Expert warns of domestic dangers to pets
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A canine expert is calling on dog owners to assess their homes for domestic dangers that can cause devastating damage to their four-legged residents.
Slippery floors, stairs and sitting room furniture are among the hazards Julia Robertson is warning dog owners to be aware of, as their overuse by man’s best friend can result in them suffering crippling pain.
The former veterinary nurse, who now treats dogs suffering from chronic pain, arthritis and musculoskeletal problems using her muscle treatment Galen Myotherapy, is pointing out the everyday dangers as so many of her four-legged patients have been left in agony by unassuming activities, such as climbing onto the sofa.
Julia, who has worked with animals her entire life, said: “Dogs have been living in our homes for years but they were never designed for our modern environments, which I believe are detrimental to their health and can prematurely impact on their longevity.
“Going up and down stairs, climbing repeatedly onto furniture for a snooze and running on slippery floors can all result in repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which can have a devastating impact on their limbs, joints and muscles over time.
“In the 15 years I have been using Galen Myotherapy I have treated thousands of dogs with serious physical damage and the majority are suffering because of RSI.”
Julia’s tips for improving your dog’s environment
- Don’t let them get on the furniture. “The impact of jumping up and down onto sofas and chairs can be hugely damaging to their joints.”
- If you have slippery floors in rooms well-used by your dog, consider putting down non-slip mats. “A dog can easily over-extend its limbs while running across such floors.”
- Examine where your dog sleeps. Their bed should be big enough so they can lay flat out, stretch and easily alter their position.
- Give them a pillow so they can fully support their neck when sleeping.
- Let them sniff! “The natural position dogs adopt when they sniff around in the bushes is great exercise, allowing them to stretch their necks and spine while working leg muscles.”
- Galen Myotherapy is a hands-on treatment - derived from massage - that treats dogs suffering from underlying conditions, such as RSI, and is used by Julia and her network of therapists across the UK and abroad.
She and her team will be demonstrating the treatment at Crufts this year and discussing such dangers with dog owners – which can also include routines outside the home, such as jumping out of car boots and playing too much fetch.
She says ball/stick throws should be limited to around two or three on walks and pooches should warm-up before they take part in such vigorous exercise.
She also advises using a ramp to help your dog get in and out of the car as leaping from boots and back seats has an enormous impact on their joints.
Julia said: “No dog owner wants to intentionally hurt their pet but unfortunately our homes and the activities we enjoy with them can cause them damage, which bit by bit, builds up to become chronic, often crippling, pain.
“This doesn’t mean we have to change our relationship with our four-legged pals but rather adapt our environments so they are more suited to them.
“Dogs have always been man’s best friend and by making a few changes in our homes we can ensure we are theirs.”
Julia and her team will be in Hall 3 Stand 28A at Crufts. For more information about Galen Myotherapy visit www.caninetherapy.co.uk
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