What is the purpose of home programs in senior dog physical therapy?

• A. To complement in-clinic therapy
• B. To replace in-clinic therapy
• C. To isolate the owner from the dog's therapy
• D. To increase risk of noncompliance

Answer: (A)

Home programs extend the benefits of in-clinic physical therapy by giving the dog and owner a structured plan to follow at home. They provide the right dose and progression between visits, helping to maintain improvements in joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, and pain control. With aging dogs, consistency is key, and a well-designed home program keeps therapeutic gains going daily or several times a week, rather than letting progress stall until the next appointment. It also engages the owner in the care, making it easier to monitor for changes, adjust activities as needed, and reinforce proper movement patterns.

These home plans are not meant to replace professional hands-on therapy or the pet’s veterinary assessment, and they should be tailored to the individual dog’s abilities and medical status. They also aim to improve compliance by providing clear instructions, goals, and milestones, rather than creating confusion or increasing risk.