Canine Arthritis Matters

In this April episode of Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon is joined by Matt Shackleton to explore a physiotherapist’s perspective on managing canine osteoarthritis, with a strong focus on home adaptations and environmental impact.

The conversation highlights that effective arthritis management goes far beyond medication or exercise plans. Instead, the dog’s daily environment plays a critical role in shaping pain, mobility and behaviour. From flooring and bedding to lighting, routine and emotional safety, small environmental changes can significantly influence outcomes.

Matt brings a unique lens from zoo and exotic animal practice, demonstrating how environment, enrichment and species-specific needs directly affect pain expression and recovery. These principles translate clearly to dogs, where overlooked factors such as slippery floors, feeding routines, over-arousal or lack of rest can worsen pain cycles.

A key theme is that pain is not purely physical. The environment influences emotional state, behaviour and even motivation to move. Dogs living in suboptimal environments may disengage, move less or develop maladaptive behaviours, all of which can accelerate disease progression.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces that home adaptations are not “nice to have” but essential. When done well, they can reduce pain, improve function and enhance quality of life - often with simple, accessible changes.

Guest Bio

Matt Shackleton holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy and is a lecturer at Harper Adams University. His background spans zoo keeping, animal behaviour science and physiotherapy, giving him a multidisciplinary perspective on animal welfare, movement and pain.

He consults internationally with zoos and delivers workshops on enrichment, movement and rehabilitation, focusing on how environment and behaviour influence health outcomes across species.

Key take homes

1. The home environment is a core part of treatment
Flooring, bedding, lighting, layout and routine directly influence pain, mobility and recovery. Small adaptations can create measurable improvements.
2. Pain is shaped by environment, not just pathology
Stress, predictability, emotional safety and enrichment all affect how pain is experienced and expressed.
3. Observation in context is critical
Seeing the dog in its real environment often reveals issues that are missed in clinic settings, from movement patterns to behavioural triggers.
4. One-size-fits-all advice does not work
Effective home adaptations must be tailored to the individual dog, household and caregiver capabilities.
5. Behaviour, routine and interaction patterns matter
Feeding habits, multi-dog dynamics, over-arousal and daily structure can either support or sabotage arthritis management.

Relevant links

CAM Member Zone (home adaptations, downloads and tools)
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Physiotherapy pyramid (Jamie McClellan et al.)
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physiotherapy_in_Veterinary_Medicine

DogMa app (LOAD questionnaire)
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dogma

CAM online shop (home adaptation and enrichment tools)
https://www.camonlineshop.com

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this CAM episode, Evie and Jo introduce a practical, caregiver-focused tool developed by the Canine Arthritis Management team to support one of the biggest challenges discussed throughout March: weight management.

The episode walks through a newly created weight loss tracking pack available in the CAM Member Zone. The aim of the tool is to simplify and structure the weight loss journey for both caregivers and professionals by removing guesswork and creating clear, visible accountability.

The pack includes guidance on body condition scoring, measurement tracking, food diaries, weekly checklists and milestone celebrations. A strong emphasis is placed on making weight management a shared household effort, highlighting how inconsistent feeding habits across family members can quickly derail progress.

The discussion also explores practical, realistic strategies such as enrichment feeding, breaking meals into smaller portions, replacing food with attention, and tracking everything that enters the dog’s mouth. Importantly, the episode reinforces that weight loss is not a short-term fix but a long-term lifestyle shift that must be sustainable.

This episode sits firmly within CAM’s March theme of weight management and provides a highly actionable framework to support caregivers in achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition for their dogs.

Guest Bio

Evie is Head Nurse at Canine Arthritis Management, working closely with both caregivers and veterinary teams to support practical implementation of arthritis management strategies in clinical and home environments.

Jo leads brand and communication at CAM, translating clinical knowledge into accessible tools, resources and campaigns that support caregiver engagement and behavioural change.

Key take homes

1. Weight management requires structure and visibility. Tools like tracking sheets and food diaries help remove guesswork and keep all caregivers aligned.
2. Consistency across the household is critical. Without a shared plan, untracked treats and duplicate feeding can quickly undermine progress.
3. Enrichment feeding is a powerful alternative to traditional feeding, increasing engagement, slowing intake and improving wellbeing without adding calories.
4. Weight loss should be approached as a long-term lifestyle change, not a short-term diet, requiring sustainable habits and realistic routines.
5. Small behavioural shifts, such as tracking all food intake, preparing meals in advance and replacing treats with attention, can have a significant cumulative impact.

Relevant links

CAM Member Zone (includes the weight loss tracking pack)
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Canine Arthritis Management resources
https://caninearthritis.co.uk

CAM online shop (enrichment tools)
https://www.camonlineshop.com

Good Day Bad Day Diary
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this CAM LIVE episode, Esme Howells is joined by Helen Coleman and Victoria Bowes to explore practical, everyday approaches to managing obesity in dogs.

The conversation focuses on realistic strategies caregivers can implement at home, from portion control and feeding habits to enrichment-based approaches that support both physical and mental wellbeing. A key concept discussed is the Delboeuf illusion, demonstrating how bowl size and presentation can influence how much we perceive as an appropriate portion, often leading to unintentional overfeeding.

Helen and Victoria share a range of practical feeding tips and enrichment ideas that can help reduce calorie intake while maintaining satisfaction and engagement for the dog. The episode highlights how small environmental and behavioural adjustments can make a meaningful difference in long-term weight management.

This episode aligns closely with CAM’s focus on weight management, emphasising that sustainable change comes from consistent daily habits rather than short-term interventions.

Original publishing date: September 2020
Video recording: https://youtu.be/ng2j5VwuOSA

Guest Bio

Victoria Bowes is a Veterinary Nursing Course Manager at Moreton Morrell College. She is a qualified veterinary nurse with over 20 years of experience across small animal and emergency practice. Victoria has also contributed to the development of veterinary nursing programmes across multiple awarding institutions.

Helen Coleman is a lecturer and subject leader for animal-related degree courses at Moreton Morrell College. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Welfare and Management and previously worked in pet retail before moving into education. With over 13 years of teaching experience, her focus is on promoting responsible pet ownership and shaping future professionals in the animal sector.

Key take homes

1. Obesity management often starts with human perception, and tools like the Delboeuf illusion highlight how easily portion sizes can be misjudged.
2. Small environmental changes, such as bowl size and feeding presentation, can significantly influence feeding behaviour and calorie intake.
3. Enrichment feeding is a powerful tool, helping to slow intake, increase mental stimulation and improve satiety without increasing calories.
4. Sustainable weight management depends on consistent daily habits rather than restrictive short-term diets.
5. Educating caregivers on practical, realistic strategies is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition in dogs.

Relevant links

The Management of Pet Obesity book
https://www.5mbooks.com/the-management-of-pet-obesity.html

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this CAM LIVE episode, Hannah Capon speaks with veterinary physiotherapy researcher Heli Hyytiäinen about the growing recognition of obesity in dogs as a major welfare issue. Alongside dental disease and osteoarthritis, excess weight is now understood to be one of the most significant health challenges affecting companion animals.

The discussion explores why obesity is far more than a cosmetic concern or a simple co-morbidity risk for conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Excess adipose tissue acts as a metabolically active organ, producing pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute directly to the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Heli highlights emerging research showing that obese dogs may accumulate lipid droplets within muscles, tendons and ligaments, affecting tissue performance and recovery capacity. These physiological changes can alter biomechanics, reduce efficiency of movement and exacerbate joint disease. Studies comparing lean and obese dogs demonstrate that stride length is often shorter in overweight animals, while joint range of motion can appear increased due to compensatory movement patterns.

Whether a dog currently has arthritis or not, maintaining a lean body condition is one of the most powerful preventative strategies for long-term musculoskeletal health.

Publishing date: May 2020 https://youtu.be/7buqnkeqovE

Guest Bio

Heli Hyytiäinen graduated as a physiotherapist in 2000 and completed her Finnish specialization in Animal Physiotherapy in 2003. Since then she has worked exclusively with animal patients. She earned a Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 and completed her PhD at the University of Helsinki in 2015. She founded and developed the physiotherapy department at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Helsinki, where she continues to combine clinical work with research. She lectures internationally on animal physiotherapy, teaches within Finnish animal physiotherapy specialization programmes and is an honorary lecturer for the MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy programme at the University of Liverpool.

Key take homes

1. Obesity in dogs is now recognised as a major welfare concern alongside dental disease and osteoarthritis.
2. Adipose tissue is metabolically active and releases inflammatory mediators that contribute directly to the progression of arthritis.
3. Obesity affects musculoskeletal tissues beyond joints, with lipid deposits identified in muscles, tendons and ligaments that impair function and recovery.
4. Biomechanical differences exist between lean and obese dogs, including shorter stride lengths and altered joint movement patterns.
5. Even modest weight loss of around 6–9 percent body weight can lead to measurable improvements in lameness and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Relevant links

Evaluation of gait-related variables in lean and obese dogs at a trot
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236579229_Evaluation_of_gait-related_variables_in_lean_and_obese_dogs_at_a_trot

The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20237844/

How obesity modifies tendons
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241419/

Canine Arthritis Management resources
https://caninearthritis.co.uk

Good Day Bad Day Diary
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this CAM LIVE, Hannah Capon speaks with leading veterinary obesity researcher Alex German about one of the most significant health challenges affecting companion animals today: excess body weight. With more than 50 percent of pet dogs now classified as overweight or obese, the discussion highlights why this issue has become a welfare concern of epidemic proportions.

Alex provides an overview of the scale of the obesity problem in dogs, the key factors contributing to weight gain, and the strong association between obesity and musculoskeletal disease, particularly osteoarthritis. The conversation explores how excess weight increases mechanical strain on joints while also driving systemic inflammation that worsens pain and mobility problems.
The discussion then moves to practical strategies for safe and sustainable weight management. Alex explains why gradual, controlled weight loss is essential and how long term success depends on building consistent feeding routines, managing treats, and supporting caregivers in maintaining healthy habits for their dogs.
The episode also considers whether particular food groups can influence weight loss and long term weight control, and discusses preventative approaches that can help stop obesity developing in the first place.

Original publishing date: January 2021
Facebook Live recording: https://youtu.be/-h7Bf44QGtw

Guest Bio

Alex German is Royal Canin Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, a recognised specialist in internal medicine with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

His main clinical and research interest is the prevention and management of obesity in companion animals. For more than fifteen years he has run the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool, a specialist clinic dedicated to improving the quality of life of overweight pets through clinical excellence, research and education.

Key takehomes

1. More than half of pet dogs are now overweight or obese, making excess weight one of the most common and serious health concerns in companion animals.
2. Obesity is strongly linked with musculoskeletal disease, including osteoarthritis, increasing both joint loading and systemic inflammation that contributes to chronic pain.
3. Safe weight loss must be gradual and carefully managed to protect health and improve the chances of maintaining weight loss long term.
4. Successful weight management relies on behaviour change for both dogs and caregivers, including portion control, consistent feeding routines and careful management of treats.
5. Prevention is critical. Monitoring growth in young dogs and recognising weight gain early can significantly reduce the likelihood of obesity developing later in life.

Relevant links

Study on food consumption and osteoarthritis in dogs
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/217/11/javma.2000.217.1678.xml

Waltham Puppy Growth Charts
https://www.waltham.com/resources/puppy-growth-charts

CAM Member Zone
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Good Day Bad Day Diary
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.