Avonside Canine Hydrotherapy, Stratford-on-Avon

12/10/2025

🌟we are out of the office until Monday 20th please WhatsApp or txt and I will get back to you when we’re back 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

05/10/2025

🌟CPD Sunday! NARCH conference focusing on hips🌟

30/09/2025

**Stumpy**
Stumpys had her first swimming lesson! 🧡

‘Learning’ to swim is great for young dogs.
It give you and them confidence around water just incase they accidentally fall in they are less likely to panic and get into trouble.
It is also a great way to excercise young dogs especially if they have lots of energy and bounce. It strengthens joints in a non weight bearing environment making puppies strong and tiring them out without damaging joints.

For more information text or WhatsApp (phone signal is bad) Debbie on 07974748961

- vet “permission to swim” forms are still required for any dog to swim even for fun and fitness but can be easily sorted.

24/09/2025

Have you ever seen a Bassett Hound swim??!
Hectors owners wanted to make sure he had experienced swimming in a safe and controlled environment just incase he ever got into trouble and had to swim, they didn’t want first time to be in an emergency situation.
And wat do you know?! Bassetts can swim 😀🌟 well done Hector 🌟💙

22/09/2025

Myth: “If my dog doesn’t limp, their arthritis isn’t serious.”

✅ Fact: Many dogs with arthritis don’t limp noticeably, especially in early stages. Subtle signs like stiffness, slower movements, or reluctance to jump are important clues.

If you're interested in tailored advice for your dog, our Teleguidance service is for you!
https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk

12/09/2025

❤️❤️❤️

I saw this and it hit me right in the heart.

If you’ve ever had a dog that’s grown old by your side, you’ll understand. Walks used to be about energy and excitement - tugging on the leash, sniffing every blade of grass, chasing after squirrels. But now, they’re slower.

There’s more stopping, more resting, maybe a little limping. And that’s okay.

Because now the walk isn’t about getting anywhere fast. It’s about being there - together. It’s about showing up even when the legs are stiff and the pace is slow.

It’s about loyalty, love, and the kind of quiet companionship that doesn’t need words.

Our dogs give us everything they have for their entire lives. Their youth, their energy, their joy. And when they get older, they ask for so little in return. Just time.

Just presence. Just love. That same old walk might not look the same, but it still means the world to them - and to us.

So if your dog is aging, take the walk. Let them sniff. Let them rest. Let them move at their own pace. The walk might be slower, but the bond is deeper than ever.

To all the senior dogs out there - thank you for still walking beside us. You may be slower now, but your love has never lost its pace. 🖤🐾

10/09/2025

Good morning, have a peaceful day!😊

04/09/2025

**Matilda**
Tilda loves swimming, she comes for fun and fitness and as a working dog it keeps her strong and fit ❤️🐾❤️

23/08/2025

You are not alone ❤️❤️❤️💔

Anticipatory grief is something I didn't truly understand until I started to notice my feelings around seeing Nero begin to age. It’s the grief that shows up before the inevitable goodbye. An ache that creeps in when you see your dog’s body start to slow, when the jumps they once made so easily now take effort, when you catch yourself holding your breath when they stumble.

It’s such a complicated mix of sadness, quiet regret, overwhelming love, and so much gratitude. I find myself replaying all the moments I could have done better, even though I was always doing the best I could with what I knew at the time. That’s the thing about guardianship you walk beside your dog through every stage of their life without a roadmap. You learn as you go, you make mistakes, you adjust, and through it all, you keep showing up for them. Holding it together the best you can.

What strikes me most is how this kind of grief makes every moment feel full of meaning.

His playful smile as he comes running in from the yard after barking at the neighbor dogs.

His frustrated double foot stomps in the morning when I haven't gotten up to give him food quick enough.

The way he looks so peaceful when he sleeps sprawled out on the couch. Taking up far too much space for his medium size body.

His breathy nose boops as he shoves my hand expecting it to only touch him, instead of typing this post.

Each little moment becomes something I am so desperate to hold onto.

I tried to rationalize with myself telling my brain to just enjoy the moments, but it also flashes to a time when I will no longer have them.

Everything that seemed important... feels less significant. The only thing I wish for now is just more time.

I don't care how many tricks he can do.
I don't care if he pulls on the leash.
I don't care if he doesn't immediately respond to my recall.

All that matters is that we're together.

"Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault really." ~ Agnes Sligh Turnbull is one of my favorite quotes because of its accuracy.

If you’re walking this path with your own dog, please know you’re not alone.

Anticipatory grief is the price of love but it’s also proof of it.

❤️

09/08/2025

**Wilma**
4year old Staffy Wilma was rescued by Lauren in a dreadful state 😢 because of what happened when she was younger she now had spondylosis in her lower back causing front limb lameness.
Swimming helps strengthen all the back muscles making it more stable and less painful the red light laser also helps with pain management. Stabilising the lower back will also help with her front end lameness and aquatic massage helps compensation issues.
This little dog is so sweet and trusting considering all she’s been through. Well done Lauren what a great dog mum! ❤️🐶❤️

20/06/2025

We are fully NARCH (National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists) registered.

Unfortunately Hydrotherapy is an unregulated industry meaning anyone can open and run a pool.

It is REALY important when your looking for a hydrotherapy pool to swim your dog to make sure they are registered with one of the governing bodies NARCH, CHA or IVAMP.

This ensures:
Everyone treating your dog is qualified to a minimum standard.
*They are fully insured.
*Centres are designed and run in accordance with their regulations.
*All chemical and bacteria testing is regularly carried out and are within acceptable parameters.
*A minimum amount of CPD is completed
*Correct equipment is used at all times
*They have an up to date animal first aid qualification
*vet permission to swim forms are completed before dogs are swim
*And more…(see governing bodies websites for more details)

If you are unsure CAM (canine arthritis management)has utube videos and fact sheets giving details about what you should look for when taking your dog swimming.

🌟Being NARCH registered means you can claim back the cost of some of your sessions (depending on individual policy and condition)
Through your pet insurance🌟

While most dogs will swim some will find the experience scary or will initially not be strong enough to swim “properly” creating splashing and panic. A register and qualified hydrotherapist will have the knowledge to make your dogs experience safe and reassure them.

Swimming is great for all dogs, for fun, fitness and rehab but it is important that it is carried out in a safe manor as injurys can easily happen or be made worse or dogs can easily be overswum. It is important that for the safety and health of your dog to ensure they are taken to a hydro centre that has the knowledge and skills to get the best out of your dogs hydrotherapy experience.

For more info please get in touch
[email protected]
07974748961 🐾🐾

19/05/2025

Last chance to book a physio session with RA Therapy & Training just £45 THIS Friday 23rd (you need to be an existing Avonside client) let me know via txt or WhatsApp asap 07974748961