Stretch & Fetch Animal Rehabilitation Centre

04/24/2025

✨April Awareness - OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) series part 4✨
If you haven't checked out part 1-3 yet, scroll back in our feed!

Early arthritis signs can be subtle—catch them before they progress!

🐶 Dogs:
Behavioural changes are one of the most commonly overlooked signs of pain
Less enthusiasm for play & walks, they may tire more easily
Stiffness, limping, or difficulty with stairs/jumping,
Licking, chewing joints are commonly put off as anxiety but may indicate pain
Changes in gait : they may walk more slow, more cautious or appear stiff or hunched
Irritability, sleep changes, or reluctance to move

🐱 Cats:
Excessive grooming or difficulty grooming
Litter box avoidance including accidents outside of the box
Posture changes : they may start to sit or lay in a hunched position
Irritability, weight shifts & reduced activity

If your pet has any of these symptoms it's important to schedule them an in depth orthopedic examination to rule out OA concerns.

04/17/2025

✨April Awareness - OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) series part 3✨
If you haven't checked out part 1-2 yet, scroll back in our feed!

If your dog has been given a COAST stage of 1️⃣ or higher, treatment should begin immediately. Early intervention helps slow the progression of arthritis at the physiological stage, before significant damage occurs.

Starting treatment early reduces the frequency and severity of flare-ups over time. When flare-ups are not properly managed, they become more frequent, more severe, and increasingly difficult to control.😿

We need to shift from REACTIVE to PROACTIVE. Addressing arthritis early, and before symptoms of pain start, leads to better long-term results, less work for owners, and ultimately lower costs over time.

🙀OA progresses much faster when left untreated compared to cases where early intervention is implemented. When treated promptly, we can slow the progression of OA which can in turn lead to longer life spans for our pets (remember, OA is the number 1 cause of euthanasia in pets).

💡Early intervention is often simple and cost-effective when managed appropriately.
Delaying treatment makes intervention more complex, time-intensive, financially demanding and most importantly more painful for the pet.

Rehabilitation plans should be tailored to each individual pet, ensuring their unique needs are met. The recommended treatment intervals and modalities will vary based on the dog's condition and response to therapy.

Regular veterinary check-ins every six months are essential to monitor OA progression and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

If you want your pet to be tested and staged for OA, contact us to book an appointment! Knowledge is so important to plan for our pet's future.

Join us next week when we go over early signs of OA to watch for!

04/16/2025

At Stretch & Fetch, your pet’s well-being is at the heart of everything
we do.

We understand that seeing your dog or cat struggle with mobility issues, chronic pain, or the effects of aging can be heartbreaking. We’re not just focused on treating the symptoms; we’re dedicated to helping your pet thrive.

Our team consists of experienced and passionate professionals who are committed to providing the highest standard of care. We use the latest, evidence-based therapies tailored to your pet’s individual needs.

We are here to support you as a pet guardian through every challenging moment. Whether it’s navigating a difficult diagnosis, adjusting to a new care routine, or simply offering guidance on how to help your pet at home, we are always available to offer advice, compassion, and a listening ear. We’re not just your veterinary team; we’re your partners in your pet’s journey.

04/13/2025

🐾 April is Canine Fitness Month! 🐾

To celebrate, we're kicking off a Weight Loss Challenge for our amazing patients carrying a little extra fluff! 💪

Did you know that over 50% of dogs in North America are overweight or obese? A body condition score (BCS) of 6/9 or higher means your pup could be at risk for serious health issues like joint pain, arthritis, heart disease, and decreased lifespan. But the good news? Weight loss through proper diet and gentle, consistent exercise can dramatically improve your dog's comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

From April through June, we're inviting any of our patients with a BCS of 6/9 or higher to join our challenge. We’ll support you with progress tracking, feeding plans, a special BOGO on weight loss food and encouragement every step of the way. Let’s help your pup feel better, move easier, and live longer.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Ospika Pet And Farm Supplies for generously donating a prize basket to cheer on our participants! 🎁 Your support means so much to us—and to the pets in our community.

🏆 Stay tuned for details on the GRAND PRIZE and updates on our courageous challengers!

To our dedicated clients: thank you for trusting us with your pets’ care and wellness journey. We see the love and effort you put in every day—and we’re so excited to walk this path with you. 💙

04/11/2025

✅ TRUE

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of joint problems in dogs. Excess weight puts added stress on joints, increasing the likelihood of conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and ligament injuries. Even a few extra pounds can contribute to joint strain, inflammation, and discomfort over time.

By keeping your dog at a healthy weight, you can help protect their joints, improve mobility, and enhance their overall well-being. Combined with appropriate exercise and rehabilitation, weight management plays a key role in preventing and managing joint issues.

If you're unsure whether your dog is at a healthy weight or need guidance on keeping them fit and mobile, our team is here to help!

04/10/2025

✨April Awareness - OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) series part 2✨
If you haven't checked out part 1 yet, scroll back in our feed!

Arthritis develops due to joint damage caused by either a mechanical trigger (such as hip dysplasia or injury) or, less commonly, a biological trigger (such as an immune mediated condition).

The impact that these triggers have on the joints can be broken down into 3 categories :

1️⃣ Physiological impact - Arthritis begins with joint inflammation and degeneration. In the early stages, these changes are invisible, and the dog typically shows no outward symptoms. This may begin in dogs who are predisposed to osteoarthritis such as certain breeds or dogs with hip dysplasia, obesity, etc.

2️⃣ Physical impact - As the condition progresses, subtle signs emerge, such as mild lameness, decreased activity, and joint thickening. These symptoms most often go unnoticed by owners but can be detected by a veterinarian under close examination. By the time physical symptoms appear, the underlying joint damage has already been ongoing for some time.

3️⃣ Functional impact - More significant mobility issues develop, including difficulty with stairs or jumping, limping, and stiffness. At this stage—often years after the initial joint damage—owners typically recognize that something is wrong.

Our goal over the next couple of weeks it to educate pet owners about the importance of catching osteoarthritis early and how we can help. Tune in next week to learn about how we stage OA and when treatment should begin.

04/09/2025

It’s here! We’ve officially launched our NEW website! 🐾

Whether you're looking for canine rehab info, contacting us to book an appointment, or just want to browse what we offer—we’ve made it easier than ever.

Tap the link to check it out! 💻✨

Stretch & Fetch Animal Rehabilitation Centre Helping Pets Move, Heal & Thrive At Stretch & Fetch Animal Rehabilitation Centre, we believe that every pet deserves to move comfortably, live without pain, and enjoy an active, happy life—no matter their age, injury, or personality. Located in Prince G...

04/07/2025

🌸 Spring is Here! But is Your Dog Ready? 🐾

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and we’re all eager to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with our dogs! But after a long winter of being less active, jumping straight into big hikes, long walks, or intense play sessions can be a recipe for injury.

Just like humans, dogs need time to rebuild strength, endurance, and flexibility. Going from “couch potato” to “weekend warrior” overnight can lead to sore muscles, sprains, joint pain, or even more serious injuries like torn ligaments.

🐕 How to Help Your Dog Spring Back Safely:
✅ Start slow – gradually increase activity over several weeks.
✅ Warm up before and cool down after exercise.
✅ Pay attention to signs of fatigue, stiffness, or soreness.
✅ Consider rehab exercises to strengthen joints and muscles.

By easing back into activity, you’ll help your dog stay strong, happy, and injury-free all season long! 🌿🐶

Does your dog need help rebuilding strength or recovering from an injury? We’re here to help! 💙 .

04/05/2025

Our sincerest condolences go out to Jenn's family, friends, coworkers and clients. It's a sad time for Prince George's Veterinary community. ❤️

Veterinarian, but above all, a cherished friend ❤️

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of Westwinds’ beloved founders, Dr. Jennifer McConnell April 3rd 2025.

Jenn was truly one of a kind—a beautiful soul whose love for animals knew no bounds, from the tiniest buzzing bees to horses her passion for animals was known to so many. She was a radiant light in our clinic, her thoughtfulness and care wrapping around every creature and person she met. Her infectious smile, her boundless kindness, and her remarkable wisdom wove her into the very fabric of our tight-knit team and our veterinary community. The void she leaves behind for us feels immeasurable, a testament to the incredible woman she was.

To Dr McConnell’s clients, we want you to know that Dr. Bader, Dr. Forester, and Dr. Barrett will be here to tend to your animals with the same devotion she always showed.

We will miss our friend and one of the worlds best veterinarians 💔

04/05/2025

🚨Pain management doesn’t have to mean medication!

💥Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in muscles, tendons, and bones, helping your pet feel more comfortable and active.

Whether it's for post-surgery recovery or managing arthritis, this treatment could be life-changing.

Here's how SHOCKWAVE works:
1️⃣ Uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in affected tissue
2️⃣ Deep pe*******on into tissues, triggering a biological response
3️⃣ Increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue
4️⃣ Stimulates collagen production, which supports joint and cartilage repair
5️⃣ Reduces inflammation and pain by decreasing inflammatory markers and desensitizing nerve endings
6️⃣ Breaks down calcified deposits in joints, improving function and flexibility
7️⃣Activates the body's natural healing processes, promoting long-term joint health

Want know about shockwave and if it can help your pet? Contact us today! ✉️

04/04/2025

✅ TRUE

Canine rehabilitation can significantly improve your dog's quality of life, even if they have a chronic condition. While some conditions, like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or neurological disorders, may not be curable, rehabilitation focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall function.

Through therapies such as targeted exercises, hydrotherapy, massage, laser therapy, and spinal manipulative therapy, we can help strengthen muscles, decrease joint strain, and improve comfort. Many dogs show increased energy, better movement, and a greater enjoyment of life with a well-structured rehab plan.

Chronic conditions don’t have to mean a decline in quality of life—there’s so much we can do to help your dog stay active and happy! If your pup is struggling with mobility or discomfort, we’d love to create a personalized plan to support them.

04/03/2025

✨April Awareness!
Join us this month for our OSTEOARTHRITIS SERIES.💪

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common medical condition in both dogs and cats, and it affects a significant number of pets—often without being noticed or properly managed.

🙀Early symptoms can be subtle, and many owners mistakenly dismiss them as a normal part of aging. As a result, pets often don’t receive treatment until they show clear signs of pain, by which point osteoarthritis has typically progressed.

To better manage arthritis in our pets, we need to shift from a REACTIVE mindset to a PROACTIVE one.

🐾If your dog or cat is at risk for osteoarthritis, or if they’re showing early symptoms, starting treatment early is key. Early intervention helps slow the progression of the condition, which not only leads to a higher quality of life for your pet, but can also extend their lifespan. Additionally, addressing osteoarthritis early is more cost-effective, saving both time and money in the long run.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about osteoarthritis, including how to spot the early signs and how to protect your pet’s health.

If you want to have your pet checked for subtle signs of osteoarthritis, contact us today to book an appointment! ✉️

04/01/2025

Luna may have a big voice, but her personality is even bigger! 😍

This sweet girl has been a familiar face in our rehab clinic for years, and we’ve loved being part of her journey.

Luna’s rehab story began in 2022 after her first TPLO surgery. With the help of a dedicated recovery plan, she bounced back beautifully and was able to return to the things she loves. But in 2024, she faced another challenge—a second TPLO surgery after rupturing her other cranial cruciate ligament. Without hesitation, her family brought her back to rehab to ensure she had the best support through her recovery. Now, with both knees fully repaired and no more cruciate ligaments left to tear, she’s thriving!

At 11 years young, Luna continues to visit us for regular strengthening exercises and spinal manipulative therapy, keeping her feeling strong and spry. And let’s just say—when Luna is in the clinic, she makes her presence known! She absolutely LOVES her workouts, and if the treats aren’t delivered promptly, she has no problem reminding us. 😂

We are continually inspired by Luna and her amazing family. Their commitment to her health and happiness has given her the gift of mobility and an active, joyful life. 💛

Way to go, Luna! We’re so proud of you!

03/31/2025

✨ Meet Finnegan, Our Canine Fitness Expert! ✨

Say hello to Finnegan, Marissa’s 9-year-old Koolie and one of the stars of Stretch & Fetch Rehab! 🐾

Finn may not be as senior as Blue, but he’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. Finn has gone through a major orthopedic surgery, a TPLO, and also manages some chronic lower back pain. However, with the help of rehab and fitness, Finn is able to live a happy, active life with exceptional quality of life. His journey shows us all how rehabilitation can make a huge difference in helping dogs regain their strength and mobility—no matter their age or condition.

He’s an absolute ham around the clinic and has an uncanny ability to make our staff laugh every single day with his charming antics.But he’s not just a cute face—Finn is a true professional when it comes to fitness.

Not only is Finn a canine fitness expert, but he’s also our most photogenic team member (he knows it, too)! 📸
He’s a natural at striking a pose and often steals the spotlight in our exercise tutorial videos and social media posts, where he helps teach other dogs and pet parents the importance of staying active and fit. Finn’s playful nature and love for the camera make him the perfect fit for these roles!

Finn’s story, along with his dedication to fitness and rehab, is a reminder that no matter what challenges our pets face, they can always live their best lives with the right care and support. We’re so proud of him and his ability to inspire others, both through his journey and his role as a fitness example for our clients!

03/30/2025

🥳April is NATIONAL CANINE FITNESS MONTH!💪

We LOVE canine fitness so we decided to put together a fun promotion.

The next 5 dedicated pet parents to book a consultation for the month of April will receive 15% off of their initial consultation.

🤔What can you expect out of an initial consultation?

1️⃣ Stance analysis: Evaluating how your dog naturally stands to identify weight distribution and potential discomfort.

2️⃣ Gait analysis: Assessing your dog’s movement to detect abnormalities, compensations, and lameness.

3️⃣ Strength test: Measuring muscle strength and endurance to pinpoint weaknesses or imbalances.

4️⃣ In-depth nose-to-tail orthopedic and neurological examination: A thorough assessment to identify joint, muscle, and nerve-related concerns.

5️⃣ Osteoarthritis staging: Determining if your pet has or is at risk of having arthritis to guide treatment and long-term management.

6️⃣ Tailored rehabilitation plan: A customized program designed to support your dog's unique needs.

7️⃣ Detailed report: A summary of findings and recommendations sent to both you and your veterinarian—because teamwork makes the dream work!

🚨 Only 5 spots are available for this promotion! Contact us today to get your pet on the books.

03/29/2025

🐾 Cartrophen Vet: Relief for Painful Joints, Support for Active Lives! 🐕✨

Is your dog slowing down, struggling to get up, or avoiding their favorite activities? Cartrophen Vet could be the answer to giving them a new lease on life!

What is Cartrophen Vet?
Cartrophen Vet is an injectable treatment designed to manage osteoarthritis and joint pain in dogs. It goes beyond masking pain by addressing the root causes of arthritis, helping your pup move more comfortably and live more actively.

Key Benefits of Cartrophen Vet:
✅ Reduces Joint Pain & Inflammation: Targets inflammation at its source, bringing lasting relief.
✅ Protects Cartilage: Slows the progression of arthritis by protecting and regenerating cartilage.
✅ Improves Mobility: Helps dogs regain their energy and ability to enjoy walks, playtime, and more.
✅ Supports Joint Health: Boosts joint lubrication and overall function.

When to Consider Cartrophen Vet:
Dogs showing signs of stiffness, limping, or difficulty rising.
Diagnosed osteoarthritis or chronic joint pain.
Senior dogs, large breeds, or active dogs with high joint stress.

⚠️ Why we recommend it: Cartrophen is a proven, vet-administered treatment that works as part of a complete arthritis management plan. At our clinic, we’ve seen it help dogs reclaim their quality of life!

📞 Wondering if Cartrophen Vet is right for your dog? Contact us or ask about it during your next visit. Let’s work together to keep your pup happy and moving!

🐕 Does your dog love walks or playtime? Share a story below about their favourite activities—we’d love to celebrate their progress!

03/28/2025

✅ TRUE

Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential for preventing injuries in active dogs. Just like in human athletes, maintaining flexibility and building muscle strength helps support joints, improve stability, and reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.

Targeted strengthening exercises help condition the muscles that support high-impact activities like running, jumping, and agility sports. Meanwhile, regular stretching helps maintain range of motion, prevent stiffness, and keep your dog moving efficiently.

A well-rounded conditioning program—including warm-ups, cool-downs, and proper exercise routines—can keep your dog fit, strong, and injury-free. If you want to optimize your active dog’s performance and longevity, we can help create a personalized plan!