Thank you for connecting with us!
Watch this video for a quick intro into what to expect with your 1:1 rehab care with us.
It will likely answer a few of your questions!
Once you've watched it and you and your pup are ready for the next step, click below to schedule a call to get on your other questions answered and your initial visit scheduled!
*Virtual visits are available at a reduced cost
If you aren't ready to schedule the call yet we understand. We will be in contact in a few business days to answer any questions you may have that is holding you back from helping your pup. In the mean time please check out our FAQs below.
The FSK9 difference
We listen to YOU
We spend time learning about your pup's unique needs and limitations, and your goals to get your pup as healthy as possible
Fear Free Approach
We are dedicated not only to your pet’s physical well being, but their mental well being as well. We place a priority on building trust with all ouf patients by not forcing them into situations outside of their comfort zone in order to foster an environment where our patients are excited and eager to participate
No "cookie-cutter" approach
Each program is created specifically for your pup and their needs!
Education
We place a heavy emphasis on educating our pet parents to empower them with life-long strategies to help improve their pet’s quality of life
We come to you
No car ride for the anxious and painful pup, no waiting at a clinic, we work with your schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at fureverstrongk9rehab@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Rehabilitation is focused on optimizing the patient’s response in relation to function versus just on a specific medical diagnosis. The medical diagnosis provided by your veterinarian is important, but even more important is for us to assess each dog to determine how that diagnosis is affecting them. No dog is the same, and each one of them responds differently to an injury or rehab program, therefore it is important for us to develop a rehabilitation program tailored specifically to each pet. We work hand in hand with your veterinary team who manages all medical issues and medications while we work to restore your pet’s function and mobility.
We work with your regular veterinarian to create a successful rehabilitation program specifically for your pup. A specialist will educate you on proper mechanics of exercises so you can work with your pup to maximize the results of treatments. Our staff also provides information on how to create a safe home environment during the recovery period to minimize risk of reinjury. We also emphasize educating pet parents through teaching exercises that they can do at home as for us that is likely the most important aspect of a successful rehab program. We love working with pet parents who want to feel empowered in their dog’s recovery, and that model has been a win-win for everyone as it has allowed us to achieve tremendous outcomes with our patients while decreasing the frequency of visits needed during a rehab program when compared to other rehab clinics.
The best way to answer this question would be to start by going over “the cycle of arthritis”. We need to understand that arthritis is a normal part of the aging process, both for ourselves and our pets, and the best thing that we can do is to be proactive rather than reactive. Arthritis can be asymptomatic as well, but once our pups start to show symptoms then we definitely need to start being more proactive than before.
The cycle starts when a pup with arthritis starts to show signs of joint inflammation, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and stiffness. As they feel stiff they tend to be less active, and if we let that happen over time they would lose muscle mass while also gaining weight. With added weight the pressure on their inflamed joints becomes even more uncomfortable, which in turn leads towards increased stiffness and a decrease in their level of physical activity. That is how the cycle of arthritis keeps going on and on, unless we do something about it.
The best way to get your pup moving again, whether that means taking them on walks, playing fetch at the park, or jumping into bed, is to intervene with a tailored exercise program. The program does not need to be complicated, but it does require a progressive approach to give your pup the comfort that they deserve.
Outside of rehab option provide more traction in your home such as rugs and runners can go a long way to make that slipery tile floor more easy to navigate. Provide mental stimulation such as puzzle toys and other dog behavior activities that challenge their brain as well.
We do not use the underwater treadmill as a form of treatment for several reasons as rehabilitation is much more than one modality of treatment, and underwater treadmill is just one small piece of the puzzle. The premise of the underwater treadmill is that the buoyancy of the water will decrease the effects of gravity and thus assist with gait training. The water height can be adjusted in relation to the patient—the higher the water level, the less body weight the patient uses. However, although its use could be beneficial in a minority of cases, the reality is that underwater treadmill is vastly over-used in the field of canine rehabilitation and, most of the time, dogs recover much better from injury or surgery without using an underwater treadmill in their rehabilitation program. The 30 minutes they may spend in the unit does not adequately train your pup for the rest of the day they have to move against gravity.
All of our sessions are done in the comfort of your home. This often helps the pup stay at ease, and we get to see them in their environment. We will bring a bag or two of equipment to use during the session, but you will not be required to buy any additional equipment.
We ask that you have a cleared area, ideally with a rug or carpet for us to use. Often the living room space near couches is the perfect area, but we can make almost anywhere work.