Back Pain in Dogs: What It Looks Like & How Rehab Can Help
Just like us, dogs can suffer from back pain—and when they do, it can affect everything from their movement to their mood. The tricky part? Dogs are brilliant at hiding discomfort. That’s why many pet owners only realise something’s wrong when their dog slows down, avoids stairs, or just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore.
If you’ve noticed your pup acting a bit “off,” you’re not alone—and the good news is, there’s help.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Back Pain
Back pain in dogs isn’t always obvious. Here are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs we commonly see:
- Reluctance to jump on the sofa, into the car, or up stairs
- Tense or arched back posture
- Yelping when touched or picked up
- Shivering or restlessness, especially in the evening
- Difficulty getting up after lying down
- Weakness or wobbly walking in the back legs
- Changes in mood—grumpy, withdrawn, or unusually quiet
Sometimes it’s due to age-related issues like arthritis or degenerative disc disease (IVDD), while other times it might be from a strain, injury, or even compensation from another issue like hip or knee pain.
Why Rehab Makes a Real Difference
Whether your dog has a confirmed diagnosis or just seems uncomfortable, canine rehab plays a crucial role in helping them feel better and move better—without jumping straight to surgery or long-term medications.
At Apollo Animal Physio, we support dogs through hands-on therapies, exercise-based rehabilitation, and home care guidance tailored just for them. Here’s how we help:
1. Reduce Pain Naturally
Gentle manual therapies like massage, stretching, and laser therapy can ease tension, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to sore areas—providing much-needed relief without side effects.
2. Strengthen the Right Muscles
Back pain often results in muscle weakness or imbalances. Rehab helps target those areas safely, rebuilding strength and stability so your dog can move with more confidence (and less pain).
3. Improve Posture & Movement
Poor posture can cause or worsen back pain. Through guided exercises, we help retrain your dog’s movement patterns—supporting their spine, improving alignment, and preventing further issues down the line.
4. Restore Confidence & Activity
Many dogs start avoiding things they once loved—walks, playing, cuddles—because movement hurts. Rehab helps them safely return to those activities at their own pace, with support and encouragement along the way.
5. Empower You as the Owner
You’ll be shown exactly what to do at home—whether it’s stretches, strengthening exercises, or simple environment tweaks—to make your dog more comfortable between sessions.
Contact Us
- 07300 020 514
- bookings@apolloanimalphysio.com
- apolloanimalphysio@gmail.com
- Apollo Animal Physiotherapy, Old Haine Road, Ramsgate, CT12 5AG
