Juno’s Journey: Helping a Senior Dog Enjoy Her Golden Years Again

Meet Juno — a sweet 9-year-old German Shepherd mix who had been struggling to get around. She was slowing down, no longer enjoying her walks, and her quality of life had taken a noticeable dip. Her owner was heartbroken, unsure of what to do next, and worried about how much more discomfort Juno could take.

That’s when they reached out to me.

As a veterinary physiotherapist, my goal was to give Juno the support she needed to move more freely, feel more comfortable, and most importantly — enjoy her life again. We developed a personalised rehabilitation plan focused on:

• Reducing her pain

• Improving her mobility

• Helping her feel like herself again

Why Physiotherapy Matters for Senior Dogs

For geriatric dogs like Juno, arthritis is common and unfortunately not curable — but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do. With the right care, it can be managed and even slowed down.

In Juno’s case, pain management was key. She had reduced motion in her hips and wrists, and it was crucial to maintain her joint flexibility and muscle strength. Using a gentle, non-invasive approach tailored for senior dogs, her primarily treatment plan included:

• Manual therapy to ease tight and sore muscles

• Laser therapy to reduce joint pain

• Rehabilitation exercises to build strength, improve balance, and support her joints and spine

We did four sessions over eight weeks, and by the fourth treatment, the transformation was incredible. Juno was happier, more active, and back to enjoying her walks — tail wagging and all.

The Power of Teamwork

While physiotherapy played a big role in Juno’s recovery, none of this would have been possible without her owner. They took every bit of advice seriously — from modifying exercises and adapting Juno’s home environment, to making small but powerful changes in her daily routine.

Their commitment truly set Juno up for success. That’s why owner involvement is just as important in the healing journey. You know your pet best, and with guidance, you can help them thrive — even in their senior years.

We're now continuing with monthly maintenance sessions to keep Juno feeling her best.

Here’s what Juno’s owner had to say after her 4th session:

My aging doggie was struggling with a limp from arthritis and chasing other dogs up and down a fence. Lea's approach to physical therapy and home exercises ensured that after only a few sessions, my dogs mobility returned, and she no longer battled to walk up stairs and get up after a long nap. 10/10 would recommend.