Diane Kasperowicz. Having spent 18 years in the film and television industry, Diane decided it was time for a change and wanted to do more to help animals. Diane rehomed a dog from Battersea Dogs Home and her life changed forever.
Diane retrained and became a Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant in 2008. Diane is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The Institute of Modern Dog Training and the Pet Professional Guild. Diane is also a qualified Real Dog Yoga Instructor, Agility Instructor and Canine Hoopers Instructor. She is also author of the book ‘Beyond The Bowl’ and runs a Facebook group of the same name focusing on enrichment and health and well-being for our canine companions. Diane runs classes, 121’s, workshops and talks in SW London and Surrey along with presenting on a wide range of subjects nationwide. In January 2019 Diane became a UK KONG Ambassador and enjoys teaching about the benefits of enrichment and mental stimulation. She currently has 3 rescue dogs who keep her busy and entertained!
Diane kindly agreed to answer the following questions:
What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?
I’m really excited that there is so much more information out there, advancements are being made in the Veterinary world and this information is being shared with other pet professionals and owners. CAM has been instrumental in educating owners and giving people access to vital information regarding the condition. Online courses and booklets are now widely accessible and available. The circle of care now extends to all pet professionals and as a dog trainer who offers classes for ‘Golden Oldies’ as well as ‘Canine Conditioning’ the value of sharing knowledge and information improves the lives of many. Education is key in spotting the early signs. Lots of practices now have pain clinics and arthritis clinics which is just amazing!
What do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?
Early diagnosis is essential for managing the condition and taking away the stigma surrounding the disease. Medical intervention HAS to be the first port of call, in our social media age of community groups, often I see questions being asked about supplements (which is okay too) however much more emphasis is put on choosing natural therapies and remedies when dogs are already in pain. Pain often presents emotional and behavioural changes and whilst natural therapies can be beneficial, getting a correct medical diagnosis from your vet is key to managing the disease and the earlier we get help the better.
How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?
With the rise of a multi modal approach, I see owners having access to better care and frequent treatment such as clinics specifically for arthritis so conditions can be monitored and pain relief, supplements and changes to exercise schedules can be addressed much earlier leading to a longer lifespan for our best friends. I would like to see more pet professionals getting involved in terms of educating owners as to the early signs, as a dog trainer I see owners with puppies from 12 weeks of age all the way through to geriatrics and it’s surprising how many people attribute lameness in young dogs down to simple strains and over exercising when after being referred back to their vet, owners discover their dog has some kind of joint problem. I am hugely inspired by pet professionals all working together and providing much needed support for owners. Teaching new owners about the early signs is vital and dog trainers can be an essential part of the education process.
If you had the opportunity to give one tip/ piece of advice to an owner with a dog suffering from arthritis what would it be?
It’s not the end and you still have lots of time to enjoy a full life together. Have fun, laugh, play and enjoy yourselves together. Whilst we see it as a debilitating and terminal disease, our dogs just don’t think like that. Take the pressure off yourself to go for walks everyday, if your dog doesn’t fancy a long walk, chill out in the garden or offer some enrichment exercises. Dogs live in the moment and we could all benefit from doing the same. #bemoredog