Who can benefit from treatments?

Rehabilitation isn't just for pets recovering from surgery. Whether your companion is slowing down with age, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply not moving as comfortably as they once did, rehabilitation can help improve mobility, strength, comfort, and quality of life.

Every session is tailored to the individual patient and may incorporate hydrotherapy, remedial massage and/or laser therapy.

Post-surgical recovery

Rehabilitation can help support a smoother recovery by restoring strength, mobility, and supporting a faster return to previous activity/function after surgery. Early intervention may also help minimise muscle loss, improve joint function, and support a return to normal activities. Hydrotherapy creates a safe and supportive environment, allowing dogs to begin with gentle exercise earlier than they can on land.

Rehabilitation may benefit pets recovering from:

  • Cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery

  • Hip dysplasia surgery

  • Spinal surgery (IVDD)

  • Fracture repairs

  • Patella luxation surgery

  • Soft tissue surgery

Arthritis and mobility changes

Dogs will naturally experience stiffness, reduced mobility, or discomfort as they age. Tailored treatments can help manage these changes, allowing them to stay active and comfortable for longer.

Common conditions include:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Weakness

  • Stiffness

  • Difficulty rising, walking, or navigating stairs

  • Slowing down on walks

Treatment focuses on improving comfort, maintaining muscle mass, preserving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.

Neurological conditions

Dogs affected by neurological conditions often benefit from targeted rehabilitation designed to improve coordination, strength, balance, and functional movement.

This may include pets experiencing:

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Post spinal surgery recovery

  • Spinal injuries

  • Nerve injuries

  • Paralysis or paresis

  • Balance and coordination problems

Sports Injuries and Fitness

Working, sporting, and highly active dogs place significant demands on their bodies. Paddling Paws can assist with recovery from injury and support a safe return to activity. It can also help support and overall fitness rouine

Hydrotherapy can be included in your dog’s overall activity routine to help support and strengthen them for sports and as injury prevention.

Common reasons include:

  • Supporting overall exercise routine

  • Muscle strains

  • Tendon injuries

  • Ligament injuries

  • Reduced performance

  • Conditioning after a period of rest or injury

Rehabilitation can also play a preventative role by improving strength, body awareness, and overall fitness.

Weight Management

Excess weight places additional stress on joints, muscles, and the cardiovascular system. Rehabilitation can help overweight pets begin exercising safely and comfortably.

This may include dogs with:

  • Pets with reduced fitness levels

  • Senior pets needing gentle conditioning

  • Dogs recovering from periods of inactivity

Chronic Pain and Ongoing Conditions

Many pets live with conditions that cannot be cured but can be managed effectively. Rehabilitation aims to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and support long-term wellbeing.

This may include dogs with:

  • Chronic orthopaedic conditions - hip/elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, tendinopathies

  • Arthritis

  • Persistent soft tissue injuries

  • Long-term mobility challenges

  • Ongoing pain or stiffness

Non-Surgical Management

Not every condition requires surgery. With your vet/surgeon’s consent, some conditions can benefit from a tailored treatment plan designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, build strength, and support long-term comfort. Conservative management can help pets manage their conditions while remaining active and as comfortable as possible, while supporting their overall quality of life.

Conditions that may benefit include:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

  • Cruciate ligament injuries (ACL/CCL injuries)

  • Luxating patellas

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, and ligaments)

  • Neurological conditions

Pre-hab

Preparing for Surgery, Recovery, and Better Outcomes

Prehabilitation, often called "prehab", involves improving a pet's strength, mobility, fitness, and overall physical condition before an anticipated surgery or period of recovery.

Just as athletes prepare their bodies before a major event, prehab helps pets enter surgery or treatment in the best possible condition, giving them a stronger foundation for recovery afterwards.

Prehabilitation can help to:

  • Improve muscle strength before surgery

  • Maintain joint mobility and flexibility

  • Enhance fitness and endurance

  • Address existing compensation patterns

  • Support weight management

  • Improve confidence and body awareness

  • Potentially improve recovery following surgery or injury

When might prehab be recommended?

  • Strengthening weak muscles before surgery

  • Awaiting cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery or other orthopedic procedures

  • Delay for surgery

A stronger foundation for a smoother recovery.

Not sure if your dog would benefit?

Feel free to reach out for a chat about your dog’s specific condition.

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