As our dogs age, changes in strength, mobility and physical function can gradually impact their comfort, confidence and quality of life. While slowing down is often considered a normal part of ageing, many of these changes can be positively influenced through early intervention, targeted exercise and appropriate management strategies.

This presentation will explore the importance of maintaining muscle strength and mobility throughout a dog’s life, with a particular focus on supporting our senior companions. We’ll discuss common age-related musculoskeletal changes, how to recognise early signs of discomfort or declining function, and the role of physiotherapy in managing conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Importantly, we’ll look at practical exercises and preventative strategies that owners can introduce well before their dogs reach their senior years, helping them remain active, comfortable and independent for as long as possible.

Drawing on real-life clinical examples, we’ll demonstrate how small, consistent changes can make a significant difference to a dog’s long-term physical health and wellbeing.

Learning Objectives

About The Presenter

Lauren graduated in Physiotherapy with honours from Melbourne University in 2001. She then completed her master's in Animal Studies through Queensland University in 2007, a 2-year concentrated program focusing on learning animal anatomy and movement patterns. She then launched Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy because of her love for Animals and for giving them a better quality of life. Her thriving practice includes working with a range of species, hydrotherapy, complex rehabilitation cases and more. She also runs professional courses in;

* Small Animal Hydrotherapy

* Canine Remedial Massage

* Animal Dry Needling

Laurens’ goal is to provide the best quality of care available to all small animals in Melbourne and the Geelong region, by growing an inspired team of highly skilled and caring animal therapists.

We pride ourselves on delivering high level personalised care for small animals, allowing them to achieve a better quality of life.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys keeping fit with running, mountain biking, adventure racing and pilates and has represented Australia at the World Triathlon in 2010 and 2012.

A large percentage of pet guardians like to have both cats and dogs in the home, but introductions don’t always go well and what was envisaged as a harmonious fur family quickly escalates into a battle between the species.

When it comes to the resident feline, particularly one who has never shared their home with a canine before, this massive change to their environment can cause acute stress which, if left unmanaged, can lead to chronic stress and anxiety and subsequent declines in their physical and mental health.

Such outcomes can be avoided (or at least kept to a minimum) with some careful preparation and a better understanding of the differing behavioural needs of the two species.

This presentation will look at how to prepare a resident cat for the arrival of a canine friend, what to put in place once the new arrival is in the home, as well as some strategies to implement if things don’t go well.

Some real-life examples via case studies will help bring everything together.

If you missed this presentation at the recent PPGA Conference, here’s your chance for a reboot!

Learning Objectives

About The Presenter

Andrea Carne is a Feline Professional Member of PPGA and a Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also a Cert IV veterinary nurse and a qualified dog trainer through the Delta Institute where she began her career in animal behaviour and training.

Her business “Cattitude” was established in 2018, initially focused on in-home consultations with cat guardians in Hobart and surrounds. She has since expanded the business to include online consultations with clients across Australia and overseas.

From toileting problems, fearfulness and inter-cat conflict, to helping introduce felines to new ‘family additions’ (two legs and four), Andrea has helped clients from all walks of life to bring some purr-fect harmony to their home and build a better bond with their cats in the process.