We specialize in helping SENIOR DOGS enhance their INDEPENDENCE with EVERY DAY ACTIVITIES, so they can lead a HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE without pain

Physical Therapists for Dogs

Are You Missing These Crucial Signs Of Arthritis In Your Dog?

What is Canine PT?

Stephanie Kralevich talks with Dr. Kelsey Jonas, owner of Canine PT and Me, about what canine rehab means in this video originally published on KPTV.

Staying Safe

We are following all CDC guidelines for COVID-19 protocols to keep you and your pup safe!

How do I know if my dog needs physical therapy?

Is your dog showing signs of pain or having difficulty getting around the house?

Does he/she have trouble going up and down stairs, or moving slower on walks?

Can your dog not jump on the couch or into the car anymore?

Has your dog recently had an injury or surgery?

If you answered YES to any of these questions… Canine PT and Me is your solution!​

There are several benefits for your canine to receive physical therapy:

A dog sitting patiently during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

Decreased Pain

We have observed that dogs feel much better after addressing their pain.

A dog sitting on a bosu ball during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

At-Home Tips

We will explain how to use various items to perform the appropriate exercises with your dog for their home-exercise program.

A happy dog enjoying a moment during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

Resume Activity

As dogs recover and get stronger, they are able to return to their previous activities that you love.

A dog in a wheelchair receiving treats during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

We are passionate about taking care of your dogs.

We specialize in creating a personalized treatment plan for you and your dog’s needs to decrease pain, enhance recovery and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Dogs of all ages can suffer from injury, age-related changes, in addition to general aches and pains. Canine physical therapy applies human physical therapy techniques adapted specifically for dogs. It has been proven to be extremely successful in helping older dogs increase strength and improve their longevity to live healthier, longer lives without pain! We work one-on-one with you and your dog as we establish a long-term plan so that your best friend can live happily through their aging years.

FAQs

A dog physical therapist, also known as a canine rehabilitation therapist, works to improve the quality of life of dogs through physical therapy. Whether the dog is recovering from surgery or injury or requires chronic pain management, a canine physical therapist can help.

More than just basic physical therapy, canine physical therapy requires an in-depth assessment of the dog’s condition. Following this, your dog’s physical therapist may use techniques such as massage, joint mobilizations, and targeted exercises. They will also create a tailored plan of care specifically for your dog, allowing for progressive increases in activity as your dog’s condition allows.

There is an enormous range of conditions that canine PT can help with. Many of our furry patients are recovering from surgeries, requiring tailored exercise programs and other treatment options to ensure a full recovery. Canine physical therapy helps your dog return to the activities they love after a surgery, and also helps to prevent re-injury.

Canine physical therapy also treats specific conditions such as hip dysplasia, CCL tears, and arthritis to name a few. In addition, physical therapy can be extremely useful for neurological conditions like IVDD and also for managing obesity.

Many dog parents choose physical therapy for their pups rather than surgery. Ultimately, it’s about improving your dog’s quality of life and allowing them to safely build the strength they need to live their best lives.

As every dog’s injury or condition is different, physical therapy session durations may vary. Typically, sessions run for around 60 minutes, depending on the level of treatment being administered. Most dogs aren’t known for staying in one place for too long, so we try to make sessions as effective for your dog as possible. Here at Canine PT and Me, we also aim to educate dog owners so they can help their pups with stretches and other exercises at home. Education is a large part of the session too, so don’t worry if your dog can be uncomfortable around new people. We make you both feel right at home.

Every physical therapy session is different at Canine PT and Me. That’s because we take an individualized approach to all treatments. Naturally, your dog’s specific condition and goals guide the session. A therapy session for an older dog with arthritis may look very different to one for a much younger dog with less severe injuries.

During a canine PT session, you can expect a full assessment of your dog’s condition. We may offer any combination of massage, stretches, joint mobilizations, PEMF, shockwave therapy, electrical stimulation, balance and coordination training and more. We’ll develop a tailored home exercise program that compliments what each session entails, so you can help your dog at home too.

Canine physical therapy should never be painful for your dog. This therapy aims to improve your dog’s movement, alleviate pain, and provide a better quality of life. If your dog shows any signs of pain during treatment or exercises, your canine therapist will adjust the treatment. Just like physical therapy for humans, treatments aren’t designed to cause pain. Rather, it’s about increasing movement gradually over a period of time that suits your dog. Every dog’s recovery is different, and we always ensure pain-free therapy for your furry friend.

You certainly can, but only as guided by your dog’s physical therapist. We promote education for dog parents, so we’ll teach you the right way to assist your dog through their recovery. For example, your physical therapist generates a tailored exercise program that involves daily stretches and exercises. We’ll teach you exactly how to do these exercises with your dog in a safe and controlled way.

We strongly discourage varying from the provided program in any way, as the exercises have been recommended specifically for a certain stage of your dog’s recovery. Pushing too hard can result in re-injury or permanent damage.

There is no set number of physical therapy sessions your dog will need to attend. It depends on many factors including your dog’s specific condition, age, and response to treatment. Dogs should never be pushed to do more than they are able to. This can be difficult because most dogs need to be held back from increasing their activity too early. Your therapist will determine the optimal number of sessions, but this can change along the way depending on how your pet progresses and recovers.

Again, there is no definitive answer here because all dogs are unique. If you think about it from a human point of view, people recover from illnesses at different speeds depending on so many factors such as lifestyle, age, and more. It’s no different with your dog. It’s likely that you’ll begin noticing improvements quite quickly, but remember, improved movement and comfort don’t always mean a full recovery. Always consult your dog’s physical therapist before allowing your pup to return to full, unsupervised activities.

Absolutely! In fact, that’s the main goal of canine physical therapy. Canine PT can help reduce pain, improve your dog’s range of movement, and generally improve its physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a young dog with a full life ahead or simply giving older dogs a more comfortable, pain-free life, canine physical therapy definitely improves the lives of our furry friends.

Every pet insurance company is different, and most of them have varying levels of coverage. Canine physical therapy may not be a standard inclusion on all pet insurance policies, so it’s best to do your research first. If you believe your dog will need physical therapy in the future, always check whether such treatment is covered.

When browsing through pet insurance options, check for higher-level policies that may include canine physical therapy. These policies typically cost a little more, but you can find a good deal if you shop around.

Scheduling an appointment with Canine PT and Me is simple! You can contact us online by clicking right here. If you’re searching for a ‘dog physical therapist near me’, you’ll find us at 728a SE 20th Ave, Portland, Oregon. Otherwise, call or text us on 503-839-0394, or send us an email at rehabinfo@canineptandme.com. We’ll be happy to book your dog in for their evaluation.

What Pawrents Say

A happy dog smiling during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

“Kelsey was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and made both myself and my corgi, Carl, feel very comfortable when she was there. She taught us both so much about different things we can do to help rehab his leg and left us with the tools to continue things after our sessions were over. Carl us all healed up and I would definitely recommend he to others and use her again if needed!”

-Katie B, Carl’s mom

A dog lying down on the grass during a break from physical therapy with a dog physical therapist

“Kelsey was fantastic! She is professional, kind and knowledgeable. As a human PT myself I am a firm believer in physical therapy, but wasn’t sure how to implement it with my 14 year old dog, Freddy. We’ve decreased and nearly eliminated his pain meds. My goal for him is to maximize his quality of life, and keep him happy and comfortable in his senior years; physical therapy with Kelsey has been very beneficial!”

-Kelly W, Freddy’s mom

A dog lying down on a carpet during a physical therapy session with a dog physical therapist

“I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Kelsey Jonas with Canine PT and Me. My rottie Mazey was hit by a car during our nightly walk. The accident obliterated one of her lumbar discs, causing spinal inflammation and paralysis. We weren’t sure if she would ever walk again! Through our dedicated nursing care, physical therapy, and cold laser therapy, she made a nearly full recovery. My baby girl can now run, jump, play; anything other dogs can do. Thank you Dr. Jonas!”

–Angelina G, Mazey’s mom