Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre

03/08/2024

Help Em Up harnesses are back in stock. They are a great way to help your dog when they loose mobility due to injury, surgery or old age. They are also a great fit with our Aussie Dog Wheelchairs.

24/07/2024

Lupe is a 9 year old Rottweiler who has osteo arthritis in both hips and elbows. In the past he has had severe lameness even after a 5 minute walk. Life for Lupe wasn't that good. Lupe has received Shock Wave therapy to help with his pain and now is having hydrotherapy to rebuild his muscle.

21/07/2024

To give your heart to a dog - is simple, and often inevitable - but their journey on this earth is always much shorter than we wish. "Goodbye My Dog" A beautiful short story of the final journeys of a few dogs & their families. The final gift we can give, is a gentle transition from this earth. The journey is difficult, beautiful & worthwhile - every single time.

Dr Kat Gregory

We adore our dogs so much, that when we lose them, the grief can run deep. We follow Griffin, a chocolate labrador and miniature poodle Coccola as they are h...

16/07/2024

Hi, my name is Ben. In the wheelchair is my boy Max. Max is a qualified therapy dog and also my military assistance dog. He has achieved much over the years, but his greatest success story is me. I think he saved my life. He kept me up and about and grounded. The biggest physical challenge to face was yet to come when I found a lump on his rear left leg which was cancerous. After all the medical opinions exhausted, there was no other option than to remove his leg. Its amazing how stressful it was for me, but amazing how our dogs do adapt quickly to the new circumstances.

Outside of the stress and worry, I was a little bit tight after all the vet bills. But to my surprise, a friend on facebook from England, set up a Gofundme page and raised money to help fund a wheelchair. Thankfully I came past such an amazing organization like Aquapaws who helped custom build Maxs wheelchair.

Max died peacefully in his sleep last year and now his son AJ has taken over his fathers role as my military assistance dog. I have this amazing wheelchair that I want to pay forward to someone with a large breed dog. The wheelchair itself can be adjusted to suit your dogs needs. The only thing I ask if you can’t pick it up, that postage be paid. I'm based in Melbourne, Victoria. This is a pay it forward wheelchair. All I ask in return is you then pay it forward to someone else after you have finished with it.

I just want to thank Jo from Aquapaws and the team for helping me get this opportunity out there, and for engineering such an amazing piece of equipment that my boy got a lot of use from. If you find that this item would be of good use to you and your pet, please contact Jo so we can arrange the wheelchair to be sent to you as soon as possible.
All the best, Ben, AJ and Max

Aquapaws 03 5977 8841

05/07/2024

We love testimonials! Beautiful Sakima living his best life. Happy trails Sakima ❤

"Hi Jo, this is Sakima loving his wheels and saying a big thank you. Out of his wheels he has no back end function at all, but in his chair he still uses his legs. So awesome for him and big gratitude to you. Love from us all Kiki, Sakima and Miakoda."

03/07/2024

Only weeks old, Shenzi and her siblings were found abandoned in a box on a remote property. Without the ability to even fend for themselves, they were luckily discovered in time and were soon in the care of RSPCA.

Sadly, Shenzi was born with several conditions causing pain and impacting her ability to walk and see. Shenzi has already had one surgery and will need ongoing care and likely future surgeries.

Shenzi has an unusual toe condition called Syndactyly. Syndactyly is having some or all of the toes wholly or partly united.

She came for her first swim today to help improve her joint range and muscle tone.

Aquapaws are very proud to announce that we have teamed with RSPCA Victoria to help shelter dogs like Shenzi, and as part of the RSPCA’s enrichment program, offer other shelter dogs a swim program which aids in a better quality of life while waiting for their forever homes.

25/06/2024

Attention Melbourne!

Dock Jumping Training dates announced!

Introducing School of Dock

Join us on Saturday July 6th, 13th, and 20th at 12pm for our first dock diving practice at Aquapaws in Somerville! This event is tailored for dogs that have jumped before and are looking to practice and improve their technique.

Event Highlights:
Support provided by Shelby (owner of Australians current Dock Dogs Champion) and Aurora The Vet Nurse to aid in improving technique and development.

Cost: $50 per session
Duration: 20 minutes of jump time
with personalized coaching from Shelby and Aurora
Limited Spaces Available!

Please PM to book your spot

For Beginners:
If you're new to dock diving and interested in future classes, register via this form to stay updated about our upcoming School of Dock classes for beginners.

Don't miss this chance to enhance your dog's dock diving skills with top-notch support!

https://form.jotform.com/241758276859879

25/06/2024

🐾 Puppy Play School: 3-Week Course! 🐾

STARTING: SATURDAY 6 JULY AT 10.30AM

Our Puppy Play School is the perfect next step for pups who’ve completed preschool and are ready to advance! This comprehensive program focuses on essential skills, physical health, and safety.

📅 Course Breakdown:
Week One: Confidence Building & Basic Skills
Week Two: Canine Conditioning & Health
Week Three: Water Safety & Swimming

Details:

Duration: 3 weeks
Class Length: 90 mins/session
Class Size: Max 6 puppies
Ideal Age: 18 weeks - 8 months
Schedule: Saturdays
Includes: Puppy pack + Graduation photos by Shelby
Join us for an interactive experience that ensures your puppy's happy and healthy development! 🎓🐶

Please PM for more information or the enrolment form!

Presented by Aurora the Vet Nurse and Adaptive Training Solutions.

21/06/2024

13 year old Leila came in to have her custom made carpal braces fitted for carpal hyperextension. She is super cute!

18/06/2024

8 month old Betty is being treated for Discospondylitis.

Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disks and the adjacent vertebral bones. Discospondylitis may occur at one location within the spinal column, or it may occur at multiple sites.

In many cases, the first sign of discospondylitis is back pain. Your dog may act stiff, reluctant to jump on or off furniture, or may act painful when he turns a certain way or is touched in a certain location. As the condition progresses, additional signs may include stiffness and muscle weakness in the limbs. In severe cases, a dog may become paralyzed like Betty.

There are several causes for Discospondylitis. Betty has bacterial discospondylitis which often has a good prognosis. Most cases will resolve with early and aggressive treatment, although 6–12 months of antibiotics may be required, and relapses can occur.

Betty is progressing slowly and can now stand and take steps. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy play an important role in her recovery.

Keep up the great work Betty!

17/06/2024

Hello!

Well I’m now Mrs Maxwell. That’s going to take some getting used to 👰🏼💍

I just thought I would jump on here to update you on where I’ve been for the last few weeks. I flew to the UK to get married in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 When they say it’s the best day of your life, they mean it 👰🏼💕 We then went to the south of France 🇫🇷, Barcelona and Mallorca 🇪🇸

I’m now on my way back to aus and looking forward to jumping back into work and all the exciting things to come!

I start back this Saturday at Aquapaws. To book your dog in for physio please call the office on 59 77 88 41. I will be at Aquapaws every Wednesday and Saturday.

Heather

21/05/2024

Its Australian Made week! Please support Aussie makers and growers by purchasing locally made products!

Buying Australian means that you’re creating local jobs, boosting the economy, and supporting your fellow Aussies.

I am an Australian Business trying to stay afloat in these crazy times. Aussie Dog Wheelchairs and the rest of my mobility aid products are all Australian made, right here from my clinic on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. I have spent 17 years working on designs and products that support your disabled pet and make your life a little easier to care for them. To keep costs down and more profit in my pocket, I could just drop ship products direct to you from China like the majority of suppliers of pet products. I can’t do that. There is no contribution to our economy, no tax liabilities, no quality control over products and that all important personal service. I have worked in Canine Rehabilitation for the last 19 years and have worked with 1000’s of dogs in particular, with all sorts of issues. I take pride in my products and am super proud of what I have created. By manufacturing everything here, I am supporting the Australian economy. My greatest reward is seeing happy customers and more so, very happy dogs!

Please help support an Australian Business. Buy Australian Made 😃

www.aquapaws.com.au

24/04/2024

More than 10,400 dogs were ultimately trained, many donated by families that trustingly shipped their pets into service.
Lest We Forget...

More than 10,400 dogs were ultimately trained, many donated by families that trustingly shipped their pets into service.

24/04/2024

Understanding the effect of different harnesses and collars. And why we make our Aussie Dog Wheelchairs the way we do. It does not hinder front movement unlike all of the others. 🙂

24/04/2024

Ryder is one of our show conditioning regulars. He has 10 more points till his Grand Champion title!! All the best for this weekend. Go Ryder Go!

11/04/2024

This little bundle of energy is Bonny. She is a rescued kelpie and has been diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia. It was decided by the amazing team Peninsula Vet Emergency & Referral Hospital, the best way to help Bonny was bilateral femoral head and neck excision surgery. Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) involves removing the ball of the hip, ball and socket joint to relieve pain associated with severe hip dysplasia. As healing progresses, fibrous tissue develops to replace the joint. Rehabilitation is very important for these cases to keep the ‘false joint’ articulation flexible.

Bonny had her left hip operated on first and is back at PenVet next week for her other hip. Wishing Bonny and her humans, all the best with her surgery. We will see you soon Bonny!

06/04/2024

Lok Lok is a 14 year old Golden Retriever, who started life in Hong Kong with his humans, who moved to Australia a couple of years ago. Lok Lok swims here at Aquapaws for 1 hour every week and is the fittest 14 year old I have ever had the pleasure to meet! Last year, Lok Lok started having seizures and after some testing, was found to have a meningioma tumor growing in his brain!

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor in dogs and cats (and in humans). As Lok Lok was so fit and otherwise healthy, he made the trip to see Dr. David Lurie at One Pet Cancer Care in Sydney where Lok Lok underwent Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). This involves the very precise targeting and delivery of a therapeutic dose of radiation, whilst sparing normal tissue structures. A course of treatment involves between 1-5 fractions administered daily, allowing for the treatment course to be completed within 5-7 days in most instances.

I’m happy to report that Lok Lok is now back at Aquapaws, swimming for an hour each week once again. Such an amazing outcome considering his age.

02/04/2024

This adorable guy is Simba. He is a 10 year old lovable Lab. In late January of this year, he had cervical spinal surgery for IVDD by the amazing team at Veterinary Referral Hospital . That’s right, larger dogs like Simba can suffer intervertebral disc disease as well.

Simba was non ambulant when he came to us and had no bladder control. He weighed over 50kgs as well which made life a little more difficult for Simba and his humans. We have specialized lifting equipment at our centre and an overhead lift into our underwater treadmill. He was fitted with a Help-em-up Harness which helped his humans move him around as he couldn’t even stand.

His super dedicated owners had lots of instructions for specific home physiotherapy exercises to help Simba regain his mobility. He was with us twice a week for hydrotherapy and had continual re assessments to make sure he was improving and heading in the right direction to being mobile again.

We are happy to say that Simba is now walking fairly well and will continue to improve. He has lost 7kgs so far and is looking great! Well done Simba! His walking video is in the comments 🙂

02/04/2024

Well after nearly 20 years when I think I have seen it all. This gorgeous girl is Nomi, a 2 year old Akita. Today she came to learn how to swim. I ask owners to bring a towel and some high value treats with them as we use positive reward training in here. Lucky Nomi had fresh salmon sashimi as her reward 😋 I asked them to bring double the amount next time! Love those ears ❤

26/03/2024

This little Diva is Frankie-May. She has been kicking goals. For her best chance of recovery, she came to Aquapaws 3 days post spinal surgery, straight from the amazing team at Veterinary Referral Hospital, with Stage 5 IVDD. Stage 5 IVDD, also known as Intervertebral Disc Disease, is the most severe and advanced stage of this spinal condition. Frankie-May had complete hind limb paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Recovery from Stage 5 IVDD requires specialized care tailored to each individual dog's needs. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy plays a crucial role in rebuilding strength and improving mobility after surgery. Rehabilitation exercises aim at reducing inflammation around the injury site while gradually strengthening muscles through controlled movements.

In addition to physiotherapy, hydrotherapy is beneficial for dogs recovering from Stage 5 IVDD. The buoyancy provided by water helps support their weight while exercising without putting excessive strain on their joints or spine.

We offer an intensive rehab program where patients stay at our facility. We take care of everything.

* Post operative care
* Rehabilitation which includes Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Laser, Acupuncture and Massage
* Transport
* Transport to Veterinary Reviews

Frankie-May is just about walking on her own now and should continue to improve. She is being discharged today to spend some home time with her humans. You’ve got this Frankie-May! 🙂

24/03/2024

A big warm welcome to our newest team member, Veterinary Physiotherapist Heather Halstead.

Heathers academic journey commenced with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science in the UK in 2013, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy in 2015.

Following her move to Australia in 2018, she pursued and successfully attained her Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Since then, Heather has been actively engaged in the rewarding practice of assisting both people and animals.

Heather will be here Tuesdays. To book, please call the office on 59 77 88 41.

20/03/2024

This handsome little guy is Monty. A nearly 18 year old Jack Russel cross who is having hydrotherapy to strengthen his muscles to help with his arthritis and to stabilise his wobbly gait. As our pets age, just like humans, they need targeted exercises to help keep them mobile and strong.

13/03/2024

Hector is a 6 month old new recruit for the Australian Border Force. He is learning how to swim today. Good luck Hector! You have big shoes to fill keeping our country safe.

12/03/2024

A big congratulations to Jack Von Fenrir who at the German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria 109th Champ Show and Trial, took out:
1st - Open Dog
Challenge Dog
Best of Breed

Jack is conditioned here at Aquapaws.

05/03/2024

Jacko is an x racing greyhound who suffered a fractured hock. Jacko is here having physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for a tarsal (hock) arthrodesis. Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint. Basically the bones are fused to form a permanently joined joint so that there is no movement in this part of the limb. He has been adopted by an amazing family who are doing everything to get Jacko better so he can enjoy life after racing.

27/02/2024

HEAT STROKE IN DOGS - Dead in Minutes

Even very fit, athletic dogs can suffer heat-related illnesses during the sizzling days of summer, and with the temperature topping 38c today, this is a timely reminder for you.

Dogs have a higher body temperature than people and they don't cool down as efficiently as we do. Your canine buddy is designed more for insulation from the cold than for cooling down.

You have sweat glands all over your body, but your dog's sweat glands are confined to his nose and the pads of his feet. A dog that is heating up can only normalize his body temperature through panting, which just doesn't get the job done under extreme conditions.

In a very short period of time, an overheated dog can suffer critical damage to their brain, heart, liver and nervous system.

Dogs at Higher Risk

If your dog is one of the following, you'll need to be extra vigilant about keeping him or her safe from heat-related illness:

Dogs with flat faces and short noses, also known as brachycephalic, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus – these breeds don't pant as efficiently as breeds with longer noses

Older dogs

Puppies

Sick dogs and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease

Any healthy dog left outside in hot weather

Dogs that are over-exercised or are allowed to overexert themselves in the heat.

Overweight dogs

Here are some common sense strategies to protect your dog during a heat wave:

Keep him inside during the hottest part of the day if possible

Scale back vigorous outdoor exercise and remember the temperature on concrete foot paths and roads. Only a 25 degree day can make path and road surface temperatures 52 degrees. It will burn your dogs feet! My own rule is - if I can't walk barefoot on it, neither can my dog.

Never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day, not even for a minute

Always provide clean water and shade for your dog

Shell pools in the shade are good if your dog likes water and they have to be left outside

The following poster is a quick reference for Heat Stroke in dogs. Please feel free to share.

And don't forget if your dog has had recent surgery and is shaved, they are very susceptible to sun burn!

Take care everyone!

23/02/2024

09/02/2024

14 year old Jasper first came to us after his cruciatec surgery. He now is on a maintenance program to help keep him strong and supple in his senior years.