Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre

Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre Our Centre provides physical rehabilitation treatment programs for Canines following surgery or injury. Please check out our online store.

Veterinary Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, K9 Swimming Pool, Underwater Treadmill, Post-Surgical Boarding, Respite care for dogs with special needs, Dog wheelchairs and mobility aids Our facility includes Canine Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy, a full Fitness / Show Conditioning program for show dogs, Soft Tissue / Bowen therapy, , a boarding in-patient facility for dogs and a 12 meter indoor heated d

og pool. We also make a wide range of mobility aids for mobility impaired pets and Aussie Dog Wheelchairs (dog carts) for disabled pets. We are the proud manufacturers of the only Australian made Pet Wheelchair. Our products are shipped world wide. All pets that feature on our page are with permission from their owners.

01/09/2026

There’s something special about witnessing those first steps after spinal surgery. ❤️

This view never gets old.

These are the moments that remind us why a tailored rehabilitation program is so important. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy work together to help rebuild strength, improve coordination, encourage normal movement patterns, and maximise recovery following spinal surgery.

This patient is a Grade 5 IVDE case, now 4 weeks post T13–L1 hemilaminectomy, and making wonderful progress. Every recovery journey is different, which is why rehabilitation plans should be individually tailored to each dog's needs and stage of healing.

The results speak for themselves. 🐾

Referred by VRH and working closely with the veterinary team to support the best possible outcome.

This is a great example of why maintaining a healthy weight is so important for our dogs.Labradors: Perpetual eating mac...
31/08/2026

This is a great example of why maintaining a healthy weight is so important for our dogs.

Labradors: Perpetual eating machines, always happy, and always convinced they're starving! 😆 They are eager to please and rarely turn down a snack.

There is a common misconception that Labradors can't lose weight. Meet Florence – 5 kg down and loving life even more! 🎉

Extra weight in dogs can contribute to:
🐾 Arthritis and joint pain
🐾 Hip and elbow problems
🐾 Reduced mobility and exercise tolerance
🐾 Increased strain on the heart and lungs
🐾 Higher risk of diabetes and other health conditions
🐾 Reduced quality of life and shortened lifespan

Florence's weight-loss journey has helped take pressure off her joints, improve her fitness, and make everyday activities much easier and more enjoyable.

A healthy weight doesn't just add years to their life – it adds life to their years. ❤️

30/08/2026

Today Mooshie regained some independence after spending the last 5 months unable to walk following an FCE (spinal cord stroke). ❤️

Seeing those first steps with the support of a wheelchair is something that never gets old.

Our all-Australian Made Aussie Dog Wheelchairs, along with a range of other mobility aids, are designed and manufactured right here in our little workshop at the back of the clinic. For the past 18 years, we've proudly supplied dogs and their families right across Australia.

Designed by rehabilitation professionals and backed by rehabilitation professionals, our mobility aids are created with one goal in mind – helping dogs regain their independence and quality of life.

Our wheelchairs and mobility aids are available through our online store at www.aquapaws.com.au.

Happy trails, Mooshie! 🐾💙

Swimming isn't just fun – it can play a valuable role in helping dogs with hip dysplasia.This incredible example was sha...
28/08/2026

Swimming isn't just fun – it can play a valuable role in helping dogs with hip dysplasia.

This incredible example was shared by Southern Canine Imaging in the UK:

"Today we had a 1.5-year-old dog return to the clinic to have his hips X-rayed again.

Six months ago, we X-rayed him and advised the owner to undertake an intensive hydrotherapy program to help strengthen the muscles around the hips and encourage better joint stability.

We recommended returning after six months to assess his progress.

It was wonderful to see the reward the owner received for all of her hard work and dedication. The first image was taken six months ago, and the second image was taken today."

The improvement highlights the important role that muscle strength and conditioning can play in supporting dogs with hip dysplasia. While every dog is different and results will vary, hydrotherapy can be a fantastic tool for improving strength, fitness, mobility, and quality of life.

If you'd like to find out whether swimming could benefit your dog, contact the team at Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre.

🏊‍♂️ 12-metre indoor heated pool
🐕 Individual swim programs
💙 Over 20 years of canine hydrotherapy experience

📞 5977 8841
🌐 www.aquapaws.com.au
📍 Somerville, Victoria

Adding years to their life and life to their years.

27/08/2026

Happy Trails Bella! ❤️🐾

Today is discharge day for beautiful Bella, who has officially completed her rehabilitation program following her Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) surgery.

When Bella first started with us, she was experiencing significant non-use of her rear leg, but through hard work, consistency, and determination, she has made incredible progress. She is now using her leg well, moving confidently, and has achieved her rehabilitation goals.

We are so proud of how far she has come and grateful to her dedicated family for their commitment throughout her recovery journey.

Congratulations, Bella! We wish you many happy adventures, plenty of walks, and a future full of tail wags and zoomies.

Happy trails, Bella – you've earned it! 🐕✨

🏆 IS YOUR DOG SHOW READY?With the Royals, Breed Nationals and Specialty Shows just around the corner, NOW is the time to...
24/08/2026

🏆 IS YOUR DOG SHOW READY?

With the Royals, Breed Nationals and Specialty Shows just around the corner, NOW is the time to start conditioning if you haven’t already!

With over 2 decades of experience, Aquapaws are the conditioning experts. Countless Australian Champions, Best of Breed, Group, National, Specialty and Best in Show winners have been conditioned here.

Our individual Show Conditioning Programs are designed to:

🐾 Target and build muscle where needed
🐾 Improve topline and overall definition
🐾 Strengthen and tighten elbows and hocks
🐾 Improve gait and address gait issues such as pacing
🐾 Increase reach, drive, balance and coordination
🐾 Build strength, fitness and stamina

✨ And the results can be noticeable in as little as 2 sessions!

Give your dog every advantage in the ring and let us help bring out their best.

📞 Phone 59 77 88 41 to book your appointment now!

🏆 Aquapaws — Conditioning Champions for over 20 years.

20/08/2026

🚨 Bird Flu Update – Advice from Dr Matt Ray, Westernport Vet Clinic 🚨

With the recent H5 Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) detections in Victoria, it's important for dog owners to be aware of what to do if they come across a sick or dead bird while out walking. Recent cases have been confirmed in wild birds across Victoria, and authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant.

🐦 If you see a sick or dead bird:
• Do not touch, handle or move the bird.
• Keep your dog well away from the bird and any surrounding droppings or feathers.
• Put your dog back on lead if necessary and leave the area.
• If your dog has had contact with the bird, wash their paws when you get home and monitor them for any signs of illness.
• Take note of the location and, if safe to do so, take a photo.
• Report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

🐕 Should dog owners be concerned?
The risk to dogs is considered low, however it is still recommended that pets avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Prevention is always the best approach.

✅ The key message is simple:
Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it.

A big thank you to Dr Matt Ray and the team at Westernport Vet Clinic for helping keep our local pet community informed.

For more information or to report a sick or dead bird, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

15/08/2026

🐾 Meet Button – our tiny fighter with a huge heart! 🐾

At just 900 grams, little Button the Chihuahua is one of the smallest patients we've ever worked with, but she has one of the biggest determination levels we've ever seen.

When we first met Button a few months ago, she was unable to walk or stand, had very poor control of her head movements, and despite extensive investigations, there was still no clear diagnosis for the cause of her condition. An MRI was not an option at the time due to the significant cost involved, leaving her family with many unanswered questions.

So what do you do when you don't have all the answers?

You keep going.

You focus on what you can do.

And most importantly, you listen to the patient.

Button's incredibly dedicated humans make a 3-hour round trip to bring her to rehabilitation sessions, determined to give her every opportunity to improve. Their commitment, patience, and love for this little girl have been nothing short of inspiring.

And just look at her now! 💙

Button can now walk almost independently in the underwater treadmill, has significantly improved head control, and can stand on her own on dry land. These may sound like simple achievements, but for Button they are absolutely enormous milestones.

Just a few months ago, these goals seemed so far away. To see her taking steps, holding herself upright, and becoming more confident with every session is incredibly exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.

The progress Button has made is remarkable. Every small improvement has been hard-earned through determination, consistency, and the unwavering support of her family. Seeing her regain strength and independence fills our hearts with joy.

As long as Button keeps showing us she wants to keep trying, we'll be right beside her, cheering her on every step of the way.

We couldn't be prouder of this tiny warrior and her amazing family. 🌟

Sometimes rehabilitation isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes it's about believing in the patient standing in front of you and celebrating every step forward.

There is something truly special about client photos. ❤They are never perfectly posed, professionally staged, or careful...
14/08/2026

There is something truly special about client photos. ❤

They are never perfectly posed, professionally staged, or carefully edited. Instead, they capture something far more important — a moment.

A moment of pure joy.
A moment of freedom.
A moment where pain, age, injury, or illness fades into the background and your dog is simply living their best life.

Thank you to all our wonderful clients who share these precious moments with us. We absolutely love seeing your dogs happy, confident, and enjoying life. Every photo is a reminder that rehabilitation isn't just about recovery—it's about giving dogs the opportunity to be themselves again. ❤️🐾

12/08/2026

Billie is here for rehabilitation following her TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament. 💙🐾

Her recovery is a little more complex because she also has Cushing's disease (Hyperadrenocorticism).

Cushing's disease causes the body to produce excessive amounts of cortisol, which can lead to:

Muscle weakness and muscle loss
Reduced tissue healing and slower recovery times
Increased thirst and urination
Weight gain and a pot-bellied appearance
Reduced stamina and exercise tolerance
Increased risk of infections
Weakening of ligaments and connective tissues

These changes can make rehabilitation more challenging, as building strength and supporting healing often takes longer than in dogs without Cushing's disease.

The good news is that hydrotherapy is an excellent rehabilitation tool for dogs like Billie. The buoyancy of the water reduces stress on healing joints while allowing her to safely strengthen her muscles, improve mobility, and rebuild confidence in her operated leg.

Billie has been working hard in her rehabilitation sessions, and we're looking forward to helping her regain strength and return to enjoying her daily adventures. 🐾💦

Address

32 Lower Somerville Road
Somerville, VIC
3912

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm
Thursday 9:30am - 1pm
Friday 9:30am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+61359778841

Website

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