Underwater treadmills use the therapeutic properties of water to improve range of motion while strengthening muscles, boosting endurance and reducing the risk of injury. The buoyant properties of water minimize the weight placed on fragile bones and joints, and by reducing the weight put on the bones and joints, we can help your pet increase endurance and strength without adding excess stress.
During a therapy session your pet enters the treadmill at the PAW Center through a door on one end of the treadmill. The treadmill access is low to the ground in order to make it easier for animals to enter. Once the door is closed, the therapist starts to fill the treadmill with water. After the water level rises over the tread the therapist is then able to start the tread moving. The therapist stays with your pet in order to make sure the water level is correct, the speed is correct, to keep your pet calm, and to ensure the pet is walking or trotting safely. You are welcome to stay with your pet for moral support, take pictures and to keep your pet calm.
Treadmill sessions are great for pets recovering from surgery, but can be used for general exercise, building muscle, and weight loss.
Benefits for Dogs:
-surgical wound healing
-traumatic wound healing
-reducing the formation of scar tissue
-assisting the healing of infections
-improving nerve function and nerve regeneration
Laser Therapy can reduce inflammation and pain from hip dysplasia, joint disease, fractures, infections and other problems that interfere with your dogs wellbeing.
The PAW Center has a swimming pool just for pets! Swimming is a healthy exercise for pets because it is joint friendly and improves cardiovascular fitness.
The PAW Center pool has a 6″ and 12″ platform area to use for exercise and to get your pet acclimated to the water. While your pet takes a break on the platform, our therapist can massage your pet and offer suggestions on how to help your pet stretch and exercise.
To keep our pool it’s cleanest, our pool equipment includes 2 UV filters. Ultraviolet (UV) pool sanitizers utilize a cutting-edge, non-chemical process that uses germicidal UV light rays to sanitizer water that may be contaminated.
The indoor gym at the PAW Center is used for obstacle courses, Cavaletti poles, physio ball and balance board exercises and much more.
Each pet is evaluated and exercises and stretches are recommended to help you address any weakness and build muscle in your pet.
Stretching and land exercise improves flexibility, range of motion, circulation, as well as bringing more oxygen to the muscles.
Exercise helps pets and humans relieve stress, provides stimulation and improves sleep.
Acupuncture is currently unavailable at the PAW Center. We are working to find a new provider, but until then, here are a few options for care:
Dr. Candace Pieczynski, DVM, CERP, CVA
Springfield Animal Hospital, Springfield, OH 937-390-3338
Dr. Brett Ellis, DVM, CVSMT
Veterinary Associates Animal Hospital, Xenia, OH 937.372.9978