In this episode of Tails & Tones, host Mariska Nell sits down with Dr. Laurie McCauley, a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore what’s really happening when dogs start slowing down.

Together, they unpack why stiffness and changes in movement aren’t always “just age,” and how fascia, trigger points, posture, nutrition, and everyday habits quietly shape a dog’s long-term comfort and mobility. Dr. Laurie shares practical, empowering insights for pet parents, from simple movement and stretching exercises, to weight management, joint supplements, laser therapy, and how feeding posture, including elevated eating setups for certain dogs, can reduce strain on the neck, spine, and joints during daily meals.

This thoughtful conversation encourages pet parents to notice sooner, support intentionally, and rethink what’s possible when movement truly becomes medicine, helping dogs live not just longer lives, but happier, more comfortable ones.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Laurie McCauley is a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation with a lifelong passion for helping dogs move better, feel better, and live fuller lives. After graduating from Colorado State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she opened the first veterinary rehabilitation clinic in the U.S. and designed the first underwater treadmill for dogs, long before the field had a formal name. Board certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Laurie is the founder of Optimum Pet Vitality and has spent decades educating both professionals and pet parents on how movement, awareness, and thoughtful support can transform a dog’s quality of life.

Takeaways:

1. Aging is not a disease, slowing down is often a sign of discomfort, not “just age.”
2. Subtle changes in movement, posture, or behavior often appear long before pain becomes obvious.
3. Early awareness and proactive support can significantly improve a dog’s long-term comfort and mobility.
4. Fascia plays a critical role in movement, flexibility, pain perception, and recovery.
5. Fascial restriction and trigger points can quietly alter posture and movement over time.
6. Trigger points often persist after injury or surgery due to compensation, even when healing appears complete.
7. Movement truly is medicine, regular, appropriate exercise supports joints, muscles, and overall well-being.
8. Controlled strengthening and stretching are just as important as walks or free play.
9. Consistency in daily habits matters more than occasional big interventions.
10. Weight management has a major impact on joint health, inflammation, and longevity.
11. Nutrition and joint supplements can support mobility when used thoughtfully as part of a broader care approach.
12. Tools like laser therapy can help reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve comfort.
13. Feeding posture matters, how a dog eats can influence strain on the neck, spine, and joints.
14. Elevated feeding setups may benefit dogs with neck pain, arthritis, spinal issues, or mobility challenges, but should always be individualized.
15. Empowered, observant pet parents play one of the most important roles in supporting their dog’s quality of life.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

1. Dr Laurie McCauley, Optimum Pet Vitality, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
2. Top 5 Exercises for Geriatric Dogs (Free eBook)
3. Core & More: Foundational Exercises for Your Dog
4. At Home! Laser Therapy for Pet Parents
5. Review the podcast on Podchaser
6. Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here
7. Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here
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Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Intro

[02:55]- Meet Dr. Laurie McCauley & Her Path into Veterinary Rehabilitation

[05:14]- Why Rehab Matters More Than We Realize

[06:18]- Aging vs. Discomfort: Early Signs Dog Parents Often Miss

[08:34]- Piper’s Story: Laser Therapy, Joint Supplements & Zoomies

[10:21]- Longevity, Exercise & Why Movement Is Medicine

[10:58]- What Fascia Is and Why It’s So Important

[12:45]- Fascia, Immunity & Why “Sticky” Tissue Causes Problems

[13:57]- How Movement, Stretching & Breathing Support Fascia

[14:55]- Doggy Yoga & Cookie Stretches Explained

[15:15]- How Often to Stretch: Daily vs. Throughout the Day

[16:27]- Dr. Laurie Demo: Core Strength, Balance & Ball Exercises

[17:10]- When to Start Mobility Work (Puppies to Seniors)

[19:26]- What Trigger Points Are and Why They Matter

[20:22]- Dr. Laurie Demo: Finding & Releasing a Trigger Point

[20:58]- Dr. Laurie Demo: Breathing & Movement to Release Tension

[21:30]- Breathing, the Vagus Nerve & Calming Your Dog

[23:00]- Why Trigger Points Persist After Injury or Surgery

[23:36]- Tuning Forks, Vibration Therapy & Fascial Release

[25:34]- Laser Therapy: What It Actually Does in the Body

[26:15]- Dr. Laurie Demo: How to Laser a Knee Properly

[27:40]- Positioning Matters: Cartilage, Ligaments & Arthritis Prevention

[28:41]- How Often to Use Laser (Acute vs. Chronic Issues)

[30:20]- At-Home Lasers vs. Clinic Visits

[31:45]- Why This Is NOT Just a Senior-Dog Issue

[32:17]- Arthritis Stats: 20% by Age 1, 80% by Age 7

[32:55]- When to Start Supplements, Exercise & Prevention

[33:12]- Exercise, Obesity & Why Weight Matters So Much

[33:56]- Range-of-Motion Checks Every Dog Parent Can Do

[35:31]- Body Condition Scores & Keeping Dogs Lean

[38:10]- Why How Dogs Eat Matters

[38:29]- Elevated Bowls: When They Help & When They Don’t

[39:57]- Neck, Spine & Pain-Free Eating

[40:52]- Piper’s Feeding Changes & Picky Eating

[41:02]- Where to Safely Start Supporting Mobility at Home

[41:26]- Core & More Program & Simple At-Home Exercises

[42:10]- Touch, Awareness & Knowing What’s “Normal”

[43:23]- The One Thing Pet Parents Should Pay Attention To

[43:34]- Daily Living Functions: Stairs, Jumping & Greeting You

[45:28]- What Changes When Dogs Start Feeling Better

[46:08]- Final Movement Reminders

[47:06]- Free Resource: Top 5 Exercises for Geriatric Dogs

[48:29]- Tuning Forks Explained (Amethyst, Lapis & More)

[52:52]- Why Fascial Tools Can Be So Powerful

[53:13]- Final Thoughts & Gratitude

[53:48]- Outro: Not Waiting for Something to Be “Wrong”