Avonside Canine Hydrotherapy, Stratford-on-Avon

11/11/2025

28/10/2025

**Prevention and Rehabilitation**
*Bella*

Bella had a very rough start to life.., found in the back room of an illegal Irish breeder at just a week old with her “brother” they were both fostered and then finally adopted by an amazing family in Bidford. ❤️

Both dogs had severe disabilities. After extensive consultations with specialists it was discovered one of Bella’s back legs was basically on backwards.

After working closely with the specialists Bella came to Avonside at just 9 months old.

Her leg as now fused and as “normal as possible”, the big worry now was her back.
As a breed pre disposed to back issues and an abnormality in her gait and unknown breeding we were worried about her back and potential disc problems.

Her family were fantastic religiously swimming her every week to keep her back as strong as possible.

Unfortunately our worst fears happened this summer and with no warning at 6 years old she became hind limb paralysed.

Extensive discussions with professionals it was decided an operation was not an option and rehab was her best option with the hope of sensation returning to her limbs again.

10 weeks later Bella had initially had rest and anti inflamitories. Intensive laser therapy to help with pain management and regeneration of nerves. And she is back in the pool. She is not swimming yet but we are using the water to support her and start rehabilitation, strengthening and mental stimulation.

We are all pleased and hopeful for her future, whilst still not strong enough to support herself just yet we are seeing great indications that feeling and strength could return to her hind limbs.

In the mean time she is enjoying scooting around in her wheels, she is fully continent and carefully monitored for pain management.

While Bella will never be ‘normal’ she will always be 🌟special🌟❤️ she is a happy (gobby) dog, full credit to her family who could honestly not do any more for her, she’s a lucky princess🐾👑🐾

26/10/2025

Please think carefully when choosing water therapy for your dog…🐾💦🐾

Why choose a registered center?

Unfortunately at the moment hydrotherapy is an un regulated industry. While swimming fit and heathy dogs is no problem, swimming an injured or older dog can *aggravate problems and injuries, *cause serious problems with water inhalation and *cause exhaustion if over swum.

Choosing a registered centre (we are NARCH registered - national association of registered canine hydrotherapists) you are insuring:

*The hydrotherapist is qualified to a minimum lever 3: this includes units in canine anatomy. Orthopedics, water management, business management, client care, gate analysis, water management, canine first aid , canine assessment and more…
*Canine first aid certificate renewed every 2 years.
*Monthly external bacteria testing.
*20 hours a year of continued personal development keeping up to date with changes to industry and veterinary care and procedures.
*Only single dog swims so your dog is fully controlled in the water at all times.
*Support from other hydrotherapists and mentors in the industry.
*Dogs are all swum with Vet consent making sure the dogs health and welfare are fully covered.
*Regular checks to make sure register centres are up to date on regulations and procedures.

If you are unsure check on the registered body’s websites (NARCH, CHA or IRVAP).

If you would like any more details please contact me by txt or WhatsApp (phone reception is bad in my area) on 07974748961 or [email protected]

17/10/2025

🎄It’s nearly Christmas 🙀
Matt is a good friend of mine, the first pics are ones he’s done of my dogs.

Want something different this year? How about a photo shoot for your dog? Gift vouchers available.

🌟£80 for 2 hour shoot (inside or outside weather dependant) plus 6x high res images🌟

Email
[email protected]

For more info or to book in 🧡

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 ❤️🐾❤️