious and reactive dogs need understanding, patience and support, not judgement.

2. Pain can influence behaviour: Physical discomfort and chronic pain may contribute to anxiety or reactivity, so underlying causes should always be considered.

3. Look beyond the label: Dogs should not simply be labelled as aggressive without investigating what may be driving their behaviour.

4. Give dogs space: Yellow warning equipment can help communicate when a dog needs distance, reducing unwanted interactions and helping keep vulnerable dogs safe.

5. Supporting an anxious dog can be challenging: Owners need empathy and understanding, while carefully observing their dogs for changes in behaviour that may indicate pain or other underlying problems.

Guest bio

Sarah founded My Anxious Dog in 2012. The inspiration was Bella, the 8 week old Cocker Spaniel puppy who was always a little shy and reserved. Sarah understood that the aftermath of Bella’s traumatic birth is likely to have contributed to Bella’s anxious behaviour, but this became even more apparent after Bella suffered two dog attacks at a young age. Both experiences left Bella sore and in pain but of course, being a beautiful Cocker Spaniel puppy, everyone she met still wanted to say hello to her! This resulted in Bella associating meeting new people with a painful experience. Looking for products that would help people understand that Bella needed space and didn’t want to be touched, Sarah could only find poor quality offerings and decided to set up her own range. After a long career in electronics, Sarah dramatically changed her own life to support her husband, Matt, and got to work on the My Anxious Dog range full time.

Visit the My Anxious Dog website

Walk with confidence: Helping you to let others know your dog needs space - join our yellow army #dogsinyellow

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Join Hannah and Gwen Covey-Crump next week to learn about caregiver burden; how to recognise it and how to understand the impact on your emotional wellbeing.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Nikki welcomes Grisha Stewart, internationally renowned dog trainer, author and creator of Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT), to explore canine empowerment and the importance of listening to our dogs. They discuss how secure attachment influences behaviour and training, and how giving dogs greater choice and control can improve their wellbeing. Grisha explains how force-free approaches can help dogs experiencing fear, frustration and aggression, while sharing five practical tips for empowering dogs in everyday life. From using long leads to understanding where dogs choose to direct their attention, this episode offers valuable insights into meeting dogs’ individual needs and supporting happier, more confident lives.

5 Key Take-Home Messages

1. Give dogs choice and control – Allowing dogs to make their own choices helps build confidence and supports their emotional wellbeing.

2. Build secure attachment – A trusting, secure relationship provides a foundation for positive behaviour and effective training.

3. Use force-free training – Support dogs experiencing fear, frustration or aggression through kind, reward-based approaches that respect their needs.

4. Make the most of long leads – Give dogs more freedom to explore and make decisions safely, allowing them greater independence.

5. Listen to what dogs are telling us – Pay attention to where dogs direct their attention and the choices they make to better understand their needs and find ways to meet both their needs and our own.

Guest bio

Grisha Stewart is an author, international speaker and professional dog trainer who specialises in dog reactivity and canine empowerment. She is the creator of The Grisha Stewart Dog School for Professional Dog Training Education Online. In 2003, Grisha founded and ran the Ahimsa Dog Training school in Seattle for 13 years. ‘Ahimsa’ is a Buddhist doctrine of non-violence to all living things, which reflects Grisha's focus on force-free methods to promote the well-being of dogs and their humans. Her Ahimsa team earned many awards, including 'Best of Seattle' and 'Best of Western Washington'. Canine behaviour fascinates Grisha and she is highly motivated to help improve techniques for rehabilitating and training dogs. Her professional interest in dog reactivity, along with the need to find an effective rehabilitation technique that would work with her own dog's fear issues, led Grisha to develop BAT - Behaviour Adjustment Training, a humane technique for dog aggression, frustration, and fear.

Find all of Grisha’s course, and the back catalogue at the Academy here

Visit Grisha’s website grishasteward.com

Grisha on YouTube

Learn more with Grisha’s books here

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Join us next week as we move in to the Emotional Wellness month, we’re joined by Sarah Jones from the Yellow Dog Project

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah is joined by animal behaviourist and neuroscience expert Daniel Shaw to explore canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) and its relationship with chronic pain. They discuss how CCD is often underdiagnosed, why its early signs can be subtle, and how pain, sensory decline and anxiety can mimic or worsen cognitive symptoms. Daniel explains that while age-related brain changes cannot always be prevented, we can support healthy brain function through appropriate physical activity, cognitive and social enrichment, good nutrition and quality sleep. They also explore the importance of adapting activities to each dog's individual needs and recognising that chronic pain and CCD can coexist. The episode highlights the value of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to helping older dogs maintain their wellbeing and quality of life.

5 Key Take-Home Points

• CCD is often underdiagnosed: Early signs can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal ageing.

• Chronic pain and CCD are linked: Pain can mimic or worsen cognitive and behavioural changes.

• Keep the brain active: Cognitive, physical and social enrichment can help support brain health.

• Adapt to your dog's changing needs: Prioritise safe exercise, sniffing opportunities, social interaction and quality sleep.

• Take a holistic approach: Pain management, appropriate nutrition and lifestyle adaptations all contribute to a better quality of life.

References mentioned

The Canine cognitive dysfunction rating scale (CCDR): a data-driven and ecologically relevant assessment tool Hannah E. Salvin 2010

Evidence-based clinical management of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: Diagnostic algorithms, practical guidelines, critical appraisal of biomarkers and translational limitations M Dondi et al 2026

Cognitive disturbances in old dogs suffering from the canine counterpart of Alzheimer’s disease Rofina et al 2005

DISHAA table for dogs and cats

Dog Aging Project

Guest bio

Daniel shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC

Daniel is an experienced animal behaviourist and the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent (ABK). With a master’s degree in neuroscience and a background in psychology, Daniel takes a science based but practical approach, focusing on why behaviour happens rather than simply trying to suppress it. His work prioritises emotional wellbeing, safety, and realistic change, particularly in complex or high risk cases. Alongside his clinical work, Daniel also runs the Brain and Behaviour Academy, providing accessible education in animal behaviour, training, and neuroscience for those who want a deeper understanding of their animals.

Animal Behaviour Kent

Brain and Behaviour Academy

Brain & Behaviour Podcast on Spotify

Learn more about CAM

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Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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This episode explores the complex relationship between chronic pain, behaviour, movement and the human-animal bond. Hannah is joined by Dr Findy and Elena Wilson to discuss why chronic pain can be difficult to recognise, particularly when behavioural or mobility changes are misinterpreted as training issues, ageing or stubbornness. They explore the importance of understanding the emotional and social impact of pain, supporting caregivers through difficult diagnoses, and recognising that dogs are continually communicating with us. The conversation also highlights the value of true interdisciplinary collaboration, combining veterinary, behavioural and physiotherapy expertise to provide more holistic care. Ultimately, effective chronic pain management goes beyond medication, requiring individualised support, environmental adaptations, appropriate movement, emotional safety and a strong team around both the dog and caregiver.

5 Key Take Home Points

• Learn to recognise the subtle signs of pain.

• Pain is biopsychosocial.

• The caregiver is part of the treatment team.

• Work collaboratively.

• Look beyond medication.

Guest bio

Dr Findy Let's Talk Paws Veterinary Behaviour

Elena ELEVATE Veterinary Physiotherapy

Dr Findy, a vet from Australia and Elena Wilse, a vet physio from the UK. Dr Findy graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours then went on to complete a masters in clinical animal behaviour at the Uni of Edinburgh. She leads Let's Talk Paws Veterinary Behaviour Services and believes in supporting human-animal relationships by providing owners with an understanding of behaviour from an animals' perspective. She also works in shelter rehabilitation work with a special interest in post-adoption support. Findy is pursuing a PhD with the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney, where she is researching on how best to support caregivers in their emotional and relational journey of caring for a behaviourally challenged dog.

Elena has a first-class degree in human physiotherapy and a Master's with distinction in veterinary physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool. Elena is the founder of ELEVATE Veterinary Physiotherapy. She is a chartered physiotherapist and ACPAT-registered veterinary physiotherapist, with a particular interest in the relationship between chronic pain, movement and behaviour in dogs. Drawing on around ten years of experience in human physiotherapy, Elena takes a biopsychosocial approach to canine rehabilitation—considering not only how a dog moves, but how pain may affect their emotions, behaviour, relationships and everyday life.

ELEVATE Veterinary Physiotherapy supports dogs and their carers in the UK and internationally through:

• Online Gait Analysis: Structured video analysis to identify and document subtle movement asymmetries and compensatory patterns to bridge the gap between pain and behaviour. The service includes a detailed written report, an online consultation with the carer and, with consent, communication of the findings and recommendations to the dog’s veterinary team.

• Online Physiotherapy Memberships: Individualised, longer-term support

• Pain–behaviour support: Physiotherapy input for dogs whose pain, movement and behavioural presentations may be interconnected

• Professional education: Training and educational content for veterinary and animal-care professionals

• Instagram: @‌elevatevetphysio
  Website: https://elevatevetphysio.co.uk/online-gait-analysis/
  ELEVATE Free Canine Wellness Checker

  
  

Let’s Talk Paws offer a comprehensive service in supporting dogs and cats suffering from behaviour challenges. Consultations are conducted in the comfort of your home via Telehealth or in-person sessions.
Our service areas include Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Surrounds.

Instagram: Let’s Talk Paws

In this episode, Hannah chats with Dr Tom Walsh about taking a more holistic, practical approach to canine health and osteoarthritis management. They explore his Corenza approach, built around five key pillars: exercise, environment, enrichment, nutrition and responsibility. Together, they discuss how these areas can help reduce overwhelm for caregivers while supporting dogs at every life stage, including those living with OA. From adapting exercise and improving flooring, to providing meaningful enrichment and navigating the often-confusing world of nutrition, the conversation focuses on seeing the whole dog rather than simply treating individual problems. Above all, they explore how we can help dogs live happier, healthier lives.

• Buy Dr Tom’s book on amazon “Good Dogs, Broken System: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Rebuilding Trust Through the Coerenza Approach”

• Visit Dr Tom’s clinic Prime Pet Rehab Therapy

• Learn more about the Coerenza Approach

5 Key Take Home Points

• Consultations: Think about the whole dog, not just the diagnosis.

• Coerenza & the five pillars: exercise, environment, enrichment, nutrition and responsibility.

• Exercise: should be individualised to the dog, their condition and their environment.

• Enrichment is essential: it’s not an adjunct, or a “cherry on top” — it helps create a life worth living.

• Break complex decisions into manageable areas rather than becoming overwhelmed by choice.

Guest bio

Dr. Tom Walsh had a successful career in telecommunications but always knew his true calling was helping animals. Deciding to pursue that passion, he became a veterinarian and has never looked back.After working close to a decade as a general practitioner veterinarian, he devoted all of his focus into small animal rehabilitation. Dr. Walsh established PrimePet Rehabilitation Therapy, a mobile small animal rehabilitation service. In just 3 years, he transitioned the original PrimePet Rehab mobile concept to a permanent location in downtown Myrtle Beach, building one of the premier and innovative small animal rehabilitation centers on the East Coast. Additionally, Dr. Walsh is a featured national speaker at veterinary and technology conferences, webinars and podcasts. He has just released his first book - Good Dogs, Broken System - The Coerenza Approach

Learn more about CAM

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Stay tuned to learn more about nutrition with Dr Conny Mosely next week!

This episode explores the emotional wellbeing of dogs, caregivers and veterinary teams, with Tamsin Durston sharing practical ways to create safer, more supportive veterinary experiences. Hannah and Tam discuss the impact of osteoarthritis and chronic disease on both dogs and their caregivers, including anxiety, guilt, grief and caregiver burden. They explore how simple environmental changes, empathetic communication and thoughtful appointment planning can reduce stress and improve psychological safety. The conversation also highlights trigger stacking in veterinary teams and the importance of taking small pauses to reset between patients. Above all, the episode encourages veterinary professionals to recognise caregivers as part of the patient journey, build their confidence and help transform guilt into pride.

5 Key Take-Home Points

• Psychological safety matters — for dogs, caregivers and veterinary teams.

• Small changes can make a big difference — many improvements are practical and low-cost.

• Recognise trigger stacking — stress builds throughout the day, so pause and reset when you can.

• Support the caregiver too — chronic disease affects the whole family, not just the dog.

• Turn guilt into empowerment — help caregivers recognise what they are doing well and build confidence in their ability to care for their dog.

Links

Dogs Trust Behaviour Support Line

Dog Friendly Vet Clinics

Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals by Tamsin Durston

Guest Bio

Tamsin is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and accredited Dog Training Instructor, with 25yrs experience working predominately for the charities Blue Cross and, currently, Dogs Trust. In her current role of Veterinary Engagement Manager, Tam leads a team creating welfare driven interventions aimed at embedding canine behavioural principles into veterinary practice and improving the experience of veterinary care for dog, owners, and veterinary teams alike. As well as the animals we all care so deeply for, Tam is keen to optimise mental and emotional health for humans and has researched and authored a book on ‘Emotional Well-being for the Animal Welfare Professional’. 

Learn more about CAM

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Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Join us next week with Tom Walsh and Hannah discussing the Coerenza Approach to owner-vet relationships

In this episode, Hannah and Drew explore the changing face of canine osteoarthritis (OA), highlighting why early detection and proactive management are so important. They discuss how OA can develop at a surprisingly young age, often before obvious clinical or radiographic signs appear. Drew explains how objective gait and stance analysis can help identify subtle changes, establish baselines and monitor responses to treatment. The conversation covers multimodal and layered approaches to OA management, including weight management, exercise, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy and intra-articular therapies. Above all, they emphasise that OA management is a journey, requiring regular monitoring, individualised plans and a focus on improving comfort and quality of life.

1. OA can start young — don’t assume it’s just a disease of old age.

2. Early detection matters — subtle changes can appear before X-ray findings.

3. Objective monitoring helps — gait and stance analysis can track changes over time.

4. Think multimodal — weight, exercise, lifestyle, medication and therapies all have a role.

5. There’s no quick fix — OA management is an ongoing, individualised journey.

Speaker bio:

Drew graduated from the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science in 2004 and joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps just a few months later. During a 17-year military career he was fortunate to be able to work extensively with Military Working Dogs, from procuring them for training, deploying with them to Iraq in 2007 and, as Officer Commanding of the Veterinary Training Squadron at the Defence Animal Training Regiment, assisting in their retirement. In 2022 Drew left the RAVC to help start MSK Vets, part of the Nupsala Group, and he focuses exclusively on dog mobility, objective gait analysis, and the use of innovative therapies for the management of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. He is still involved with the working dog community and helping them keep their dogs fit and healthy, and he also provides mobility support services to retired Service Dogs.

Learn more about CAM

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Join us next week for the first episode in the new series; “Rebuild”

5 Key Take-Home Points

Elbow dysplasia and developmental elbow disease are complex conditions that can have a significant impact on a dog’s long-term joint health. In this episode, Hannah is joined by veterinary surgeon and orthopaedic specialist Ben Garland to explore why elbows deserve greater attention in veterinary practice. They discuss recognising subtle signs, the importance of early diagnosis, and how developmental abnormalities can lead to osteoarthritis. The conversation explores conservative management, lifestyle modification, rehabilitation, intra-articular therapies and surgical options, highlighting that there is no single solution for every dog. Instead, effective management requires an individualised, whole-joint approach that considers the dog, their environment and their caregiver.

5 Key Take-Home Points

• Elbow disease is complex – there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

• Early identification matters – earlier diagnosis can preserve more treatment options.

• Osteoarthritis is the consequence – developmental elbow disease can drive progressive joint degeneration.

• Lifestyle matters – weight, exercise and the home environment can significantly influence joint health.

• Management is ongoing – surgery or medication is only one part of a wider, long-term plan.

Guest Bio:

Ben graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2014 and has worked in both first opinion and referral settings as a surgeon. He completed the RCVS Certificate in General Small Animal Surgery in 2020 and became an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in 2021. Ben is a director and surgeon at ‘Debenham Vets Surgical Referrals’ in Suffolk where he treats patients with soft tissue, orthopaedic, and spinal conditions. Outside of clinical work Ben is interested in research and education. He is a reviewer for a for peer-review journal and has published several papers on topics within small animal orthopaedic. Ben regularly provides CPD for vets and is a consultant for N2-UK.

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Join us next week with Drew Tootle discussing dedicated OA clinics!

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by Dr James Guthrie, one of the UK's few specialists qualified in both small animal surgery and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Together they explore the current realities of managing canine osteoarthritis, discussing why there is still no cure, the importance of earlier diagnosis, and why treatment decisions should focus on the individual joint, the whole dog, and the family caring for them. James explains the latest surgical options, including joint replacements, arthrodesis and minimally invasive procedures, while highlighting the growing role of regenerative medicine, rehabilitation and conservative management. Through practical case discussions, the conversation tackles difficult clinical decision-making, ethical considerations, and the value of combining surgery with exercise, pain management and lifestyle changes. The episode offers an honest, balanced look at modern osteoarthritis care and reinforces the importance of teamwork, realistic expectations and personalised treatment plans. Packed with practical insights, this episode offers an up-to-date look at managing canine osteoarthritis with compassion and realism from an expert surgeon.

References:

ExamVet is a personalized, one-to-one coaching service created by Dr. James Guthrie to help veterinarians and veterinary students pass professional board exams, residency evaluations, and school tests on their first attempt.

Visit James at Fitzpatrick Referrals

5 Key Take-Home Points

• Early intervention offers the best chance of slowing osteoarthritis progression.

• Surgery works best as part of a multimodal treatment plan, not in isolation.

• Every treatment decision should consider the joint, the dog and the family.

• Rehabilitation should be proactive, structured and intensive—not an afterthought.

• Quality of life should always guide treatment choices, even when conversations are difficult.

Guest bio:

Dr. James Guthrie is one of the UK's leading veterinary surgeons, uniquely holding specialist qualifications in both small animal surgery and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Working at Fitzpatrick Referrals, he has a particular interest in minimally invasive surgery, regenerative medicine and helping dogs achieve the best possible outcomes through a combination of surgery and rehabilitation. Alongside his clinical work, James teaches, lectures internationally and mentors the next generation of veterinary specialists.

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Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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In this first episode of the intra-articular series, Hannah is joined by Dr João Alves to explore intra-articular approaches to canine osteoarthritis and how first-opinion practitioners can confidently bring more targeted treatment into everyday practice. They discuss why early identification and treatment of painful joints may be preferable to waiting until disease is advanced, while emphasising the importance of accurate diagnosis and imaging. João explains how local blocks and mesotherapy can help identify pain-generating joints before committing to more invasive or expensive interventions. The conversation covers corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, regenerative medicine and gels, alongside the practical considerations of cost, availability, sedation and treatment protocols. A major theme is managing uncertainty: not every treatment will work for every dog, and plans may need to change. Crucially, the episode highlights communication, realistic expectations, objective monitoring and long-term collaboration with caregivers. The overall message is encouraging: practitioners do not need every available option to start doing more.

Links

Connect with Dr Joao Alves on LinkedIn

5 Key Take Home Points

• Treat the painful joint, not just the X-ray.

• Early, targeted intervention may offer better opportunities.

• Use diagnosis and imaging to guide treatment decisions.

• Set realistic expectations—no treatment works for every dog.

• Good communication and monitoring are essential.

Guest bio

João Alves graduated from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, in 2012 and has since worked at the Guarda Nacional Republicana (Portuguese Gendarmerie) with their police working dogs, focusing on sports medicine and rehabilitation, helping these animals to achieve their full potential.
He completed his PhD in 2021 from the University of Évora, Portugal, in intra-articular management modalities for osteoarthritis. In 2022, he became a European Specialist in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Diplomate of the European College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation - Small Animals; DECVSMR).
In addition to osteoarthritis, he conducts research and is interested in working dog sports medicine, photobiomodulation therapy, and canine exercise. João has published dozens of papers and chapters and frequently lectures on these topics.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week to hear a surgeons perspective on OA with JAmes Guthrie!