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:
Facebook: Canine Arthritis Management
Instagram: Canine Arthritis Management (@canine_arthritis) • Instagram profile
Youtube: Canine Arthritis Management
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

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.

1. Rethink the 5-minute rule
   Exercise needs to be tailored to the individual dog, not a fixed formula.

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

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

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

5. 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.

In this CAM LIVE, Hannah Capon is joined by Mel Bruder and Glenn Mac to explore one of the most overlooked yet influential aspects of managing chronic pain in dogs: flooring. Despite caregivers often investing heavily in hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, medication and supplements, the daily surface a dog walks on can have a huge impact on pain, confidence, function and safety.

The discussion examines why slippery flooring can be so problematic for debilitated or arthritic dogs, how repeated micro-slips affect movement and muscle use, and why flooring should be seen as a core part of case management rather than an afterthought. Hannah brings the veterinary perspective, Mel bridges human occupational therapy and veterinary physiotherapy, and Glenn adds practical expertise from the commercial flooring sector.

The session also introduces how flooring safety is assessed in the human world and how some of those principles can be thoughtfully translated for dogs, even though there is currently no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test. Importantly, the conversation stays grounded in real life, looking at how flooring can be made safer across a range of budgets and home situations.

This episode fits strongly within CAM’s April theme of home adaptations. It reinforces that a dog’s environment is part of treatment, and that changing the surface beneath their feet can meaningfully improve comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Guest Bio

Mel Bruder is a human occupational therapist and veterinary physiotherapist with a particular interest in how environment and function interact. Her dual background allows her to bridge human accessibility thinking with practical canine rehabilitation, making her perspective especially valuable when discussing flooring, mobility and home setup.

Glenn Mac is a flooring specialist with expertise in resolving commercial flooring needs to improve safety for clients and customers. His experience in evaluating slip risk, surface performance and practical installation brings an important real-world perspective to the discussion of safer flooring for dogs.

Key take homes

1. ​ Flooring is a major but often overlooked factor in chronic pain management and can significantly influence mobility, confidence and safety in arthritic dogs.
2. ​ Slippery surfaces do not just increase fall risk; repeated micro-slips can worsen pain, alter gait and contribute to compensatory movement patterns.
3. ​ Home adaptations do not have to be expensive to be effective. Safer pathways, strategic rug placement and thoughtful surface choices can make a big difference.
4. ​ Although there is no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test, human flooring safety principles can help guide more informed choices.
5. ​ Environmental change is treatment. Improving a dog’s flooring can be just as important as adding another therapy session or supplement.

Relevant links

Floors for Paws flooring range

https://www.floorsforpaws.com/commercial/

CAM Member Zone

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Good Day Bad Day Diary

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

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-focused episode from Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon is joined by Evie and Rebecca to introduce the upcoming Chronic Pain Symposium, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world application, including home adaptations as a core pillar of managing chronic pain.

The episode outlines how this year’s symposium has evolved to better support professionals and caregivers in translating knowledge into action. A key shift is moving beyond theory into practical implementation where environmental changes, daily routines and interdisciplinary collaboration become central to improving outcomes for dogs living with chronic pain.

The team introduces a structured three-day format designed to balance breadth and depth. Bite Size Friday offers accessible, high-impact insights across disciplines, while Saturday introduces dual learning streams tailored to veterinary and allied professionals. Sunday then deepens selected topics, allowing attendees to truly integrate learning into practice.

A recurring theme is that chronic pain management does not sit within one profession or one intervention. Instead, it requires a collaborative, multi-layered approach where home adaptations, behaviour, enrichment and lifestyle changes are as important as clinical treatments.

Ultimately, this episode positions the symposium as more than education – it is a platform for changing how chronic pain is understood, discussed and managed in everyday environments.

Guest Bios

Evie Thurmond is part of the CAM core team, contributing across education, clinical work and content development. She is actively involved in chronic pain clinics, external lecturing and the development of Pain Vet.

Rebecca plays a key role in managing Holly’s Army, CAM’s large caregiver community. She is a hydrotherapist, physiotherapy student and runs a dog daycare, bringing hands-on experience in canine behaviour and welfare.

Key take homes

1. Chronic pain education must translate into real life

Learning is only valuable if it can be applied. Home adaptations, routines and environment are critical bridges between theory and practice.

2. Home adaptations are central, not secondary

From flooring and rest areas to feeding strategies and daily structure, environmental changes are essential for managing pain effectively.

3. Interdisciplinary collaboration is non-negotiable

Veterinary teams, therapists and caregivers must work together. Different perspectives create better outcomes.

4. Depth matters as much as breadth

Broad awareness is important, but true impact comes from deeper understanding and repeated exposure to key topics.

5. Caregiver empowerment drives success

Equipping owners with practical tools and confidence is key to long-term management and improved quality of life.

Event Details

Event: Chronic Pain Symposium by Canine Arthritis Management

Dates: 24–26 April 2026 and it‘s online so you can participate from all over the world.

Structure

Friday

Bite-sized interdisciplinary sessions from multiple professionals

Saturday

Dual streams

• Veterinary stream

• Allied professional stream

Sunday

Deep dives into key topics including

• Pain and behaviour

• Lumbosacral pain

• Frailty and ageing

Plus additional panel discussions on

• Interdisciplinary teamwork

• Rehab modalities and evidence

• Quality of life and end-of-life decisions

Masterclasses (post-event)

• Psychopharmacology with Katrin Jan

• Intra-articular therapies with Joao Alves

• Feline chronic pain with Sarah Caney

Relevant links

Tickets & info

https://caninearthritis.co.uk

CAM Member Zone

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

CAM Online Shop

https://www.camonlineshop.com

Holly’s Army (community)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hollysarmy

In this April episode of Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon is joined by Matt Shackleton to explore a physiotherapist’s perspective on managing canine osteoarthritis, with a strong focus on home adaptations and environmental impact.

The conversation highlights that effective arthritis management goes far beyond medication or exercise plans. Instead, the dog’s daily environment plays a critical role in shaping pain, mobility and behaviour. From flooring and bedding to lighting, routine and emotional safety, small environmental changes can significantly influence outcomes.

Matt brings a unique lens from zoo and exotic animal practice, demonstrating how environment, enrichment and species-specific needs directly affect pain expression and recovery. These principles translate clearly to dogs, where overlooked factors such as slippery floors, feeding routines, over-arousal or lack of rest can worsen pain cycles.

A key theme is that pain is not purely physical. The environment influences emotional state, behaviour and even motivation to move. Dogs living in suboptimal environments may disengage, move less or develop maladaptive behaviours, all of which can accelerate disease progression.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces that home adaptations are not “nice to have” but essential. When done well, they can reduce pain, improve function and enhance quality of life - often with simple, accessible changes.

Guest Bio

Matt Shackleton holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy and is a lecturer at Harper Adams University. His background spans zoo keeping, animal behaviour science and physiotherapy, giving him a multidisciplinary perspective on animal welfare, movement and pain.

He consults internationally with zoos and delivers workshops on enrichment, movement and rehabilitation, focusing on how environment and behaviour influence health outcomes across species.

Key take homes

1. The home environment is a core part of treatment

Flooring, bedding, lighting, layout and routine directly influence pain, mobility and recovery. Small adaptations can create measurable improvements.

2. Pain is shaped by environment, not just pathology

Stress, predictability, emotional safety and enrichment all affect how pain is experienced and expressed.

3. Observation in context is critical

Seeing the dog in its real environment often reveals issues that are missed in clinic settings, from movement patterns to behavioural triggers.

4. One-size-fits-all advice does not work

Effective home adaptations must be tailored to the individual dog, household and caregiver capabilities.

5. Behaviour, routine and interaction patterns matter

Feeding habits, multi-dog dynamics, over-arousal and daily structure can either support or sabotage arthritis management.

Relevant links

CAM Member Zone (home adaptations, downloads and tools)

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Physiotherapy pyramid (Jamie McClellan et al.)

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physiotherapy_in_Veterinary_Medicine

DogMa app (LOAD questionnaire)

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dogma

CAM online shop (home adaptation and enrichment tools)

https://www.camonlineshop.com

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 CAM episode, Evie and Jo introduce a practical, caregiver-focused tool developed by the Canine Arthritis Management team to support one of the biggest challenges discussed throughout March: weight management.

The episode walks through a newly created weight loss tracking pack available in the CAM Member Zone. The aim of the tool is to simplify and structure the weight loss journey for both caregivers and professionals by removing guesswork and creating clear, visible accountability.

The pack includes guidance on body condition scoring, measurement tracking, food diaries, weekly checklists and milestone celebrations. A strong emphasis is placed on making weight management a shared household effort, highlighting how inconsistent feeding habits across family members can quickly derail progress.

The discussion also explores practical, realistic strategies such as enrichment feeding, breaking meals into smaller portions, replacing food with attention, and tracking everything that enters the dog’s mouth. Importantly, the episode reinforces that weight loss is not a short-term fix but a long-term lifestyle shift that must be sustainable.

This episode sits firmly within CAM’s March theme of weight management and provides a highly actionable framework to support caregivers in achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition for their dogs.

Guest Bio

Evie is Head Nurse at Canine Arthritis Management, working closely with both caregivers and veterinary teams to support practical implementation of arthritis management strategies in clinical and home environments.

Jo leads brand and marketing at CAM, translating clinical knowledge into accessible tools, resources and campaigns that support caregiver engagement and behavioural change.

Key take homes

1. Weight management requires structure and visibility. Tools like tracking sheets and food diaries help remove guesswork and keep all caregivers aligned.

2. Consistency across the household is critical. Without a shared plan, untracked treats and duplicate feeding can quickly undermine progress.

3. Enrichment feeding is a powerful alternative to traditional feeding, increasing engagement, slowing intake and improving wellbeing without adding calories.

4. Weight loss should be approached as a long-term lifestyle change, not a short-term diet, requiring sustainable habits and realistic routines.

5. Small behavioural shifts, such as tracking all food intake, preparing meals in advance and replacing treats with attention, can have a significant cumulative impact.

Relevant links

CAM Member Zone (includes the weight loss tracking pack)

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Canine Arthritis Management resources

https://caninearthritis.co.uk

CAM online shop (enrichment tools)

https://www.camonlineshop.com

Good Day Bad Day Diary

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

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 CAM LIVE episode, Esme Howells is joined by Helen Coleman and Victoria Bowes to explore practical, everyday approaches to managing obesity in dogs.

The conversation focuses on realistic strategies caregivers can implement at home, from portion control and feeding habits to enrichment-based approaches that support both physical and mental wellbeing. A key concept discussed is the Delboeuf illusion, demonstrating how bowl size and presentation can influence how much we perceive as an appropriate portion, often leading to unintentional overfeeding.

Helen and Victoria share a range of practical feeding tips and enrichment ideas that can help reduce calorie intake while maintaining satisfaction and engagement for the dog. The episode highlights how small environmental and behavioural adjustments can make a meaningful difference in long-term weight management.

This episode aligns closely with CAM’s focus on weight management, emphasising that sustainable change comes from consistent daily habits rather than short-term interventions.

Original publishing date: September 2020

Video recording: https://youtu.be/ng2j5VwuOSA

Guest Bio

Victoria Bowes is a Veterinary Nursing Course Manager at Moreton Morrell College. She is a qualified veterinary nurse with over 20 years of experience across small animal and emergency practice. Victoria has also contributed to the development of veterinary nursing programmes across multiple awarding institutions.

Helen Coleman is a lecturer and subject leader for animal-related degree courses at Moreton Morrell College. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Welfare and Management and previously worked in pet retail before moving into education. With over 13 years of teaching experience, her focus is on promoting responsible pet ownership and shaping future professionals in the animal sector.

Key take homes

1. Obesity management often starts with human perception, and tools like the Delboeuf illusion highlight how easily portion sizes can be misjudged.

2. Small environmental changes, such as bowl size and feeding presentation, can significantly influence feeding behaviour and calorie intake.

3. Enrichment feeding is a powerful tool, helping to slow intake, increase mental stimulation and improve satiety without increasing calories.

4. Sustainable weight management depends on consistent daily habits rather than restrictive short-term diets.

5. Educating caregivers on practical, realistic strategies is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition in dogs.

Relevant links

The Management of Pet Obesity book

https://www.5mbooks.com/the-management-of-pet-obesity.html

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.