Synergy Canine Health & Rehabilitation

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️🐾

To all our wonderful clients and the incredible dogs we have the privilege of working with—thank you for trusting us with their care. We truly love and appreciate each and every one of you!

With love,
The Synergy Canine Health & Rehabilitation Team

21/01/2025

🦴💪 Muscle of the Day: Biceps Femoris! 💪🦴

Meet the Biceps Femoris—a multitasking muscle in your pup’s hind limb that’s all about power and precision! 🐾 From running to climbing, this muscle is a superstar in keeping your furry friend active and agile.

Why It's Awesome
The biceps femoris is part of the hamstring group and stretches from the pelvis to the tibia and fibula. It plays a key role in:

Extending the hip for powerful strides.
Flexing the stifle (knee) to aid in movement.
Supporting overall hind limb stability during activity.
Fun Fact
The biceps femoris is a major contributor to the smooth, spring-like motion you see when dogs run at full tilt—ever seen a Greyhound or Border Collie in action? That’s this muscle at work! 🚀

Common Injuries
🔴 Strains or Tears: Caused by overexertion during intense exercise or play.
🔴 Trigger Points: Can lead to localized pain and stiffness.
🔴 Nerve Impingements: As the muscle overlaps key nerves, injuries can sometimes cause nerve-related discomfort.

How to Keep It Healthy
✅ Incorporate stretching exercises, especially post-activity.
✅ Engage in controlled movements like slow, uphill walking.
✅ Consider regular massage to ease tension and prevent stiffness.
✅ Watch for signs of discomfort like limping or reluctance to climb stairs.

⚠️ Always consult your veterinarian or exercise therapist before trying new techniques or exercises for your dog.

📞 For expert guidance, contact Natasha at Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital, your Synergy Canine Exercise Therapist, at 011 678 7526.

Let’s celebrate this amazing muscle! 🎉 Share a pic of your pup in action—whether they’re climbing, running, or just showing off their strength! 📸👇

🐕‍🦺

17/01/2025

🦴💪 Muscle of the Day: Gluteal Muscles! 💪🦴

Did you know your pup’s gluteal muscles are the powerhouse behind their zoomies, jumps, and tail-wagging dances? 🎉 These muscles, located in their hips, are what give them that explosive speed and adorable wiggle when they run. 🐾

Why They're Awesome
The gluteal muscles connect to major bones like the pelvis and femur, extending the hip joint. This makes them vital for climbing, running, and those epic leaps onto the couch (even when they’re not supposed to!) 😜

Fun Fact
Dogs’ gluteal muscles are so strong that breeds like Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 45 mph thanks to their powerful hips! 🚀

Common Injuries
🔴 Strains or Tears: Often from overexertion during activities like running or jumping.
🔴 Hip Dysplasia: Affects the stability of the gluteal muscle attachments.
🔴 Pelvic Fractures: Can impair gluteal function due to bone trauma.

How to Keep Them Strong
✅ Regular walks and playtime.
✅ Exercises like hill climbing.
✅ Massage to ease tension (ask us how!).
✅ Early detection of injuries with professional assessments.

⚠️ Always consult your veterinarian or chat to your exercise therapist before starting new exercises or addressing injuries to ensure your pup stays safe and healthy.

📞 Need advice? Contact Natasha at Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital, your Synergy Canine Exercise Therapist, at 011 678 7526.

Let’s give a shoutout to these hip heroes! 🎉 Drop a pic of your pup showing off their strong glutes below! 📸👇

🐕‍🦺

16/01/2025

🐾 Your Dog’s Nails: More Important Than You Think! 🐾

Did you know that long nails can do more than just click on the floor? They can actually:
👉 Strain ligaments, tendons, and joints
👉 Shift your dog’s weight, causing pain and discomfort
👉 Lead to back pain, poor posture, and even mobility issues

How Can You Tell If Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long?
🔍 Look: Do the nails touch the ground when they’re standing?
👂 Listen: Can you hear clicking sounds when they walk on hard floors?
🤔 Check: Are their toe pads lifting off the ground because of nail length?

What Happens Without Proper Nail Care?
🐾 Long nails stop the toes from bending naturally, reducing shock absorption.
🐾 This forces your dog to change how they walk, leading to unnecessary stress on their joints, muscles, and even their spine.

But There’s Good News! 🎉
At Synergy Canine Health and Rehabilitation, Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help:
✨ Professional nail trims and filing that are gentle and stress-free
✨ Specialized care for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or spinal issues

Proper nail care doesn’t just protect their paws—it improves their overall comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

📞 Call us at 011 678 7526 to book an appointment.
Let’s keep your furry friend’s paws and joints happy and healthy! 🐕

31/12/2024

What is an Anxiety Wrap and Why Use One? 🐾

Anxiety wraps are specially designed garments that apply gentle, constant pressure to your dog’s body, much like a comforting hug. They’re a natural, non-invasive way to help manage anxiety and stress in dogs.

Why Use an Anxiety Wrap?
•Calming Effects: The gentle pressure provides a sense of security, soothing dogs during stressful situations.
•Reduces Anxiety: Ideal for dogs who experience fear during thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides.
•Non-Medicated Option: Offers relief without the need for medication.

How to Use an Anxiety Wrap
•Fit it Properly: Ensure the wrap is snug but not too tight, applying gentle, even pressure without restricting movement.
•Introduce it Slowly: Allow your dog to wear the wrap in a calm environment before using it during stressful events.
•Monitor Your Dog: Observe how they respond to the wrap and make adjustments as needed.

When to Use an Anxiety Wrap
• Fireworks and Thunderstorms: Ideal for loud or sudden noises.
• Travel Anxiety: Calms dogs during car rides or vet visits.
• Separation Anxiety: Provides comfort when you’re not at home.
• New Environments: Reduces stress during visits to unfamiliar places.

Where to Get an Anxiety Wrap
You can find anxiety wraps at pet stores or online, with popular options like Thundershirt. For a temporary DIY solution, you can create a wrap using a scarf or stretchy fabric—ask us for guidance!

DIY Anxiety Wrap
Want to make a simple anxiety wrap at home? Swipe through the pictures for step-by-step instructions on using a scarf to create a temporary wrap.

At Synergy Canine Health and Rehabilitation, we’re here to support your pet’s mental and physical well-being. If you need help managing your dog’s anxiety, give us a call at 011 678 7526. Let’s work together to keep your pets feeling safe and secure! 🐶✨

31/12/2024

Thank You, Phil!

You have taught us all so much and will be dearly missed.

Happy Retirement! Wishing you all the joy, relaxation, and happiness in this new chapter of your life.

30/12/2024

What is a Snuffle Mat and Why Use One? 🐾

At Synergy Canine Health and Rehabilitation, we love tools that support your dog’s physical and mental well-being, and a snuffle mat is one of our favorites! This versatile enrichment tool engages your dog’s mind and taps into their natural foraging instincts. Here’s why snuffle mats are amazing:

Mental Stimulation: Keeps your dog engaged, entertained, and sharp.
Calming Benefits: Helps reduce stress and anxiety by channeling their energy into sniffing.
Slower Eating: Promotes slower eating habits to prevent indigestion and bloat.

How to Use a Snuffle Mat

Sprinkle your dog’s kibble or treats throughout the fleece strips on the mat.
Let your dog sniff, search, and forage to uncover the hidden treasures.
Always supervise your dog during the first few uses to ensure they engage with the mat safely and appropriately.

When to Use a Snuffle Mat

Mealtime: Turn feeding time into a fun, enriching experience while promoting slower eating.
Indoor Play: Ideal for rainy days or when outdoor activities aren’t possible.
Stressful Situations: A great distraction during fireworks, thunderstorms, or other anxiety-inducing events.
Daily Enrichment: Keeps your dog mentally stimulated and happy as part of their routine.

Where to Buy a Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats are widely available at pet stores and online retailers. Prefer a personal touch? Make your own!

DIY Snuffle Mat
Creating a snuffle mat at home is simple, cost-effective, and customizable! Use a rubber mat and fleece fabric to craft a mat tailored to your dog’s preferences.

Need help getting started? Visit us at Synergy Canine Health and Rehabilitation or chat with our team 011 678 7526.

Let’s work together to keep your pets happy, healthy, and enriched! 🐶✨

29/12/2024

29/12/2024

By choosing pet insurance, you’re providing your furry companion with the opportunity for a healthier, happier life. With plans starting at just R65 per month—less than the price of half a pizza—it’s an affordable way to ensure their well-being.

If you’re ready to explore your options or learn more about how insurance can support your pet’s health, our team is here to guide you. Let’s work together to give your beloved pet the long, joyful life they deserve with access to the best care possible.

Call today:
Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital
011 678 7526

27/11/2024

Amazing Specials!

🎉 Black Friday Specials Are Here! 🖤🐾

Don't miss out on these amazing deals for your pets!

📞 Call us now at 011 678 7526 to place your orders before stock runs out! Lamb flavour only.

📍 Available at Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital – where we care for your furry family.

Hurry, these deals won't last long! 🐕🐾🐈

22/11/2024

Sammy still needs a home.

She is such a special and loving girl, will anyone give her a chance?

22/11/2024

07/10/2024

This little girl is so special and deserves a home.

Bee has found her forever home!!!!!!🥰