Planning a post-surgery rehab programme for a dog

A post-surgery rehab programme starts from the vet's instructions, not from a standard plan. Ask the owner to bring the referral and the surgery report to a first assessment, agree with the vet on restrictions and timing, then plan a series of sessions over several weeks with clear stages: pain and swelling control, restoring movement, rebuilding strength, returning to normal activity. Book the sessions as a series at the first appointment, so the rhythm doesn't depend on the owner remembering to call, and give home exercises between visits. Review progress at set points and report back to the vet.

The surgeon knows what was done and what the joint or tissue can tolerate. Before the first session, you need the procedure, the date, any restrictions on weight-bearing, lead walking or stairs, medication, and when the vet wants to see the animal again. If something is unclear, contact the practice before starting. Working within the vet's framework protects the animal and keeps everyone aligned.

Divide the programme into stages, each with its own aim and session content, and move on only when the animal is ready. Early sessions can be closer together; later ones spread out as the owner takes on more of the work at home. Tell the owner from the start roughly how many weeks you expect, what each stage looks like, and what might slow things down, so a plateau doesn't feel like failure.

Rehab happens between sessions as much as during them. Show each exercise, watch the owner do it, and give written instructions or a short video. Keep the list short: two or three exercises done properly beat eight done occasionally. Ask the owner to note how it went, so you can adjust at the next visit.

Small changes at home protect the repair while the animal heals: rugs or mats on slippery floors, a barrier at the stairs, a ramp or help getting into the car, a smaller space to rest in so the animal doesn't run or jump. Go through them with the owner at the first assessment and again when restrictions are lifted. Owners who understand why each change matters are more likely to keep to it on the days when the dog seems fully recovered and wants to play.

Plan review points — for example every few sessions — where you measure again and compare. Send a short update to the referring vet at key stages and at discharge. If you see something worrying, such as new lameness or swelling, stop and refer back to the vet before continuing.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. Create a first-assessment service and a rehab session service, and open slots for each at their length, one place per slot. The owner can book the assessment online. For the programme, book the following sessions yourself from your calendar at the end of the assessment: first and last name are required, email and phone optional, and you can write the animal's name in the note. Once a slot is booked it's full and no longer shown to others, so the owner keeps the same times each week.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own. In the service description, ask owners to bring the vet's referral, the surgery report and any medication list. Owners can't move bookings online: they contact you, you reschedule or cancel from your bookings list and tell them yourself, since Book doesn't email clients about changes. Calendar sync (Google, iPhone, Mac) keeps the series in your own calendar. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.