What are the 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

Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre

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Australia
Somerville, VIC
Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre

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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 dog 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.

01/11/2026

🥜💦 THE REAL REASON THEY LOVE THE UNDERWATER TREADMILL! 😂🐶

You might think our dogs come to Aquapaws for the rehabilitation… the exercise… the expert care…

But we have a sneaking suspicion it might have something to do with the peanut butter! 🤣

Meet our secret weapon: the trusty lick mat! 🥜👅

While our four-legged clients are busy walking their way to better mobility in the underwater treadmill, they’re also enjoying a little gourmet snack on the side.

💪 Working those muscles?
✅ Absolutely!

Improving strength and mobility?
✅ You bet!

Burning calories?
✅ Hopefully more than they’re licking! 😂

And the best part? Some dogs are so busy enjoying their peanut butter that they barely notice they’re doing their rehab exercises!

Who needs a personal trainer when you have peanut butter? 🥜🐾

At Aquapaws, we believe rehabilitation should be rewarding… and if a little peanut butter helps make those steps easier, we’re all for it! ❤️

Although we suspect some of our patients would happily skip the treadmill and go straight to the snack bar! 😂

👇 Tell us… does your dog do ANYTHING for peanut butter?

29/10/2026

🐾 Roger the Dodger 🐾

Roger first came to us for rehabilitation following TPLO surgery on his left hind leg. Starting out in the underwater treadmill he slowly worked towards swimming as part of his recovery. Now at 5 months post-op he’s graduated to the pool 🎉🎉

💧 But rehab doesn’t stop just because surgery is in the rear-view mirror! 💧

Continuing rehabilitation long after surgery is incredibly beneficial and we love seeing the difference it makes. Regular sessions help us monitor Roger’s gait and movement patterns, maintain and build muscle mass, and improve strength to support his operated leg and reduce compensatory loading on his other leg.
This is really important after TPLO surgery as we want to keep both legs as strong and healthy as possible!

Roger continues to attend monthly underwater treadmill sessions so we can keep an eye on his progress and make sure he’s moving as well as he should be, although waiting patiently for his turn might just be the hardest part of his rehab!

His owners are doing a fantastic job staying consistent with his rehab and their commitment plays a huge part in his ongoing recovery.

Now, if only we could convince Roger that waiting his turn is also part of the rehabilitation program! 😂🐶

Keep up the great work, Roger the Dodger! 💙

29/10/2026

🐾💦 Meet the gorgeous little Nessie! 💙🧡

At just 2 years old, this cute little girl is already getting a head start on looking after her joints and keeping her body strong!

Nessie is predisposed to luxating patellas, a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. This can cause intermittent lameness, skipping steps, discomfort and, in some dogs, contribute to the development of arthritis over time.

Rather than waiting for problems to develop, Nessie's wonderful owner is taking a proactive approach to her long-term joint health with regular preventative rehabilitation. 🐶💪

Her weekly routine includes targeted exercises to help build strength, improve stability and support proper movement, alongside swimming to help maintain muscle strength and fitness with reduced weight-bearing stress on her joints.

💦 Why swimming? Swimming is a fantastic low-impact exercise that allows dogs to work their muscles, improve fitness and maintain strength while reducing the load on their joints.

By making rehabilitation part of Nessie's regular routine, her owner is helping give her the best possible foundation for an active, happy life.

Because rehabilitation isn't just about recovering from an injury — it's also about helping our dogs stay strong, mobile and comfortable for as long as possible! ❤️

🐾 Wondering whether preventative rehabilitation could benefit your dog? Whether your pup has a predisposition to joint problems or you simply want to help them stay fit and active, we're always happy to chat about how a tailored rehabilitation program may help. Get in touch with the friendly team at Aquapaws to discuss your dog's individual needs. 💙🧡

📍 Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre
Adding years to their life and life to their years.

26/10/2026

🎂❤️ Brutus is turning 13 next week, and he’s living his very best life! 🐾

Thirteen years young and still going strong! 🥰 This gorgeous boy has some osteoarthritis in his hips and elbows, but he’s doing amazingly well, and we absolutely love seeing him enjoying life.

Brutus has regular hydrotherapy in our underwater treadmill and physiotherapy sessions with Andrew, including dry needling to help release tight muscles and ease muscular tension, and laser therapy to help manage pain and inflammation.

Together, these treatments help support his comfort, mobility and quality of life, so he can keep doing the things that make him happy.

There’s something very special about our older dogs. They’ve given us so many years of love, loyalty and companionship, and they deserve all the care we can give them in return. ❤️

We’re so proud of how well Brutus is doing and feel very lucky to be part of his journey. Here’s to a wonderful birthday, lots of extra cuddles, and many more happy days ahead, gorgeous boy! 🐶🎉🎂

Happy 13th birthday for next week, Brutus! Keep living your best life, sweetheart. 💙🧡

At Aquapaws, we’re all about adding years to their life and life to their years. 🐾

22/10/2026

☀️🐾 SUNSHINE, WALKS & HOT PAWS! 🐾☀️

We love seeing dogs out enjoying a walk on a beautiful sunny day, but did you know that when the outside temperature is just 25°C, surfaces like concrete and asphalt can reach temperatures of around 50–52°C? 🔥

That’s hot enough to cause painful burns to your dog’s paw pads in as little as a minute! 😢

Our dogs can’t put on shoes to protect their feet, so it’s up to us to keep their paws safe.

🐾 Our golden rule: If you can't comfortably walk on the surface in bare feet, neither should your dog!

☀️ A few simple ways to protect those precious paws:
🐶 Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when surfaces are cooler.
🌿 Choose grassy, shaded routes wherever possible.
✋ Test the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot to hold comfortably, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
❤️ Remember, even if the air feels comfortable, the ground can be dangerously hot!

Let's keep those tails wagging and those paws safe this summer! 🐕💙🧡

Please SHARE to help spread the word and protect our four-legged friends!

21/10/2026

💙🐾 Meet Gorgeous Clifford! His First Swim at Aquapaws! 🐾💙

Just look at this gorgeous boy! 🥰 Clifford had his very first swim with us today, and we’re so proud of how far he has come already!

Clifford has osteoarthritis in both hips and weakness in his back legs, making everyday activities a little more challenging. Getting up in the morning is harder, his walks are getting slower, and jumping into the car is no longer as easy as it once was. And, well… being a little on the cuddly side means those extra kilos aren't helping! ❤️🐶

When Clifford first started his rehabilitation journey at Aquapaws, we began with our underwater treadmill. This was a great way to gently build his strength and endurance while taking some of the weight off his sore joints. With his reduced stamina, we needed to start slowly and build him up at a pace that suited him.

Today, Clifford reached an exciting milestone — his very first swim! 🏊‍♂️💦

Swimming allows Clifford to exercise with minimal impact on his hips, helping him build muscle strength, improve fitness and burn energy to assist with weight management, all while being gentle on his arthritic joints.

💙 Why is this so important for dogs like Clifford?
🐾 Stronger muscles to support painful joints
🐾 Improved fitness and stamina
🐾 Low-impact exercise to help manage osteoarthritis
🐾 Support with healthy weight management
🐾 Helping maintain mobility and quality of life for longer

At Aquapaws, we believe rehabilitation is about more than just exercise. It’s about helping our dogs stay comfortable, mobile and able to enjoy all those little things that make life wonderful.

Well done, Clifford! We can’t wait to see you continue to grow stronger and more confident. ❤️

Adding years to their life and life to their years. 🐾💙🧡

20/10/2026

🐾💙 WHY DOES YOUR DOG NEED A REMEDIAL MASSAGE? 💙🐾

Did you know that dogs can benefit from remedial massage just as much as we do? 🐶✨

Whether your dog is a sporting superstar, an active adventurer, a senior citizen or recovering from an injury, remedial massage can be a wonderful addition to their wellness and rehabilitation routine!

💆‍♀️ The benefits of remedial massage for dogs include:

🐾 Relieves Muscle Tension – Helps ease tight, overworked muscles and reduce muscular discomfort.

🐾 Improves Flexibility & Mobility – Supports comfortable movement and helps maintain a good range of motion.

🐾 Encourages Circulation – Massage can help promote local blood flow to the tissues being treated.

🐾 Supports Recovery – When appropriately incorporated into a rehabilitation program, massage can assist with managing muscle tension associated with injury and recovery.

🐾 Helps Sporting & Working Dogs – Great for active dogs involved in agility, flyball, dock diving, showing and other canine sports.

🐾 Supports Senior Dogs – Can help older dogs feel more comfortable by addressing muscular tension associated with age-related changes and altered movement patterns.

🐾 Promotes Relaxation – A gentle, hands-on treatment can help your dog relax and enjoy some well-deserved TLC. ❤️

🐕 Is remedial massage right for your dog?

From the weekend warrior to the couch-loving senior, every dog deserves to feel comfortable in their body!

At Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre, remedial massage can be incorporated into an individualised care plan to complement physiotherapy and hydrotherapy where appropriate.

Our goal is simple: helping your dog move more comfortably, stay active and enjoy life to the fullest! 💙🧡

📍 Contact Aquapaws to find out how remedial massage could benefit your four-legged friend.
☎️03 59 77 88 41

Aquapaws – adding years to their life and life to their years. 🐾

19/10/2026

🎉 DISCHARGE DAY FOR MILLER! 🎉🐾

Today is a very special day at Aquapaws as we celebrate Miller completing her rehabilitation following a gracilis muscle tear! 💙🧡

So, what exactly is a gracilis tear, and why is rehabilitation so important?

🐕 What is a gracilis muscle tear?

The gracilis is a long, thin muscle located on the inside of the hind leg. It helps control movement of the thigh and contributes to normal hindlimb function.

When this muscle is torn, it can cause pain, lameness, reduced strength and changes in the way a dog moves. Healing can take time, and scar tissue may develop within the injured muscle, potentially affecting flexibility and normal function.

💧 How did rehabilitation help Miller?

Rehabilitation is about much more than simply waiting for an injury to heal. It helps dogs progressively regain strength, mobility and confidence as they return to their normal activities.

Miller's rehabilitation program incorporated several important elements:

💦 Hydrotherapy – Controlled exercise in water can help improve mobility, maintain muscle conditioning and encourage movement while reducing some of the weight-bearing demands placed on the limbs.

💪 Progressive strengthening – Carefully planned exercise helps rebuild strength, improve coordination and support a more normal movement pattern as healing progresses.

🔴 Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) – Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissues. It may help support the body's healing processes and assist with managing pain and inflammation, making it a useful adjunct to a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

🎯 Individualised rehabilitation – Miller's exercises and treatments were tailored to her needs, with activity progressed appropriately to help restore function without placing excessive strain on the healing muscle.

❤️ Preparing for life beyond rehab – The goal is to help Miller return to her everyday activities with improved strength, mobility and confidence, while ensuring exercise continues to progress safely.

🎉 Today, Miller graduates from rehabilitation!

We are so pleased to celebrate this milestone with Miller and her family. Recovering from a muscle injury takes patience, consistency and teamwork, and rehabilitation plays an important role in helping dogs get back on their paws.

From all of us at Aquapaws, we wish Miller many more happy, comfortable and active adventures ahead! 🐾💙🧡

Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre

Adding years to their life and life to their years. 💙🧡

14/10/2026

Hi, my name is Bensen. I learnt to swim all by myself!

12/10/2026

🐾 MARLOW’S IVDD REHABILITATION JOURNEY – 13 WEEKS OF PROGRESS! 🐾

When Marlow came to Aquapaws, he was recovering from surgery for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and was classified as Stage 4. He had a long road ahead of him, but with a tailored rehabilitation plan, patience and plenty of dedication, Marlow has made fantastic progress!

✨ 13 weeks later, Marlow has been discharged and is doing super well! ✨

So, what happens in a tailored rehabilitation plan?

Every dog is different, and rehabilitation is never a one-size-fits-all approach. At Aquapaws, we assess each dog individually and adapt their programme as they progress.

💙 1. Individual assessment
We assess mobility, muscle strength, limb movement, coordination and the ability to stand and walk. We also consider the surgery performed, neurological function and the advice of the treating veterinary team.

🧡 2. Rebuilding strength and movement
Carefully selected physiotherapy exercises help maintain joint mobility, activate muscles, improve body awareness and gradually rebuild strength.

💙 3. Hydrotherapy provides a controlled environment for movement and strengthening. The underwater treadmill allows us to adjust the water depth and exercise intensity to suit the dog’s abilities.

🧡 4. Balance, coordination and walking
As your dog improves, we progressively introduce exercises to encourage better paw placement, balance, weight-bearing and more coordinated movement.

💙 5. A home exercise programme
Rehabilitation doesn't stop when a dog leaves our centre. Owners play an important role in continuing prescribed exercises, following activity restrictions and monitoring progress at home.

🧡 6. Ongoing assessment and adjustments
We continually review how each dog responds to treatment. Exercises and treatment intensity are adjusted as strength, mobility and neurological function change.

🐶 Marlow’s story is a wonderful reminder that recovery is a journey, not a race.

There is no single programme that suits every dog recovering from IVDD. A carefully tailored approach, guided by qualified rehabilitation professionals and the veterinary team, helps ensure that each dog receives support appropriate to their individual needs.

At Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre, we are passionate about helping dogs regain mobility, confidence and quality of life.

Because every step forward matters. 💙🧡

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

http://www.aquapaws.com.au/

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