In this CAM LIVE, Hannah Capon is joined by Mel Bruder and Glenn Mac to explore one of the most overlooked yet influential aspects of managing chronic pain in dogs: flooring. Despite caregivers often investing heavily in hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, medication and supplements, the daily surface a dog walks on can have a huge impact on pain, confidence, function and safety.

The discussion examines why slippery flooring can be so problematic for debilitated or arthritic dogs, how repeated micro-slips affect movement and muscle use, and why flooring should be seen as a core part of case management rather than an afterthought. Hannah brings the veterinary perspective, Mel bridges human occupational therapy and veterinary physiotherapy, and Glenn adds practical expertise from the commercial flooring sector.

The session also introduces how flooring safety is assessed in the human world and how some of those principles can be thoughtfully translated for dogs, even though there is currently no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test. Importantly, the conversation stays grounded in real life, looking at how flooring can be made safer across a range of budgets and home situations.

This episode fits strongly within CAM’s April theme of home adaptations. It reinforces that a dog’s environment is part of treatment, and that changing the surface beneath their feet can meaningfully improve comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Guest Bio

Mel Bruder is a human occupational therapist and veterinary physiotherapist with a particular interest in how environment and function interact. Her dual background allows her to bridge human accessibility thinking with practical canine rehabilitation, making her perspective especially valuable when discussing flooring, mobility and home setup.

Glenn Mac is a flooring specialist with expertise in resolving commercial flooring needs to improve safety for clients and customers. His experience in evaluating slip risk, surface performance and practical installation brings an important real-world perspective to the discussion of safer flooring for dogs.

Key take homes

1. ​ Flooring is a major but often overlooked factor in chronic pain management and can significantly influence mobility, confidence and safety in arthritic dogs.
2. ​ Slippery surfaces do not just increase fall risk; repeated micro-slips can worsen pain, alter gait and contribute to compensatory movement patterns.
3. ​ Home adaptations do not have to be expensive to be effective. Safer pathways, strategic rug placement and thoughtful surface choices can make a big difference.
4. ​ Although there is no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test, human flooring safety principles can help guide more informed choices.
5. ​ Environmental change is treatment. Improving a dog’s flooring can be just as important as adding another therapy session or supplement.

Relevant links

Floors for Paws flooring range

https://www.floorsforpaws.com/commercial/

CAM Member Zone

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

Good Day Bad Day Diary

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday

Learn more about CAM:

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Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

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