Stride Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Center

08/28/2024

The best thing about what we do is that we LOVE what we do! And we LOVE seeing our patients go out and do the things they LOVE.

08/27/2024

100%.

Pain and changes in behavior often coincide.

It's a good plan to reach out to both a qualified trainer AND your rehab vet if you see a change in either pain OR behavior.

Chester is currently being treated for pain concerns via PT exercises, laser therapy and pain medication. He has a disc issue in his spine and signs of early arthritis in his front right paw, which had a digit amputated when he was around a year old.

I got him evaluated by a physio/rehab therapist a couple of months ago because I noticed subtle shifts in his behavior like:

🚩 less stamina on off leash outings with dog friends
🚩 investigating environment MUCH less on walks (in favor of walking closely next to me)
🚩 increased sound sensitivity
🚩 less interest in play with other dogs, but especially with Nia
🚩 handling sensitivity, especially around being picked up (which is unusual for him)
🚩 small changes in his gait, especially at a trot - smaller strides with hind legs

If you’re trying to work through some of your dog’s behavior concerns (yes, even when you’re opting for positive reinforcement) and there is suspicion for pain contributing to that overall picture (again, it may look different than you’d expect!), it is our responsibility as their guardian to help provide relief before jumping into any specific training goals.

With a combination of pain medication, laser therapy and PT, we have seen huge changes in his behavior (with ZERO training outside of his fitness work):

💚 decreased sound sensitivity
💚 more interest in greeting unfamiliar people
💚 daily play with Nia (sometimes multiple times daily!!)
💚 increased stamina on off leash walks
💚 more joy in the things he loves doing
💚 increased confidence and general optimism
💚 greater energy - always ready to go!
💚 more relaxed in the car

Put simply, If you don’t FEEL functional, you likely won’t BE functional.

All training/behavior modification should take a backseat to resolving pain concerns, and we need to get better at noticing and addressing pain before more obvious symptoms end up showing up.

Your dog deserves to feel good and have relief from pain - first and foremost.

08/26/2024

Do you think it should be a federal holiday?

08/24/2024

This is a great conversation! We love that canine rehab and fitness is gaining so much awareness!

What the general veterinary community can learn from the working dog population and their health care needs.

08/20/2024

Bird Flu is spreading. Now found in cats.

Bird Flu is Spreading

At least 36 pet cats in the U.S. have had confirmed infections of bird flu (H5N1) since March. Two cases recently reported in Colorado were identified as indoor cats, which scientists say is a sign that the virus is widespread in animals and may soon impact more humans. Right now, poultry and dairy workers and other people who may come into close contact with infected animals are the only humans considered at risk of avian influenza.

How this happened: Bird flu is rampant in poultry farms across the country–some 100 million birds have died in the U.S. since 2022, either from the disease or from attempts to control the infections’ spread through culling. Nearly 200 herds of dairy cows in 13 states have been infected. Potentially millions of wild birds have died. Some cats contracted the disease on dairy farms, likely by drinking raw milk, and other outdoor cats may have picked up the virus by feeding on birds. The fact that indoor cats contracted H5N1 suggests the disease is more widespread than experts are aware of–the cats might have contracted the virus from a mouse in the house or even a human.

What the experts say: To protect pets from the virus, don’t feed them raw milk or other raw food. Outdoor cats are particularly vulnerable since they are more likely to come into contact with infected animals. Watch for changes in behavior that indicate a pet might be sick, especially a loss of appetite or trouble breathing, and alert your veterinarian.
- Scientific American

08/14/2024

We are so excited to be a sponsor of The Great Bark Bash!!! Hope to see you there for some fun!

The 2024 Great Bark Bash is on Sunday October 6, 2024. It includes the following events: Wiener Dog Race & Running of the Bulldogs & Corgi Crush, Mutt Strut: Peanut Butter Eating Contest, Mutt Strut: Best Trick, and Mutt Strut: Best Costume.

08/14/2024

Happy Birthday Dr. McConnell!!!! Thank you for all you do for our patients and for being an amazing human to work alongside.

08/12/2024

Have you heard of Water Intoxication? Also known as Water Toxicity? Blog post in comments with more information!

08/10/2024

Please share!

OHA issued a preemptive recreational use health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus, due to the presence and rapid growth of a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom. The lakes are in Jefferson County.

The decision to issue the preemptive advisory is based on multiple reports from partner agencies and members of the public, and is supported by satellite data showing the extent of the bloom, with day-to-day increases in bloom density. Results of testing in the days to come will either confirm the advisory or allow OHA to lift it.

Remember, “When in doubt, stay out!”

For more information, read our news release: https://ow.ly/Ft3q50SUVtI

08/09/2024

“He was my everything.”

"He was my everything," Sharon van Rouwendaal said of her late dog Rio after she secured her second gold medal.

08/08/2024

Cruciate injuries are so prevalent in Labrador retrievers. If you know someone who has a Labrador, share this with them!

***PLEASE SHARE***
Calling all American Labrador owners!
Our genetic screening test for the risk of cruciate rupture is still available for Labrador Retrievers! We are actively recruiting for another round of screening, and are looking for interested clients!
If you have a purebred Labrador Retriever that you would like to submit, please fill out the google form linked here: https://forms.gle/mfxZKEyJFmk77C9q6
The cost is $250 per dog, which would only be billed to you upon receiving results.
Disclaimer: This test is predicting the risk of cruciate rupture in Labrador retrievers. The UW Comparative Genetics Laboratory is not responsible for any breeding decision made in light of results.
If you have any questions, or want to learn more about this service, please email us at [email protected]

08/04/2024

Is your dog in pain? Here are some ways to help you determine if they are!!! Not sure? Give us a call, we are happy to chat about it!!!

08/01/2024

It’s that time of year! Please share! Algae blooms can be deadly!

The health advisory for toxic algae remains in place at Detroit Lake, Big Cliff Reservoir and the North Santiam River. Here's why.

07/25/2024

Keeping your dog feeling great throughout all stages of life should include weight management, great nutrition, regular veterinary care, moderate activity, daily enrichment and plenty of rest.

07/24/2024

Vaccinate and microchip your pets!

Make sure your pet is up to date on important vaccines! Catch us this FRIDAY 7/26 from 9-12 at 413 NW Hill St. for low cost ($25) vaccines and microchips ($35). More info at FIXbend.org. No appointment necessary.

07/19/2024

We closed the clinic Thursday and had a great staff hike (sadly without Sam because she couldn't join us from New York!!) Which is your favorite? (Yes, we live near this amazing, amazing place!)

07/04/2024

Wishing you a safe and happy day of celebration!

06/19/2024

Celebrating Juneteenth is celebrating freedom.

Freedom: The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

06/13/2024

We love these ‘pupdates’ from Kristin’s canine fitness class students held at Desert Sage Agility!

As I was sitting with Chester in his last group fitness class yesterday, I could feel my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. He went into the arena with enthusiasm, put his two front feet on the platform in his working area and said very clearly and confidently - “okay mom, let’s do this!”

I was so unbelievably proud of him. 🥹

We initially did this fitness class to learn more about building strength and foundational skills for fitness exercises. The class focused on things like basic canine anatomy, noticing and strategically rewarding subtle weight shifts, posture and balance, teaching targeting in various ways, position changes, precision skills, how to get a dog THINKING about how they’re using their body… so many things!

This class WASN’T about “troubleshooting behavior challenges”, “obedience” or “reactivity”. Focusing on what your dog is doing wrong and “how you can fix them” (yes, even when you use positive reinforcement!) is inherently full of high stakes and pressure, whether we like it or not. It makes everything feel so… urgent.

Don’t get me wrong, I love supporting dogs and their guardians through the complicated journey that is navigating the underlying “big feelings” of behavioral challenges. I love helping everybody develop skills to make their life together easier and find room for creative compromise when needed.

But! Taking this class with Chester helped me to rediscover what I love about training dogs. I love learning HOW they learn - helping them to connect the dots in fun and different ways. There really is something magical about working with them and doing activities that we can enjoy together, and not just focusing on their challenges and the situations in which they struggle.

Learning something new - something with LOWER stakes for all parties - better refines all of my training skills AND reminds my dog how much fun training can be!

Consider this your sign to do more things with your dog that bring you both joy. Remind yourself that your dog is more than the challenges they sometimes have - and soak up their strengths and passions. Your connection will be better for it, and your training skills will come along for the ride!

06/13/2024

As the weather warms up it’s important to know the real risk of water intoxication in dogs.

Water intoxication in dogs is real and deadly. Unfortunately, a beloved and active dog fell victim to this unexpected illness.

06/12/2024

RECALL ALERT - TDBBS, LLC. is voluntarily recalling Best Bully Stick and Barkworthies branded Green Tripe Bully Sticks due to foreign material (metal) contamination.
▪ Best Bully Stick branded product packaged in 2 lbs (UPC:816807016027)
▪ Best Bully Stick branded product packaged in 5 lbs plastic bags (UPC: 816807016010)
▪ Barworthies branded product packaged in 7oz plastic bags (UPC:816807015686)

For more information, including affected lot numbers, visit: https://bit.ly/4b4uHLP

06/03/2024

A great episode on puppy socialization! Things are changing all the time in regards to living with dogs and we love sharing learning opportunities!

‎Show Paws & Reward Podcast, Ep Ep 76: The Art and Neuroscience of Puppy Socialization with Dr. Kathy Murphy - Apr 1, 2024

05/21/2024

Did you know Stride is a Myos Pet Products ambassador? Myospet offers great products designed to help with muscle health, joint health and overall wellness.

Use Code STRIDECANINE20 to save 20% on your online order. (Excludes MyosVet)

MyosPet is the maker of Myos Canine Muscle Formula, an all natural supplement that has been clinically shown to reduce muscle loss and increase lean muscle in dogs. Our formula is ideal for dogs who are experiencing or are at risk of losing muscle mass.

05/21/2024

National Rescue Dog Day was yesterday and we just found out!!!!
These are rescues that are or were once part of our team members' families...Do you know which dog belongs to which human....Janice, Kristin, Samantha and Rachelle? Comment in each photo thread!!!