Canine Nurture

08/11/2025

We’re hiring! We’re looking for an experienced dog groomer to join our passionate team.

Wangaratta, Vic

29/09/2025

Meet Lucy, an Australian Silky Terrier who is receiving Myotherapy, Functional Exercises and Laser Therapy to conservatively manage a luxating patella.

A luxating patella is when a dog’s kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position. This can show up as skipping, intermittent lameness - sometimes with painful vocalisation or difficulty bending the leg. Some cases are mild, but if it’s not managed early, the kneecap can become looser over time, making the joint less stable and more prone to discomfort. That’s why strengthening, and sometimes surgery, can be so important to keep the Knee (stifle) stable and comfortable.

Lucy is one very clever cookie who thrives on the challenge of learning new exercises and stretches. Each session targets and strengthens the soft tissues around her stifle, helping to keep her stifle stable and less likely to be painful.

It’s a privilege to see her confidence and mobility improve with each session!

26/09/2025

We've all seen a dog do a full body shake-off when they’re wet, but they do it for lots of other reasons too.

Dogs will shake to release muscle and mental tension after play, exercise or even after being handled or groomed. It’s also a way to transition out of a stressful situation, calm themselves or signal to other dogs that they’re relaxed.

Observing how your dog shakes off can also highlight areas of muscular or joint restriction. An efficient shake-off starts at the head and rolls all the way through the body to the tail. It should be a nice, loose motion along the body.

Watching how your dog shakes can tell you a lot about how their body is feeling. Do they shake all the way along, or does it stop at the hips? Is the neck a slow, careful shake while the rest of the body is more lively? Are there parts that barely move at all?

These little observations give you clues about tension, stiffness or areas that might be a bit painful and need a bit more support.

24/09/2025

When a dog does their “downward dog” stretch they’re lengthening the spine, stretching through the shoulders and waking up their back legs. When they do the “upward dog” style stretch they’re opening the chest, stretching the belly and strengthening the front limbs.
This is similar for us when we adopt these poses during yoga.

One of the most common bits of feedback I hear from owners after their dogs start functional exercises with me is that they begin stretching on their own at home again.

Stretching is a natural behaviour that helps dogs loosen their muscles, keep joints mobile and prepare for movement. When pain or restriction gets in the way, many dogs stop doing it and we can sometimes fail to notice this. So when they start stretching again it’s a clear sign their body is feeling more comfortable - something I love to hear!

22/09/2025

19/09/2025

Healthy muscles do more than move your dog, they support joints, protect the body, and make every step easier. Strong muscles help prevent injuries and keep your dog active, comfortable and enjoying life to the fullest.

If you’d like to know how to better support your dog’s soft tissues and mobility at any stage of life, feel free to reach out to me on 0457 394 835 or visit www.wangdoggydayspa.com.au for more information.

17/09/2025

15/09/2025

12/09/2025

If you would like to know more or book an appointment visit https://www.wangdoggydayspa.com.au/copy-of-canine-myotherapy

10/09/2025

It’s really tough to see your dog in pain, especially when you’re already doing all the right things. It can make you question the medication, the diagnosis or even the changes you’ve made at home. But sometimes, a setback is just a flare-up rather than a sign that everything needs changing. Before adjusting medications or treatment plans, take a moment to consider whether their routine simply needs more consistency, especially with exercise. It’s easy to unintentionally push them harder during busy weekends or family activities, and that extra strain can sometimes be all it takes to tip the balance.
Breakthrough pain isn’t pleasant, but unfortunately, it can be part of the journey. These moments can simply be a sign that the body is adjusting, or that your dog needs a little extra rest and care for a short time.

08/09/2025

What signs did you notice first that your dog was in pain?

06/09/2025

Great visual of how posture can be easily altered 🙏🙌🙏

It’s important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to support healthy posture, prevent discomfort, and reduce the risk of painful nail tears. You can book a nail trim with us at any time, and of course, nail trimming is included in all of our grooming services.

Occasionally, we meet dogs who have had negative experiences with nail trimming, making the process more challenging. In these cases, we may invite you to stay and support your dog during the appointment and provide you with some gentle desensitisation exercises to work on at home. Our goal is always to make every grooming experience as calm and positive as possible💜