Spring is one of the best times to enjoy senior dog hikes NH pet owners love, especially here on the Seacoast. The snow is finally melting, the mud is officially here, and many local dog owners are eager to get back outside. It is the perfect time to enjoy places like Stratham Hill Park or take advantage of the late-season window when some Seacoast beaches still allow dogs before warmer-weather restrictions begin.
But if you have an older dog, you may notice something discouraging on those first few spring walks. They may lag behind, hesitate before jumping into the car, or seem much stiffer the next morning after a longer outing.
It is easy to watch that and think, “I guess they are just getting old.”
At Acupetvet, we hear that all the time. The good news is that slowing down does not have to be accepted as a permanent part of aging.
Why Senior Dog Hikes NH Can Be Harder After Winter
When a New Hampshire winter keeps dogs indoors and less active, they often lose strength and muscle mass. For a younger dog, that may not be a big setback. For an older dog, especially one already dealing with arthritis, that winter slowdown can mean less support around the joints right when activity starts increasing again.
When a senior dog overdoes it on that first warm spring weekend, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and a reluctance to go out again the next time. Often, the issue is not that they are too old for the trail. It is that their body needs help making the transition back into activity.
How to Make Senior Dog Hikes NH Safer and More Comfortable
1. Ease into it Do not jump from a quiet winter straight into a long hike. Start with shorter, flatter walks of about 15 to 20 minutes. Gradually build endurance and strength over a few weeks.
2. Watch for the silent signs of pain Dogs are incredibly stoic. They do not always cry, limp, or make it obvious when something hurts. Watch for more subtle signs like hesitating at stairs, taking longer to sit or stand, shifting weight, or licking the same leg, paw, or joint.
3. Look at the whole picture This is where our approach is different. Because Acupetvet is a veterinary-led practice, we do not just focus on exercise alone. We look at the full medical picture. Sometimes what seems like general stiffness is actually a more specific issue that can be identified and managed safely.
Do Not Let Pain Keep Your Dog Off the Trail
Your dog’s senior years should still include fresh air, movement, and time with you. Through targeted pain management, veterinary acupuncture, and gentle rehabilitation, we help senior dogs improve comfort, mobility, and confidence.
If your dog is struggling to shake off the winter rust, it may be time to take a closer look. Pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging.
Before heading out, it is also smart to check the latest local trail and beach rules. You can review current information for Stratham Hill Park through the Town of Stratham and review New Hampshire Seacoast beach pet rules through NH State Parks.
Ready to see if rehab or acupuncture is right for your senior dog?
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png00Tasha Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngTasha Wilson2026-03-26 09:02:292026-03-27 09:28:55Senior Dog Hikes NH: Is Your Dog Ready for Spring Trails?
Case Summary: Bella, a 4-Year-Old Female French Bulldog
Case Background:
Bella, a four-year-old female French Bulldog, sustained a spinal cord compression due to a T13-L1 intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) and hemorrhage from T10-L2 on September 27, 2024. She underwent a left T13-L2 and right T10-T13 hemilaminectomy on the same day at a referral clinic. Bella was referred to us for an initial rehabilitation evaluation on November 4, 2024, which included assessments of gait and posture, functional mobility, manual palpation of muscles and joints, range of motion, strength, and neurologic function. She was off all medications at this time.
Rehabilitation Evaluation:
Bella exhibited multiple gait abnormalities, including ataxia in the hind limbs, weight shifting onto her forelimbs, a widened hind limb stance, and reliance on her forelimbs for propulsion. Functionally, she demonstrated difficulty transitioning from a seated to sternal position and from sternal to standing, which was attributed to her hind limb weakness. Manual assessment revealed muscle tension in the cervical epaxials and latissimus dorsi, likely due to compensatory mechanisms, decreased hind limb strength, limited spinal rotation to the left, and delayed conscious proprioception (CP) in the right hind limb.
Rehabilitation Goals:
The primary objectives of Bella’s rehabilitation included:
Minimizing gait deviations
Enhancing ease of postural transitions
Reducing muscle tension
Increasing strength in all limbs
Improving spinal rotation to the left
Enhancing conscious proprioception in the right hind limb
Treatment Plan:
Bella’s treatment plan incorporated laser therapy, acupuncture, manual therapy for flexibility and muscle tension reduction, therapeutic exercises, and a home exercise program for owner to do regularly to assist in Bella’s recovery process. Initial exercises focused on improving hind limb engagement, weight shifting, and transitional movements. As Bella gained stability, her regimen was progressively intensified to include more advanced exercises such as weight shifting on an unstable surface, sit-to-stand transitions, and three-legged stances. These exercises aimed to strengthen her limbs and improve core stability.
Acupuncture was added to not only help manage her pain but also support her nervous system by regulating pain signals, improving neuromodulation, and encouraging the natural healing process. It also helps relax the muscles around her spine, decreasing nerve pain/impingement, while also improving her range of motion and easing post-surgical stiffness. With this integrative approach- acupuncture with rehabilitation therapy – Bella regained mobility much faster than expected and returned to her playful, happy self.
Outcomes:
Bella demonstrated significant improvement in her gait, with reduced weight shifting onto the forelimbs, decreased ataxia, a normalized hind limb stance, and appropriate propulsion using her hind limbs. Additionally, she exhibited improved stifle flexion during gait, reduced muscular compensation (eliminating latissimus dorsi twitching), and enhanced strength (3/5 in all limbs). Spinal rotation became symmetrical. Although delayed CP persisted , it was mild in the right hind limb and was not affecting her normal daily activity.
From the owner:
“Prior to Bella doing rehab at Acupetvet, she was very unstable and weak in her back legs as a result of IVDD. Through a combination of laser therapy, acupuncture and progressing with at home rehabilitation, she is stronger than ever. She has not only gained strength, but has become more confident and is able to go on longer walks. Her quality of life has increased and we are so thankful to the entire staff at Acupetvet for their execution and expertise!”
Ongoing Management:
Bella continues to receive acupuncture twice monthly to help support her long-term health, mobility, and overall well-being. These sessions are aimed at improving nerve pathway function (CP deficit), reducing back tension and disc inflammation, and maintaining comfort as she ages, helping her stay as healthy as possible. She will also follow a structured home exercise program under the diligent care of her owners. She will continue refining her mobility in the coming months as part of her ongoing recovery.
Dr. Tasha Wilson is certified in veterinary acupuncture and rehab therapy. Lynn Low, PT, has her certification in rehab therapy.
Is your beloved furry companion grappling with the challenges of arthritis? If so, you’re not alone, and there are several measures you can take to enhance their living environment, making it a sanctuary of comfort and relief.
Cozy and Supportive Bedding: Opt for a comfortable bed that’s easily accessible, preferably one with orthopedic support designed to alleviate pressure on their joints. We highly recommend K9 Ballistic orthopedic beds. Their firmness provides stability for your pet when they get on and off, offering vital joint support.
Non-Slip Flooring: Prevent slips and falls, especially on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood, by using non-slip flooring options such as carpets, rugs, or yoga mats. This simple adjustment significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Assistive Equipment: Consider installing pet stairs or ramps to facilitate their movement on stairs, couches, and beds. These come in various designs, so feel free to reach out to us for recommendations tailored to your pet’s needs. We can also utilize these assistive equipment during your session to help your pet learn how to use it if needed.
Avoid High-Impact Activities: High-impact activities like jumping, running, or rough play can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Opt for gentler, low-impact exercise routines. Our rehabilitation therapy can be particularly beneficial; it strengthens your pet without causing discomfort.
Elevated Food and Water Bowls: To reduce neck and shoulder strain, provide elevated food and water bowls. This small change can make a significant difference in their daily comfort.
Soothing Heat Therapy: Utilize heated rice bags, such as Therapearls, to alleviate stiffness and discomfort. These therapeutic heat packs are a simple yet effective way to enhance their well-being.
Therapeutic Touch: Offer your furry friend gentle massages or consider hydrotherapy, which can improve circulation, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation.
Massage and Relief: Aging dogs often experience back and neck pain. Consider incorporating heat and massage in these areas to ease their discomfort. We can also teach you different stretching techniques to help ease your pet’s pain and decrease stiffness.
Veterinary Guidance: Explore acupuncture, inquire about natural supplements, or discuss medication options approved by Dr. Tasha Wilson for managing pain and inflammation. These therapies can be instrumental in enhancing their quality of life.
Remember, these thoughtful adjustments can significantly reduce discomfort and enhance your pet’s overall quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s arthritis, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide guidance and support every step of the way!
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_0574-scaled-e1601408546916.jpeg7501000Dr. Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngDr. Wilson2023-11-06 11:34:152024-03-24 13:29:599 Ways To Help Your Arthritic Pet
“If I would have recommended it for my own pet, why would I not offer it to my patients? It’s a great tool to help control pain, and other ailments in pets.” ~ Dr. Tasha Wilson
In 2016, my mom (Dr. Wilson) became certified in Medical Acupuncture at Colorado State University. This evidence-based modality allows her to provide adjunctive therapies to pet patients like me. I know the needles look a little frightening, but there’s no need to worry. It doesn’t hurt. I can barely even feel it! The needles are actually as thin as hair.
Sometimes I even fall asleep while she is giving me treatment because I am so relaxed. Plus, those little needles are very helpful for pets who have injuries and/or diseases that cause them pain.
What is Acupuncture?
So, you might be wondering, what is this strange treatment, called acupuncture? The “official” definition of acupuncture is that it is a therapeutic treatment method that involves the insertion of sterile needles to prevent and treat injuries and disease. But, how does it work? And, why would a pet like me need to have it?
Traditional Vs. Western Acupuncture
Let me start by explaining the two main ways of using acupuncture:
Traditional / Chinese / Eastern Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China long, long ago. Traditional / Chinese / eastern acupuncture focuses on restoring a patient’s energy flow, called qi, but it is pronounced, “chee”. Here’s a more scientific explanation, according to John Hopkins Medicine:
“Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.”
Western / Medical Acupuncture
Western/medical acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture, but it is a more contemporary, evidence-based version of the practice. It uses our current knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how it relates the disease to establish the points used in treatment. With western/medical acupuncture, a diagnosis is established first, and acupuncture is used as one method of treatment.
Which is Better?
My mom says that neither practice is necessarily better than the other. She said that many practitioners use a combination of both when treating a patient. She cited an article from Mosher Health, which stated, “We need both western and Chinese medicine. The sooner we integrate both into a universal approach to healing and treatment, the healthier and wiser we will all be.” I agree!
What are Acupuncture Points?
Scientists and researchers say that acupuncture points can stimulate the central nervous system. As a result, chemicals are released into the body’s muscles, spinal cord, and brain, which is believed to restore the body’s natural healing abilities, helping to restore physical and emotional health. which helps to increase physical and emotional health. This is true for both humans and pets, like my BFF, Hazel, and I.
Each acupuncture point corresponds to a particular area of the body. So, if a dog like me is feeling pain in his/her foot, there is a spot on the body where, if one or more of those tiny needles is placed, it can help me (or you!) feel better.
When choosing points for acupuncture, my mom says she looks at the disease process and thinks,
“What nerves and blood vessels go to that area, such as the hips, or to a specific organ? I want to increase blood flow, and decrease inflammation. What can I do to decrease the muscle tension in that area? What area can I target to counteract the heightened nerve response that is occurring right now?”
Then, she targets the specific acupuncture points that work with those particular nerve pathways and with those specific blood vessels. Pretty cool, right?
How Does Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture does many great things for your body – whether you’re a human, like my mom, or a pet, like me.
It decreases pain.
One of the most common uses of acupuncture is pain management. If your pet is experiencing pain due to surgery, injury, or chronic disease, your veterinarian may recommend acupuncture to help with the pain. Why? Because acupuncture helps to stimulate the natural production of substances in the body that decrease pain.
For example, cytokines are proteins secreted by the immune system. Certain cytokines promote an inflammatory response, and acupuncture reduces the cytokines that increase inflammation. It also increases those that inhibit inflammation, activating a natural way the body can decrease pain, andhelping to get the nervous system back on track.
When an animal like me has chronic pain, the nerves start becoming dysfunctional and don’t work as they should. When the nerves aren’t working properly, they can become “ramped up”, and even when the painful stimulus is gone, the animal may still feel the same amount of pain. Acupuncture helps to “unwind” the nervous system and release muscle tension, so the animal’s pain level is better controlled and the nervous system becomes “more normal”.
For best results, my mom says acupuncture is often used in combination with other types of treatments to decrease pain in pets.
It can help improve cartilage health.
Acupuncture helps to release various growth factors, including but not limited to ones that help cartilage become healthy again. There is a lot of data showing that once cartilage is dead (which can happen in joint disease), it will never be healthy again. However, my mom said there are more and more studies (like this one) showing that acupuncture can actually help with that.
It helps to release anti-inflammatory substances in the body.
According to the following research study, “Acupuncture can promote the release of anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances (opioid peptides, adenosine, dopamine, and endogenous Cannabinoids [7–9]) and inhibit the release of proinflammatory factors (5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, substance P, nerve growth factor, CGRP, and TRPV1 [10–12]) to produce an *analgesic effect.” The word “analgesic” means “acting to relieve pain”, which further supports #1, above.
Again, acupuncture helps facilitate a natural way the body can heal itself.
It can help to heal the body in many ways.
Pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, disc disease, and/or other nerve injuries can benefit greatly from acupuncture. It is often used after an injury is repaired and a pet is going through rehabilitation and helps to improve the healing process.
Acupuncture can also help pets with skin problems like allergic dermatitis and hot spots by increasing circulation in the affected areas, which helps to improve the healing process, and by reducing pain, which minimizes a pet’s tendency to over-groom or itch an affected area.
It can even help with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea, as increased blood circulation helps to regulate the digestive system. Acupuncture is also known to help animals with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, due to its anti-inflammatory effects and immune system benefits.
When the body has a disease, such as kidney or heart disease, inflammation occurs as a result. This can cause these diseases to worsen. Acupuncture helps decrease the inflammation secondary to the disease, helping the organs function better. My mom has even seen kidney values decrease with acupuncture! See this study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28422526/.
There are minimal – if any – side effects.
Aside from all of the wonderful things about acupuncture listed above, the thing that I love about acupuncture (and my mom does, too) is that the risk of side effects from properly administered acupuncture are extremely low. When done by a doctor like my mom, with the right training, certification, and experience, most pets won’t feel much at all. Sometimes I feel a tingling sensation, and other pets may feel a slight numbness in the area being treated, but that’s it!
There are many treatments out there for different symptoms, with potential side effects far worse than the initial cause for treatment. Acupuncture is really just about making four-legged creatures like us feel better.
Results & Treatment Length
Dr. Wilson (my mom) starts with a total of 6 sessions to start and then works with the pet parent to determine an ongoing treatment plan if that’s what you and your owner decide. If your pet has chronic problems, the initial frequency of sessions might be higher than others and may be needed for a longer period of time, while temporary or short-term pain or illnesses are likely to be resolved more quickly. It all depends on the pet and their particular symptoms and needs.
“Patients that are likely to respond favorably to acupuncture usually do so within the first few treatments; however, at first the benefits may last only 1 to 2 days. The goal is to build a cumulative and longer-lasting effect by delivering frequent sessions at the outset. Once a satisfactory level of improvement occurs, the acupuncturist will usually increase the time interval between sessions to that which allows sustained improvement with the fewest treatments.”
Your First Appointment
At your first appointment, Dr. Wilson will discuss your pet’s history and the disease process with you. It’s important to provide her with as much information as possible about what supplements and medications you are taking, along with any past illnesses or injuries. She will also perform myofascial palpation, which helps her to assess trigger points and muscle tension, which she targets during treatment.
Acupuncture is science-based, and Dr. Wilson has read multiple case reports and scientific studies showing the benefits of acupuncture – from the microscopic changes to the changes owners see in their pets. She values integrative medicine. and focuses on the patient as a whole, treating not only the symptoms but the cause. Her end goal is always “making better tomorrows for your pet.”
Pets Dr. Wilson Has Helped
Because acupuncture can do so many good things for pets like me, I get regular acupuncture treatments. My mom uses it as a preventative treatment for me. It also helps to decrease any muscle tension I get after I’ve been running around like crazy, doing acrobatics with my BFF, Hazel. Plus, it helps keep the cartilage healthy in my knees, which is especially important, since I had a TPLO operation, and my other knee is more prone to cruciate disease because of it.
But, I’m not the only one who has benefited from acupuncture. My mom helps tons of pets feel better. Here are a few of my four-legged friends she has helped:
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/unnamed-1-e1598635420402.jpg4071000Dr. Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngDr. Wilson2022-02-07 09:55:452022-02-08 21:18:54Jenkins Explains: How Acupuncture Works
Although the certification is officially for canine rehabilitation, I also offer feline rehabilitation, as well. I took a rehab therapy course through Canine Rehab Institute and I went to multiple classes in Colorado and Florida over the course of one year.
I learned about different ways to assess a patient for pain, by looking at their muscles and ligaments in their spine a little bit differently than I have before. I also learned different ways to evaluate pets for limping and strength, and how to evaluate flexibility tests and measurements to help determine progress after treatment has begun.
What is Canine Rehabilitation Therapy?
Canine Rehabilitation Therapy is a practice that “adapts human physical therapy techniques to increase function and mobility of joints and muscles in animals. Animal rehabilitation can reduce pain and enhance recovery from injury, surgery, degenerative diseases, age-related diseases, and obesity.”
Rehab therapy includes pain management as well. Neuromuscular stimulation, laser therapy, or acupuncture, plus joint mobilizations or “ massages” can help decrease inflammation and improve joint health.
Benefits of Canine (and Feline) Rehabilitation Therapy
I greatly enjoy treating pets with acupuncture and cold laser therapy. These modalities offer great pain control; however, once a pet’s pain level is controlled, it is good to slowly strengthen and condition them back to shape so they do not hurt themselves once they feel better.
That is what rehabilitation therapy provides. It also helps stimulate the nervous system- providing both musculoskeletal and neurological support. Some additional examples of the benefits of rehabilitation therapy include:
Pre and Post Surgery
Physical therapy is not only beneficial after surgery, but prior to surgery as well. Patients are typically undergoing surgery to fix an issue that is causing pain, and rehab therapy can help ease the pain a bit leading up to the surgery. After the surgery, it is necessary to ensure full recovery and to regain strength.
Neurological Issues
Rehab therapy can be extremely beneficial in neurological cases, by helping patients to increase nerve and muscle stimulation. It’s also a great way to help teach the body how to walk again, by reteaching the muscles, patterns of walking, and stimulating the nerves.
Geriatric Patients
Rehab therapy provides great mental stimulation for cats and dogs, and especially for older pets. Geriatric patients can benefit significantly from this type of therapy, as their comfort level typically improves after just one visit. I often give older pets heat, a massage, and stretch their muscles, which helps their posture and aids in pain control.
Feline Rehabilitation Therapy
Felines can benefit from rehabilitation therapy, too. Rehab therapy is good for cats who may have had a stroke, or those with neurological diseases and/or back diseases. For example, a feline who is having a hard time learning how to walk again could benefit from this type of therapy.
There are so many benefits to canine and feline rehabilitation therapy. After learning how patients have benefited from rehab therapy, I felt strongly that this would help my patients continue to improve and have a better comfort level.
If you have a pet who has a cruciate injury or a different orthopedic condition and want more information rehabilitation therapy, get in touch with Dr. Wilson today!
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/unnamed-1-1-e1558126738383.jpg18343024Dr. Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngDr. Wilson2019-05-17 16:24:422019-05-17 19:29:42Dr. Tasha Wilson is now officially a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist!
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In 2016, my mom (Dr. Wilson) became certified in Medical Acupuncture at Colorado State University. This evidence-based modality allows her to provide adjunctive therapies to pet patients like me. I know the needles look a little frightening, but there’s no need to worry. It doesn’t hurt. I can barely even feel it! The needles are actually as thin as hair.
Aside from all of the wonderful things about acupuncture listed above, the thing that I love about acupuncture (and my mom does, too) is that the risk of side effects from properly administered acupuncture are extremely low. When done by a doctor like my mom, with the right training, certification, and experience, most pets won’t feel much at all. Sometimes I feel a tingling sensation, and other pets may feel a slight numbness in the area being treated, but that’s it!
