Paws 4 Recovery

Canine hydrotherapy services to assist with recovery, mobility, weight loss and fitness.

Canine Hydrotherapy

Canine Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water to aid in rehabilitation of painful joints, injured or healing structures, reduce inflammation and strengthen and maintain muscle mass. The underwater treadmill uses the properties of water to the advantage of the dog with the speed, depth of water and resistance being easily controlled and adjusted as required.

How Hydrotherapy Can Help Your Dog

Relief of pain, swelling & stiffness

Pre op muscle retention (enhance your dog’s recovery by retaining muscle mass, before surgery)

Rehabilitation for dogs recovering from TPLO, Total Hip Replacement and other canine orthopaedic surgery’s

Gait re-education for dogs with neurological conditions

Therapy for dogs with arthritis due to age or injury

Therapy for dogs who participate in sporting or performance activities that result in high impact on their joints

Exercise for Weight Loss

Cardiovascular fitness for healthy active pets

The Properties of Water & Its Benefits

The Buoyancy of water reduces weight bearing to 38% (when the dog is immersed up to the hip joint)
The Buoyancy allows rehabilitation to commence earlier post-surgery, than it would do on land
Hydrostatic pressure provides support for the joints and aids in reducing inflammation
The Viscosity of water creates resistance and allows for slow movement
Slow movement is made easier in warm water and is advantageous for weak, frail or dogs just commencing their rehabilitation journey

Slow movement also aids dogs who have poor balance as they have more time to adjust, it also avoids sudden movements which may injure healing structures
Viscosity can also be used for strengthening muscles by moving faster, which in turn creates more resistance, the lower the water the more resistance there is as the surface tension is broken by the dog
Surface tension and resistance can be used for fitness and strengthening for sporting dogs
Hydrotherapy is one part of a multi modal approach to rehabilitation and enhances treatment given by your Vet or Physiotherapist – Pain Relief, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Laser or Massage

Why Paws 4 Recovery?

Hydrotherapy

I am a qualified canine Hydrotherapist through Michelle Monk’s Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy, in Melbourne.

Canine Arthritis Management

I have recently completed the Canine Arthritis Management CAMAdvocate Level 1 course.

Certified Canine Fitness Trainer

I am a Certificd Professional Canine Fitness Trainer dedicated to improving dogs strength, balance, flexibility and proprioception and thereby restoring or enhancing their mobility, health and performance. The role of a CPCFT is to provide services which are complementary to regular veterinary care to act as a resource to improve the quality of life of dogs, and to educate the public so they can recognize early indications of areas of concern and follow up with their veterinarian or other professional care provider

Canine Rehabilitation Association Member

I am qualified in the field of Canine Rehabilitation and a practitioner member of the Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association.

About Me

My goal is to allow as many dogs as possible to live their best lives, whether they are competing in dog sports or simply a loveable family pet.

Over the years I have had to rehab two of my dogs, one after cancer treatment and the other from an ongoing hock issue which has resulted in arthritis. It’s through my personal experiences I have discovered a passion for enhancing the quality of our dogs lives, and I’ve taken a special interest in understanding arthritis and the effective management of it.

Happy Clients

My dogs just love Nicola and you can tell she truly cares for their well being. Always offering invaluable advice on how to keep them fit and healthy to ensure they have a long and safe flyball career.

Connie Blakemore