Hill's Canine Hydrotherapy

30/06/2024

Let’s see things from Fudges point of view 👀

27/06/2024

All set up for the day ☀️

It’s a busy one for us today. We have 3 Laser sessions, 5 pool sessions and 7 Underwater Treadmill sessions 🐾

26/06/2024

Advice for dogs with heat stroke ☀️Take Care in this hotter weather

Is it true that if we use cold water on heat stroke pets they will go into shock?

One of the most common things we still hear is that we can only use tepid water on a pet with heat stroke, incase they get some complications like hypothermic overshoot, peripheral vasoconstriction hindering a cooling response, and cardiogenic shock...

We have heard not to use cold water in case it causes shock... this rarely happens!

But guess what? In a recent study over 26% of dogs presented with heat stroke died, with flat faced breeds making up nearly half of heat stroke cases seen in the study.

You should:

💧Get someone to call the local veterinary practice and tell them you're going to travel down with a heat stroke patient
💧Pour, hose or if possible immerse the pet in very cold water (this should obviously be done under constant supervision, ensuring the head is fully above water and immersion should not be attempted if the animal is too large, or you are unable to do so without hurting yourself)
💧NB: If using a hose pipe, make sure it has run through until cold, as they can often contain water that is extremely hot in the tubing initially
💧Do not drape in towels and leave them in situ. Keep the cold water flowing.
💧Move to a cool, shaded area
💧Prepare to transport to vets in a cold, air conditioned car

In studies they found that:

🌅International consensus from sports medicine organisations supports treating EHS with early rapid cooling by immersing the casualty in cold water.
🌅Ice-water immersion has been shown to be highly effective in exertional heat stroke, with a zero fatality rate in large case series of younger, fit patients.
🌅Hyperthermic individuals were cooled twice as fast by Cold Water Immersion as by passive recovery.
🌅No complications occurred during the treatment of three older patients with severe heat stroke were treated with cold‐water immersion.
🌅Cold water immersion (CWI) is the preferred cooling modality in EHS guidelines and the optimal method applicable to UK Service Personnel
🌅Studies suggest using either ice-water or cold-water immersion

The best intervention is PREVENTION, but if you find yourself with an animal with heat stroke, using cold water either by pouring, hosing or ideally (if safe) immersion then this may help reduce their temperature to safe levels while you transport to a veterinary practice.

Read more below:

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/cool-icy-cold-or-tepid

25/06/2024

Transformation Tuesday 🤩🐾

Can you believe that these videos were taken only 4 sessions apart. Beau has started session with us to help with his water confidence, cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength as he starts his agilty career
As you can see in the bottom video, he is clinging onto Katherine asking for reassurance and needs lots of time and support as well as being in a buoyancy aid whereas in the top video he has progressed to following a toy in the water, swimming in a non buoyancy aid (harness) and managing different direction changes

Well done Beau!! 🤩🐾

It is so nice to see how much improvement he has made in a short space of time. Super proud 🥹

24/06/2024

As the heat rises over the next few days make sure you’re keeping your four legged friend safe 🐶

☀️🐶 Beat the heat with these hot weather tips for your furry friends!

1. Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool.

2. Provide shady areas for your dog to rest in during the hottest parts of the day. Consider setting up a kiddie pool or sprinkler for them to play in.

3. Never leave your dog in a hot car, even for a short period of time. The temperature inside a car can quickly reach dangerous levels.

4. Limit exercise to early mornings or evenings when the weather is cooler. Asphalt and concrete can get very hot and burn your dog's paws.

5. Consider getting a cooling vest or bandana for your dog to wear on hot days. These can help regulate their body temperature.

6. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cooler area and offer water immediately. If worried, contact your vet for further advice

Stay cool and keep your furry friends safe during the hot summer months/days! 🌞🐾

23/06/2024

Mr Bentley came in for an Underwater Treadmill session on Saturday. He was a superstar 🤩🥺

21/06/2024

IT’S FRIDAYYYYY 🎉🎊🍾🥳

Have a lovely weekend!

20/06/2024

🐾 Exciting news for all dog parents! 🐶 Introducing our new Class 4 Laser Therapy sessions for your furry friends' joint health and wellness. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to improved mobility with our advanced laser treatments. 🌟

💰 Pricing:
- £28 per session
- Block of 6 sessions for £140

Book your dog in for a session today and see the difference in their mobility and comfort! 🐾

19/06/2024

Laser does really seem to relax our patients 😆🥰

19/06/2024

Last Week we gave a talk to Edgcott and Winslow Young Farmers Club about Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation for dogs after injury or surgery 🐾🐾🐾

15/06/2024

Boarstall Fete and Dog Show 2024 ☀️🥳🤩🐾

Wow what a brilliant day we have had today. We have met so many lovely dogs and it stayed nice and dry!!!

We have raised lots of money for charity and had a great time doing it!

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors, clients, volunteers and owners and their 4 legged friends for supporting us today

Huge well done to Milo for winning Best in Show and well done to everyone else🥇

14/06/2024

Due to a change in staff hours we are now able to start taking on more laser patients!! 🐾🐾
If you are wondering if laser will benefit your dog or cat 🐱 then give us a call on 07770 319739 or email us on [email protected]

14/06/2024

Happening tomorrow 🤩‼️

The weather looks to be holding out for our dog show tomorrow. It would be lovely to see some familiar faces as well as old and new!!

See you then! ☀️

13/06/2024

This gorgeous boy is showing off his lovely pair of goggles to match his fur during his session so he’s safe to keep an eye on the laser! 🥰🐾

He is receiving laser treatment for his Achilles tendopathy and a partial rupture of the gastronemious tendon. He is doing amazing at adjusting to this and we hope to get him swimming soon!

13/06/2024

Hello! As a small business owner offering hydrotherapy and rehabilitation services, I am grateful for your continued support. Your help in spreading the word about our services means the world to me. Here are a few simple ways you can support my business and help us reach more clients in need of our specialised care:

1. Follow us on social media: Stay updated on our latest services, promotions, and success stories by following us on Facebook and Instagram

2. Share our posts: Spread the word about our services by sharing our social media posts with your friends and family. It's a great way to introduce new clients to what we have to offer.

3. Like and comment: Engage with our posts by liking and leaving comments. Your interactions help boost our visibility on social media and reach a larger audience.

4. Talk to people on walks: If you're out and about, strike up a conversation with others about our services. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and your recommendation can go a long way in attracting new clients.

Your support and advocacy for our small business are truly appreciated. Together, we can help more individuals benefit from the healing power of hydrotherapy and laser. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

12/06/2024

Cheesy chin for the win 🥇 🤩

10/06/2024

Notice: Please can all clients coming to us at Lawn Farm Business Centre clean up after their dogs and dispose of poo bags in our designated bin. 🗑️

We are lucky to work in such a beautiful place so please be considerate

Many thanks 🙏

10/06/2024

Happening this weekend ‼️‼️‼️

Some brilliant prizes to be won for 1st to 4th place

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors 🐾🐾🐾

08/06/2024

🦴Arthritis 🦴

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, especially as they age. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort for our furry friends. Managing arthritis in dogs can be challenging, but there are various treatment options available to help alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

One effective treatment for arthritis in dogs is class 4 laser therapy. This non-invasive and drug-free therapy uses a high-powered laser to target the affected joints and tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. The laser energy penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulating cell regeneration and increasing blood flow to the affected area. This helps to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness, allowing dogs to move more comfortably and freely.

At our centre, we now offer class 4 laser therapy as a service for dogs and cats!! with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our trained therapists will carefully administer the therapy to your pet, ensuring that they receive the optimal dosage for their specific needs. Many dogs experience immediate relief after just one session, with lasting benefits seen with regular treatments over time.

Overall, class 4 laser therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from arthritis. It is a safe and effective treatment option that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your dog's overall well-being. If your dog is struggling with arthritis, consider trying class 4 laser therapy as a part of their treatment plan to help them live a happier and more comfortable life.

Contact us today and get your pet booked in ‼️

07770 319739

06/06/2024

Just Fudge chilling with her Duck 🦆 🐾

03/06/2024

So what conditions can benefit from class 4 laser therapy? 🤔

There are several common conditions in dogs that can benefit from laser therapy for joints. Some of these include:

1. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Laser therapy can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.

2. Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes the hip joints to develop abnormally, leading to pain and stiffness. Laser therapy can help to reduce pain and improve hip joint mobility in dogs with hip dysplasia.

3. Joint injuries: Dogs can suffer from joint injuries such as ligament tears or sprains that can cause pain and limited mobility. Laser therapy can help to speed up the healing process and reduce pain in dogs with joint injuries.

4. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, leading to pain and stiffness. Laser therapy can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve joint function in dogs with osteoarthritis.

5. Post-surgical rehabilitation: Dogs that have undergone joint surgery, such as a TPLO or hip replacement, can benefit from laser therapy as part of their rehabilitation process. Laser therapy can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and promote faster healing after surgery.

Overall, laser therapy can be a valuable treatment option for dogs with a variety of joint conditions, helping to improve their quality of life and overall mobility. If your furry friend is struggling with joint issues, consider discussing the benefits of laser therapy with your veterinarian/hydrotherapist

01/06/2024

Would you like to know a bit more about class 4 laser therapy?? 🤔🐶😸

When laser therapy is applied to the affected joints in dogs, several physiological responses occur in the tissues that contribute to the therapeutic effects of the treatment. Some of the key physiological responses include:

1. Increased cell metabolism: Laser therapy stimulates the cells in the tissues to increase their metabolic activity. This can lead to an increase in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy source for cellular processes. Increased cell metabolism can help promote tissue repair and regeneration in the affected joints.

2. Vasodilation: Laser therapy causes the blood vessels in the tissues to dilate, leading to increased blood flow to the affected area. This can help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the joints.

3. Modulation of inflammation: Laser therapy can help to modulate the inflammatory response in the tissues by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and increasing the release of anti-inflammatory substances. This can help to decrease pain and swelling in the affected joints.

4. Release of endorphins: Laser therapy can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. Endorphins can help to block pain signals in the nerves, leading to pain relief and improved comfort in dogs with joint conditions.

5. Stimulation of collagen production: Laser therapy can stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for repairing and strengthening the connective tissues in the joints. Increased collagen production can help to promote tissue repair and improve joint function.

Overall, these physiological responses work together to promote healing, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in dogs with joint conditions when laser therapy is applied to the affected joints. If your furry friend is experiencing joint pain or stiffness, consider discussing the benefits of laser therapy with your veterinarian and Hydrotherapist to see if it may be a suitable treatment for them.

27/05/2024

You may be wondering how laser works? And would it benefit your pet? 🤔🐶😸

Laser therapy works to alleviate joint conditions in animals by using focused light energy to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the affected joints. The process involves a therapeutic laser device that emits a specific wavelength of light that penetrates deep into the tissues of the joint.

When the laser light is applied to the affected area, it interacts with the cells in the tissues, promoting a series of physiological responses that help to alleviate pain and improve joint function. Some of the ways in which laser therapy works to alleviate joint conditions in dogs/cats include:

1. Reducing inflammation: Laser therapy helps to reduce inflammation in the joints by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory substances and increasing the release of anti-inflammatory mediators. This can help to alleviate pain and swelling in the affected joints.

2. Promoting circulation: Laser therapy helps to improve blood flow to the affected area, which can increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This can help to promote healing and repair damaged tissues in the joints.

3. Stimulating cell regeneration: Laser therapy stimulates cell metabolism and production of collagen, which is essential for repairing damaged tissues in the joints. This can help to speed up the healing process and improve joint function.

4. Modulating pain perception: Laser therapy can help to decrease nerve sensitivity and block pain signals in the affected joints, leading to pain relief and improved mobility in dogs/cats with joint conditions.

Overall, laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for alleviating joint conditions in dogs by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and improving joint function. If your furry friend is suffering from joint pain or stiffness, consider discussing the benefits of laser therapy with your veterinarian and us to see if it may be a suitable option for their treatment plan.

Here Is a photo of the beautiful fudge having her laser treatment 😍

26/05/2024

Hay fever 🌸🌷🌻🌼⛰️

Did you know that 1 in 10 dogs and cats struggle with hay fever

One roll in the grass and they could be sneezing 🤧

More information:

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can affect dogs just like it affects humans. Dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other environmental allergens that are present in the air. Symptoms of hay fever in dogs may include:

- Sneezing
- Runny or itchy eyes
- Itchy skin
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Ear infections
- Respiratory issues such as coughing or wheezing

If you suspect that your dog has hay fever, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots to help manage symptoms. Additionally, keeping your dog indoors during peak pollen times, using air purifiers, and regularly bathing them can help reduce their exposure to allergens. ☀️

24/05/2024

How to prepare for a hydrotherapy treatment session! 🐾

What you will need to bring:

▪️ Your dogs favourite treats or non absorbent toys - These work as great motivation for their session (We find squeezy cheese goes down very well!)
▪️ A towel or Equafleece - We do use our own towels when washing your dog post-session but it may be useful to bring your own towel for them to sit on for the ride home. We also have some drying coats in stock for you to buy!!
▪️ We recommended wearing non-slip footwear as the floor around the pool can become quite wet!
▪️ As the handsome Merlin is modelling here, we do use our own harnesses during a session so don't worry about what you bring them in. If your dog is not happy being harnessed we will have a discussion about this

Pre-session care:

▪️ Do not feed your dog within 3 hours prior to your session, you can provide them with fresh water
▪️ Ensure your dog has been adequately toileted before you arrive to a session
▪️ Do not take your dog for a long walk or vigorously exercise them prior to a session - 5 minutes of swimming is equivalent to 20 minutes of walking so they will need their energy!

Post-session care:

▪️ Allow 2 hours before feeding
▪️ Provide them with fresh water, but do not allow them to drink excessively
▪️ Keep them warm and out of draughts
▪️ Do not taking them for long walks or vigorously exercise them, but do ensure you dog is up and moving about to avoid them stiffening up
▪️ If you dog shows any signs of illness please contact your vet and make them aware your dog has been to hydrotherapy

23/05/2024

Pain and behavioural changes really do go hand in hand. Something to keep an eye out for 🐾🐾🐾

PAIN: THE BIGGEST PRECURSOR TO AGGRESSION.

My super friendly, super tolerant, super happy Lucy drew blood on Adam the other month. She has tolerated a LOT from people. On our holiday earlier this year she had a kid grab her face and kiss her on the nose very quickly, very roughly, very rudely (in her language). She didn't spark up at all. She's the most tolerant and gentle dog to us clumsy humans I think I've ever met.

Yet she bit Adam. What happened?

Lucy has a fractured tail. The majority of the time you wouldn't know it (and the vets have recommended nothing is done as it's right on the tip); but it's still sensitive to Lucy and she doesn't like it being manhandled. She moves away and licks her lips if you touch it. Adam caught it accidentally when Lucy was in a vulnerable position and she very unthinkingly completely lashed out to get away. She ended up grazing his face with her teeth.

Why am I sharing this?

Don't expect your dogs to be superheroes.

In many ways they are - they can be the most stoic beings in terms of living with pain. They can and will carry on regardless, sometimes with very little signs at all that something is wrong.

But if your dog shows any sign of aggression towards dogs and/or people we absolutely MUST consider pain as a cause of that. ESPECIALLY if any other signs are shown such as:

🐾 Reluctance to jump on or off things (even if it's not ALL things - jumping into a high car isn't excluded as a potential pain symptom if the dog will jump onto a lower sofa).
🐾. Yelping or somehow otherwise showing distress when being picked up or handled somehow.
🐾 Sitting or standing with a hunched posture
🐾 Being sensitive to sudden or loud noises
🐾 Lying down to eat
🐾 General stiff posture when at rest (just because a dog does play/get zoomies doesn't mean they aren't in pain)
🐾 Licking of joints/limbs
And so on.

There is a considerable drive to consider pain in the dog behaviour world at the moment, and for good reason. No behaviour modification plan will work if the dog is in underlying pain. Lucy's was a one off incident but if she lived with children or people who constantly manhandled her or dogs who constantly tried to play with her, her propensity to aggress would become stronger and stronger. That's how it can all begin.

Dogs can't flat out tell us when something is hurting them so we do need to be a bit of a detective with it. Just going to the vets for a check up isn't always enough. YOU see your dog 24/7, YOU are the best person to observe their behaviour. Dogs at a vets can have all sorts of endorphins running through them that masks any pain they might be feeling.

It isn't enough to "just take him to the vets for 10 minutes". YOU need to be on the look out, making notes and considering their every behavioural choice.

A dog I worked with had the habit of lying down to eat her food. She was tall and when being fed out of a bowl would pick up bits and lie down to actually feast on them. This dog also started to show signs of "resource guarding" in the outside world. When sniffing something (in that head down position again) she would immediately freeze and snap if a dog came near her. Can you see how pain could be the cause of the "resource guarding"? In fact it's not even resource guarding at all. It's reacting to someone being in her space when she's feeling vulnerable and in pain.

Please don't overlook pain as a factor in your dogs aggressive behaviour presentations. They aren't immune to feeling mild/medium/severe pain and pain doesn't need to be severe for a dog to become defensive and protect themselves 🐾💜

23/05/2024

💧Water Management💧

A huge role of ours at Hill's is maintaining sanitary, safe water for all the dogs to enjoy!

There's a variety of jobs that we do throughout the days and weeks to ensure that we keep our water to a high quality standard!

Daily:

🔹Hoovering the pool
🔹Cleaning out the filter baskets (lots of hair gets trapped in here!)
🔹Cleaning the scum line of the pool
🔹Cleaning the steel and glass of the treadmill
🔹Water testing at least twice a day
🔹Treating water with chemicals in response to water test results
🔹Cleaning and disinfection of the centre

Weekly:

🔹Backwash of the pool and treadmill
🔹Deep clean and disinfection of the centre

There are also less frequent tasks such as equipment services and sand changes, that all help to contribute to the hygiene and quality of our water!

This all helps us to not only abide by numerous health and safety laws but also ensure the health of your dogs, preventing any illness or infections that could come from unsanitary water.

21/05/2024

Charlottes beautiful boxers joined us yesterday for some laser therapy! 🤎🐾

Amber is currently attending laser sessions to treat her intermittent left forelimb lameness and spondylosis. Amber was so relaxed she enjoyed a nice nap during her session while a very intrigued Henry kept watch!

17/05/2024

Jenson was an absolute superstar in his first session with us yesterday. He took to it like a duck to water 💧 🦆

In our initial assessment we will:
🐾Do a gait a**lysis
🐾Take muscle measurements
🐾Acclimatise them to the hydrotherapy environment
🐾leave on a positive experience

Here’s a photo of Jenson with his chicken which was great motivation in his session yesterday!

15/05/2024

Happy World Mental Health Week from me and Finlay 🥰🐾

I’m sure we can all agree that our animals play a huge role in keeping us happy and helping with our mental health 🐶

Here are a few ways that pets can help with our mental health:

🐾 increasing your physical activity. Dog owners are likely to take their pets for a walk or run every day. This can be a fun way to fit exercise into your routine
🐾providing companionship. Pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. Caring for them can help you feel wanted and needed. This can be especially valuable for older people or those who live alone

🐾reducing anxiety. The companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety

🐾boosting self-confidence. Pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticise you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood

🐾helping you meet new people. Dog owners often stop and chat with each other on walks. But other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example
🐾adding structure to your day. Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.

Source: mental health.org.uk