Canine Bowen Technique
for the older dog

As your dog gets older you may start to notice physical and behavioural changes associated with the natural aging process. Age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints can be accompanied by discomfort or pain. For example, older dogs may experience problems as muscles decrease in size and flexibility. Loss of muscle tone can make it harder for dogs to move easily (especially if their joints are also sore). Just like us, joint conditions like arthritis may develop and the symptoms can range from mild stiffness to quite high levels of pain and movement restriction.

Some of the symptoms that might indicate pain include:

• panting, pacing, restlessness
• reduced or variable appetite
• preference for walking on soft surfaces
• difficulty walking on slippery flooring
• slowing down on walks, lagging behind
• limping or holding a leg up
• unsteady gait
• less enthusiasm for everyday activities
• reluctance or difficulty using stairs
• difficulty climbing onto/off the sofa or getting in/out of the car
• taking longer to recover from activities

Behavioural changes in an older dog

The changes seen may not be purely physical; aging dogs may show signs of behavioural or personality changes too. Owners often report is a loss of confidence in the outside world, insecurity, fearfulness, reclusiveness, development of phobias and a greater dependence on their owner (perhaps more clingy behaviour or development of separation anxiety). Some normally placid dogs may become a little bad-tempered or irritable with people or other pets in the house. Similarly, older dogs may seemed stressed in situations that they cannot move out of easily - for example when a younger, active dog approaches them on a walk. Older dogs may be more susceptible to illness as their immune systems weaken. Other problems often seen are hearing and vision deterioration, urinary incontinence, reduced energy, confusion and increased vocalisation.

How might Canine Bowen Technique help an older dog?

Firstly, if your dog is showing any of the above symptoms do make sure that you visit your vet to make sure you have identified any undiagnosed conditions that may be affecting your dog.

If your vet is satisfied that any underlying problems have been addressed, then you may wish to try Canine Bowen Technique as a more natural way to manage pain, mobility problems and other changes your dog is experiencing. More and more owners are seeking natural therapies to use in addition to veterinary medicine and I am pleased to say that I find that a lot of vets are very supportive of this approach.

Of course, Canine Bowen Technique cannot stop the aging process and it is not a cure for any given condition but the rebalancing and optimising effects of treatment may help with some of the symptoms described above and may help to keep your older dog happy, active and healthy for longer. I often have people say Bowen has taken years off their dog. Owners often report increased activity and play behaviour following treatment.

Bowen may be able to help your older dog in the following ways:

• Help with pain management and reduction in medication (any changes to medication should only be done following consultation with your vet)
• Help with flexibility and mobility
• Help with confidence in the home and in the outside environment
• Help calm a dog
• Help rebalance uneven or unsteady gait
• Help address areas that are compensating for problems elsewhere
• Help to stimulate the immune system
• Palliative care - the care of a dog suffering from a terminal illness can be a very difficult and emotional time for all involved. Canine Bowen Technique is very gentle, and is safe to give at all stages of life. Helping a dog to feel more comfortable and calm in their last weeks or months is an area of my work that I feel is very important. I do offer home visits if your dog cannot be moved.

I have found Canine Bowen Technique to be helpful in the management of pain for dogs suffering from arthritis. Some of my clients report that their dogs are more mobile, more able to rise from rest, more playful and happier in themselves. I have had reports of increased confidence and ease getting in and out of the car.

Senior Top-ups

After an initial course of treatment you may feel that your dog could benefit from regular treatment. This can often be the case for degenerative or chronic conditions - in some cases these dogs may need shorter more frequent treatment sessions to help keep them in optimum health. Please ask about "Senior Top-up" treatments.