Dog owners in Scarborough area urged not to ignore winter stiffness as new assessment service launches

Operation K9, which has centres in Beverley and Sherburn, has introduced a Pain & Mobility Assessment to help owners better understand changes in their dog’s movement, comfort and behaviour without needing a veterinary referral.

With colder temperatures often making stiffness and discomfort more noticeable, many owners are seeing their dogs slow down, struggle after rest, or show reluctance on stairs and walks.

Rebecca Wilkinson, Clinical Director at Operation K9 and a Registered Veterinary Nurse, said these signs are often dismissed.

“We regularly hear owners say, ‘we thought it was just age’ or ‘we weren’t sure if it was serious enough.’

"But winter often brings underlying pain or mobility issues to the surface,” she said.

“The earlier we can identify those changes, the more we can do to support dogs in staying comfortable and active.”

The new Pain & Mobility Assessment is a 45-minute, one-to-one consultation designed for dogs who need more time and a gentler environment.

Unlike standard vet appointments, it allows for a detailed hands-on assessment and clear explanations for owners from our vet nurses and experienced therapists.

Each session includes:

♦ body condition and muscle assessment

♦ digital gait and weight-bearing analysis using stance analysis and

Tendiboots™ technology

♦ trigger point and discomfort examination

♦ practical advice on home adjustments and exercise

♦ guidance on potential treatment pathways

At £50, the service offers significant value, according to Rebecca: “It’s a similar cost to a short vet consultation, but owners leave with a much deeper

understanding of their dog’s comfort and movement, and clear next steps.”

One of the biggest advantages for local owners is that no vet referral is required, allowing dogs to be assessed sooner rather than waiting until problems worsen.

“Many of the dogs we see aren’t lame, but they’re not quite right either,” Rebecca said.

“This service bridges that gap and gives owners confidence in supporting their dog’s wellbeing.”

“No diagnosis is given as that is up to the vet, but we can gather information for the owners to feel more confident going into a vet appointment.”

The assessment is suitable for senior dogs, dogs recovering from injury, and those showing early or subtle changes in mobility.

The service is available at both Operation K9 centres, with limited weekly appointments.

“Owners often tell us this session answered questions they’d had for months,” said Rebecca.

“That’s why we believe it’s such an important addition for local dogs and their families.”

For more information about Operation K9’s services, visit https://operationk9.co.uk/ or follow them on social media at @ operationk9_hydro and Operation K9 Ltd Hydrotherapy Centres.