Written by Pompassador @hikerroxie
At 7 years old, Theo is officially entering his senior years. He still charges through the forest like a puppy, chases birds with passion, and hikes alongside us with determination. But just like us, dogs change with age. That’s why we’ve made a promise: to help Theo stay strong, pain-free, and full of life for as long as possible.
One of the best decisions we've made for his long-term health is regular physiotherapy sessions at GajaVet Trenčín (Slovakia), under the expert care of MVDr. Katarína Garajová. These sessions are so much more than rehab - they’re about prevention, strength, and quality of life.
💪 Fitness Training for Strength, Stability & Control
Every session begins with targeted fitness training that’s tailored to Theo’s needs. This includes:
- Stretching – to improve flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.
- Strengthening exercises – to support muscles around the joints, especially the hips and spine.
- Balance training – using equipment like balance pads to activate core muscles, stabilizers and improve body awareness.
💦 Hydrotherapy - Low Impact, High Reward
Hydrotherapy is one of Theo’s favorite parts of physio. Walking on an underwater treadmill builds muscle and cardiovascular endurance while being easy on his joints. It's perfect for:
- Dogs recovering from injuries
- Senior dogs with arthritis or stiffness
- Athletic dogs needing non-impact conditioning
After each session, he gets wrapped in his cozy BathPomppa drying robe, which helps him stay warm and dry on the long car ride home.
🧠 Massage & Manipulative Techniques
Some sessions include therapeutic massage, which helps:
- Release tight or overworked muscles
- Improve blood circulation
- Relax the nervous system
These techniques are especially useful after a big hike or during colder months when stiffness can creep in.
✨ Laser Therapy - High Tech Healing
Every now and then, Theo also gets laser therapy. It might sound high-tech (because it is), but it's completely non-invasive and totally painless. Benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieving pain
- Boosting recovery from small strains or soreness
He even wears his cool little goggles during the treatment - it’s hard not to laugh, but it used to safe his eyes.
💭 Why We Do It
For us, physiotherapy isn’t just about fixing problems – it’s about preventing them. We want Theo to enjoy his life to the fullest, without being held back by pain or weakness. And honestly, these sessions have become a special part of our routine. He gets physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a ton of love from his physio couch.
Plus, it gives us peace of mind knowing we’re doing everything we can to keep him healthy and happy.
💡 Ask Our Physiotherapist
1. What are the most common problems older dogs come to physiotherapy with? How can physiotherapy help them?
– It can be very specific when we talk about the most common issues in veterinary physiotherapy, because it depends on the specialization of each physiotherapist. In general, there are neurological and orthopedic issues, and geriatric dogs - who often have a combination of both to various degrees. The second group is preventive physiotherapy and body conditioning for sporting dogs.
We focus especially on keeping the dog moving in a relatively healthy and normal way, or getting them back to movement in the case of paretic or plegic dogs. We aim to improve their wellbeing, control pain and muscle stiffness, manage secondary compensatory changes due to the primary disorder, help the dog return to active sport condition, and enhance recovery mechanisms.
2. How often should a healthy senior dog attend physiotherapy sessions (preventively)?
– There is no one correct answer, because it can vary from once a week to once a month - and both could be enough. For example, if the owners are cooperative and exercise regularly with the dog, physiotherapy sessions can be scheduled less often.
3. What signs can owners look out for that might indicate their dog would benefit from physiotherapy?
– Lameness, refusing to walk, shortening of regular walks or training, difficulties getting up or changing position, mood changes, refusing coat brushing (for example in the lumbosacral region), lying down during feeding, frequent position changes during sleep, general fatigue, or refusing to use stairs and jump into the car, etc.
4. Why is hydrotherapy so effective? How does it differ from regular swimming?
– Hydrotherapy is very effective because of the combination of active control training (speed control, stride length control, control of body weight load depending on water level) and physical therapy aspects (water temperature, water pressure, capillarity).
It is also very helpful for the therapist in the case of plegic or paretic dogs - the water supports the patient, and the therapist can focus on stimulating the necessary reflexes. And it is very interesting and enjoyable for the owners.
If I could, I really want to mention that hydrotherapy is very effective and helpful, but it is not the only method. It is very important to touch the dog - to provide manual therapy, correct position training, and active training based on each individual problem. You can do almost everything with your hands and correct training. With hydrotherapy, you can be more effective, and it can make the process a little easier.
5. Do you have any advice for owners on how to support their senior dog’s mobility at home between physiotherapy sessions?
– Move regularly, feed correctly, attend preventive check-ups, and if needed, provide regular manual therapy. Include some effective exercises under supervision, use specific aids such as functional clothing depending on the weather, and use suitable supplements - Omega-3/6 fatty acids, CBD, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative supplements, etc.
Our Physiotherapist: MVDr. Katarína Garajová
Physiotherapy has truly become part of Theo’s lifestyle! Not because something is wrong, but because we want to keep everything right.
And after every session, seeing him curled up in his warm BathPomppa robe, peacefully napping on the way home, I know we’re doing the best we can for him.
Thank you to MVDr. Katarína Garajová and the amazing team at GajaVet Trenčín for helping Theo stay strong, mobile, and happy 💙
– Valeriia / @hikerroxie