After the initial evaluation, a follow-up session may vary from 30-60 minutes. The therapist would then assess function and take any measurements related to the injury. From there, depending on the dog and situation, a treatment plan would be made to determine the best course of action to rehabilitate the dog.

• Increase the speed of recovery from injuries or surgery
• Enhances the body’s natural healing processes
• Reduced pain and increased comfort and quality of life
• Increase speed/mobility
• Helps them gain back strength and endurance
• Increased flexibility
• Prevents future injuries
• Makes both the owners and pets happier!

Common treatments include: Massage, joint movement, stretching, mobility activities such as walking, stairs, or obstacles, hydrotherapy (swimming), fitness training, walking equipment such as slings, carts, or lifts, splints, breathing therapy, acupressure, heat, cold/ice, muscle and nerve stimulation.

This will be dependent on the animal’s injuries/physical condition, which is why the initial evaluation by the therapist is important!

In certain cases, the owner will be the primary caregiver and maintainer of the methods of rehabilitation, but the therapist will still be available to answer any questions or provide guidance.

We like to try to incorporate exercises into things you already do like walks, meal times, etc. Good results can be achieved in 30 mins a day, 4 days per week.

A clean and groomed dog, your own treats, leash, collar & harness. Towels and life jackets are provided free of charge, but feel free to bring your own if preferred. During the colder months it is a good idea to bring a warm, dry jacket.

If your dog is unsociable with other dogs, please make us aware prior to your initial visit and we will help manage a safe arrival and departure for all dogs on site. If your dog has issues with being handled, then please discuss this with us prior to arrival. We believe that every dog is entitled to receive therapy, only if it is safe for all involved. Please bring a muzzle if it is necessary.

Children are welcome, but due to regulations all children need to remain seated throughout the session. Our priority is your dog and we cannot give him/her our full attention if children distract us potentially running and slipping, climbing on equipment, or falling into the pool. Dogs can find this behavior very distracting too! Therefore, we recommend children to not attend if possible.

No, you may not due to regulations. Also, we are trained hydrotherapists and therefore we know the safest way to work with your dog to minimize any recurring injury.

Canine rehabilitation therapy involves non-invasive treatments, such as exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, to rehabilitate injured, ill, or post-surgical dogs. The goal of our rehab and injury management plans are to gently help the body along in its natural healing process in order to get it back to its original state, preop/injury.

Arthritis
Orthopedic surgery recovery
Luxating patella
Musculoskeletal injuries and ailments
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
Obesity, including obese dogs suffering from joint pain and mobility issues.

Our canine rehab and injury management therapy can help lessen and treat the effects of both acute injuries as well as chronic injuries and illnesses. This makes it a diverse treatment method that is suitable for many different conditions.

At AZ Canine Fitness, our canine therapists are trained in various types of pathologies; front limb, rear limb, spinal, neurological, osteoarthritis and obesity. We can aid the recovery of these injuries via hydrotherapy, massage and land based functional strength training. This recovery can be post-operative or it can be used as conservative management of an injury or chronic condition for dogs for which surgery is not an option.

After assessment and a veterinary release, we will create a fully customized therapy plan for your dog, focusing on the injury or condition that you are concerned about. We use a multi-modal approach in conjunction with other providers, such as pain clinics, acupuncturists, etc. It is our belief that all dogs and owners should have access to high-quality rehab therapy no matter your life circumstances or budget. We will work side-by-side with you to create a program that helps you and your dog reach the goals you have set!