Animal Mechanics Veterinary Physiotherapy

08/06/2026

Yep....How about you?

01/06/2026

⚠️ PLEASE BE AWARE

Please help raise awareness by sharing this information with fellow dog owners.

Recent reports have highlighted an increase in sightings of Oak Processionary Caterpillars in parts of the UK.

These caterpillars carry thousands of tiny toxic hairs that can cause serious reactions in both people and animals. Even contact with a nest, shed hairs, or contaminated surfaces may trigger symptoms.

Signs of exposure in dogs may include:
Excessive drooling
Swelling of the tongue, lips or face
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing difficulties
Pawing at the mouth

The caterpillars are most commonly found on oak trees, often travelling in distinctive nose-to-tail processions or gathered in silken nests on trunks and branches.

If you are walking in woodland, parks or areas with oak trees:

Keep dogs away from caterpillars and their nests.
Avoid touching nests or affected trees.
Keep dogs on paths where possible.
Contact your vet immediately if exposure is suspected

Source: Forestry England and recent national media reports.

22/05/2026

My boys love their daily blueberries

Research shows that feeding dogs🐶 blueberries🫐 as treats can support healthier aging by helping reduce oxidative stress, a key driver of cellular damage over time. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, compounds linked to improved antioxidant status, brain health, and reduced inflammation in both animal and canine studies. In sled dog and feeding trials, blueberry supplementation🫐 has been shown to increase antioxidant capacity, helping protect cells from damage associated with exercise and aging. Emerging research also suggests these compounds may help defend DNA🧬 from oxidative stress, supporting overall cellular resilience. Interestingly, studies comparing fresh and frozen❄️ blueberries have found that freezing preserves these antioxidants and may even increase their measured availability. This happens because ice crystal formation breaks down cell walls, making anthocyanins easier to release when consumed. Combined with the fact that frozen berries are typically harvested at peak ripeness, they can deliver antioxidant levels equal to or even higher than fresh store-bought berries. Together, the evidence suggests blueberries, especially when fed regularly, are a simple, functional addition that may help support your dog’s long-term health and aging process.

Start with ¼ to ½ tsp per 10lbs of body weight a day.

10/05/2026

My boys have this daily as a powder mixed with water and love it. I take it in tablet form for myself as I am not so keen on the smell!

A new peer-reviewed study published in BMC Veterinary Research found that daily Spirulina supplementation supported multiple areas of health in working dogs, especially at the higher dose of 0.08 g/kg body weight per day over 7 weeks. Researchers tested two doses, 0.04 g/kg and 0.08 g/kg, and observed improvements in cholesterol, inflammation, antioxidant status, gut health, immune defenses, and liver related markers. Dogs receiving Spirulina had up to 31% lower “bad” cholesterol, 39% lower oxidative stress, 47% more beneficial gut bacteria, and a 65% increase in a key gut immune defender. Researchers also found signs of a stronger gut lining and lower inflammatory markers. Some benefits appeared within 3 weeks, with the biggest improvements seen by week 7.

04/05/2026

A new peer-reviewed, randomized controlled study in dogs with heart failure, published in the American Journal of Physiology–Heart and Circulatory Physiology, found that a coconut-derived medium-chain fat called octanoate also known as caprylic acid, which comes from natural fats especially those rich in medium-chain fatty acids, helped improve heart function and slow disease progression. It worked by providing the failing heart with an easier to use fuel source, which improved pumping ability, increased cardiac output, and reduced strain on the heart. The dogs receiving octanoate showed better metabolic efficiency and more stable heart performance compared to controls, suggesting that supporting energy production in the heart may be a promising strategy for heart failure management.

This research highlights an important clinical takeaway. Targeted nutritional support can directly influence cardiac energy metabolism. Coconut oil as a natural source of medium-chain triglycerides including octanoate may be a useful nutritional addition for dogs with cardiac compromise. When combined with a low-AGE, fresh, nutritionally complete meat-based diet and mitochondrial supportive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, acetyl L carnitine, and taurine, this approach may help support the metabolically stressed heart by improving energy production, enhancing contractility, and supporting overall cardiac resilience.

25/04/2026

Think all petting feels good to your dog? Not even close. Science shows a lot of what we call affection is actually overstimulation. Slow it down. Your dog doesn’t want a drum solo on their head. Slow strokes equal calm, fast pats equal stress.

A new peer-revied study surveying dog and cat owners looked at how touch relates to pet wellbeing and found clear differences between species. For dogs, gentle petting had the biggest positive impact, especially slow, calm stroking along the chest, shoulders, and sides. The more time and physical contact, the better, with added benefits when dogs lean on their owners or sleep close by. This type of touch mimics natural social grooming and helps reduce stress while promoting relaxation. In contrast, owner-initiated petting didn’t have the same effect in cats. What mattered more was cat-initiated contact, particularly head rubbing, also known as bunting. Gentle touch can improve wellbeing, but only when it aligns with the animal’s natural behavior and comfort level. Takeaway: If your dog leans into you, relaxes, or closes their eyes, you’re doing it right, if they pull away or get restless, adjust pressure or location.

20/04/2026

Daily walks are one of the most powerful ways to support your dog’s physical and emotional health. But they’re not without risk; one of the most overlooked and easily avoidable hazards I’ve seen in clinical practice is the use of retractable leashes. While they may seem convenient, offering dogs more freedom to explore, they can create a dangerous illusion of control. In reality, extending your dog 10–15 feet away reduces your ability to respond quickly when something unexpected happens, whether it’s a passing car, another dog, or a sudden noise.
Over the years, I’ve treated far too many injuries tied directly to retractable leashes; everything from neck strain and spinal stress in dogs to serious rope burns, trips, and falls (for dogs and people). These devices change the way dogs learn to walk, too. Instead of reinforcing calm, connected movement, they often reward pulling by giving dogs more distance when they forge ahead.
A sturdy, fixed-length leash (about 4–6 feet) paired with a well-fitted harness gives you consistent communication and control while still allowing your dog to enjoy the walk and all the sniffs that go with it. It’s one small change you can make that can dramatically reduce risk and help create calmer, more enjoyable walks for both you and your dog. Learn the leash types I recommend for maximum safety for you and your pup in my latest blog. Link in comments🐾.

11/04/2026

Pets can teach the human race so much about humanity.

10/04/2026

Adders! They are about! This is the one in my garden.

To distinguish them, they have diamonds on their back.

If your dog is bitten please please lower everyone’s heart rate. Relax. Don’t tourniquet anything as the venom is already in the body, you’ll only make it worse.

The bitten area will be angry, you can pour cool water on it. But don’t rub it or try and clean it.

Pick your dog up and walk them to the car to then travel to the vet. Or walk at a snails pace back to your car. Keep heart rate low.

You can carry antihistamines BUT call your vet before giving them as they may and can make the situation worse.

Then head straight to your vet.

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk

07/04/2026

MYTH: Ramps are only for old dogs.

Jumping down from the sofa or the car boot puts immense concussive force on your dog's front legs. Teaching your puppy or adult dog to use a ramp is one of the best preventative adaptations dog guardians can make to protect those joints for the long haul.