Stretch & Fetch Animal Rehabilitation Centre

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Stretch & Fetch Animal Rehabilitation Centre

Physical rehabilitation for dogs and cats. We focus on mobility, pain management, quality of life, fitness and injury prevention.

29/08/2025

🐾 Perfect Lying Posture — what we look for in the clinic:

✅ Spine straight, not twisted or curled unnaturally
✅ Hind legs tucked neatly under or to the side without excessive splaying
✅ Front legs stretched forward evenly, with elbows tucked in
✅ Head and neck relaxed, aligned with the spine

A dog that can comfortably lie in a balanced, neutral position usually has good flexibility, muscle balance, and joint health.

Dogs who constantly “flop” on one side, stretch out awkwardly, or can’t get comfortable might be compensating for discomfort or restricted mobility.

💡 Pro tip: Posture matters just as much as movement when it comes to mobility health.

28/08/2025

Our team is looking extra cozy these days and now your pets aren’t the only ones who can show off their Stretch & Fetch spirit! We’re so excited to share our new clinic merch, designed for comfort and style while supporting the work we do to keep pets moving pain-free.

Every purchase helps us continue to invest in our community, our patients, and the specialized care we provide. Plus, you’ll be repping your favorite rehab team wherever you go ✨

💙 Available now in clinic:
Cozy Crewnecks (S-XL) : $60+tax
Soft Style Tees (XS-XL) : $32+tax

Limited quantities, grab yours before they’re gone!

27/08/2025

When progress feels stuck, shockwave can be the game changer. ⚡🐾

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to wake up the body’s natural healing response. Instead of masking pain, it stimulates deep tissues, increases circulation, and encourages new cell growth where your pet needs it most.

We often recommend it for stubborn injuries or chronic pain that just aren’t improving with exercise alone. Think of it as hitting “reset” on the healing process whether it’s an old injury that never fully recovered, arthritis that’s slowing your dog down, or tendon/ligament issues that keep coming back.

The best part? Treatments are quick, non-invasive, and can often reduce pain after just one session. Many of our patients walk out of their first treatment already more comfortable, and combined with a solid rehab plan, shockwave can help them get back to running, playing, and enjoying life again.

✨ If your dog has been struggling with a lingering injury or chronic soreness, this may be the boost they need to finally move forward.

25/08/2025

🏋️‍♂️ Modality Monday: Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercise is at the heart of almost every rehabilitation plan and it’s much more than just “working out.” These are carefully selected, goal-driven exercises designed to build strength, restore balance, improve coordination, and support joint stability.

Each movement is tailored to your pet’s condition, abilities, and stage of recovery. We guide them through everything from gentle weight shifts and core work to more advanced strengthening and proprioception exercises.

We use therapeutic exercise to help pets with:
✔️ Post-surgical recovery
✔️ Arthritis or age-related weakness
✔️ Muscle atrophy
✔️ Neurologic conditions
✔️ Weight loss and fitness

Done correctly, these exercises help pets move better, feel stronger, and reduce their risk of reinjury. Many of them can be adapted for you to do at home between sessions.

Think of therapeutic exercise as a personalized workout plan with a rehab twist : functional, fun, and focused on real results. 💪🐾

24/08/2025

🍂 September is right around the corner and so are fresh starts for your pets! 🐾 We’re opening up a limited number of spots for new patients this September, and we’d love to welcome you into our Stretch & Fetch family.

Whether your dog (or cat!) is recovering from injury, dealing with arthritis, or you want to prevent problems before they start, our rehabilitation programs are tailored to keep them moving comfortably and living their best life. ✨

📅 Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly so if you’ve been thinking about booking in, now is the perfect time!

Send us a message or give us a call to reserve your consultation. 💙

22/08/2025

🐾 Perfect Sitting Posture — what we look for in the clinic:

✅ Both hips on the ground evenly (no “hip pop” or leaning to one side)
✅ Back straight, not hunched or leaning forward
✅ Knees bent and tucked close, not splayed out to the side (“lazy sit”)
✅ Forelimbs straight under the shoulders, not out in front
✅ Weight balanced between both sides of the body

A proper sit means your dog is engaging their core and hip muscles evenly which helps protect the joints, especially in the hips, knees, and spine.

If your dog sits sideways, leans, or struggles to sit square, it can be a sign of muscle weakness, joint discomfort, or early arthritis.

19/08/2025

Summer weekends at the lake are the BEST… but we’ve been seeing more sore dogs lately who’ve gone full “weekend warrior.” 🐾💦

When dogs go from low activity during the week to all-out play on the weekend, their joints, muscles, and ligaments can’t always keep up. They may look fine in the moment (thank you, adrenaline!) but stiffness, soreness, and limping often show up later that evening or the next day.

The good news? With a little planning, we can prevent these injuries. Conditioning programs, mobility assessments, and recovery treatments all help keep dogs strong, supported, and safe so they can enjoy their lake days without the aches.

📩 Send us a message to book your dog’s mobility consult today and let’s make every adventure a safe one.

18/08/2025

🤲 Modality Monday: Manual Therapy (Stretching & Massage)

Sometimes the most powerful tools are the simplest and our hands are one of them.
Manual therapy includes stretching, massage, and other soft tissue techniques that help reduce pain, improve range of motion, release tension, and support your pet’s overall well-being. These techniques are gentle, intentional, and tailored to your pet’s needs each session.

We use manual therapy for:
✔️ Muscle tension or tightness
✔️ Post-op recovery and scar tissue management
✔️ Reduced flexibility or stiffness
✔️ Athletic conditioning
✔️ Relaxation and body awareness

Stretching helps maintain or improve joint flexibility, while massage increases circulation, reduces soreness, and helps calm the nervous system, especially helpful for anxious or reactive pets.

Manual therapy is often integrated into every rehab session because it not only helps physically, but also builds trust and comfort between the pet and therapist. 🐾

Want to learn some techniques you can do at home with your pet? Just ask!

15/08/2025

🐾 Perfect Standing Posture — what we look for in the clinic:

✅ Weight evenly distributed between all four legs (no leaning or shifting weight)
✅ Hind toes under the ischium, not stretched far back or tucked under
✅ Front legs straight, heel of the front foot under the shoulder blade without elbows turning out or in
✅ Spine neutral — no roach (arched back) or swayback
✅ Head and neck in line with the body

A dog who stands with good posture is using their muscles evenly, reducing joint strain, and setting themselves up for healthier movement.

Poor standing posture can be a sign of pain, weakness, or compensation from an injury often before you notice a limp. Take a photo of your dog standing and see if they match up! If they don't, it's time to book an assessment!

Join us next week when we look at SITTING posture!

13/08/2025

Do you know the subtle signs of pain in pets? 🐾

While limping or crying are obvious signs, the truth is many dogs and cats won’t show either—even if they’re living with chronic pain.

Our pets have a high pain tolerance and an instinct to hide discomfort for as long as possible. Often, when they’re excited, they’ll use adrenaline to push through the pain—running, playing, and acting “normal.” But after they rest and that adrenaline fades, the signs start to show.

Common overlooked signs of pain include:

Stiffness after rest

Hesitation on stairs or jumping up

Reluctance to play or go for walks

Changes in posture or gait

Avoiding certain movements or positions

Remember—stiffness and reluctance to be active aren’t just signs of aging—they’re signs of chronic pain.

If you’re noticing changes in how your pet moves, don’t wait for the limping to start. Early intervention means better comfort, faster progress, and a longer, more active life.

📩 Book your pet’s mobility consultation today and help them move through life with ease.

11/08/2025

🌊 Modality Monday: Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is one of the most effective (and fun!) ways to support your pet’s recovery, strength, and mobility.

We use an underwater treadmill to help pets walk in a low-impact, buoyant environment that reduces strain on joints while building muscle, improving range of motion, and encouraging proper gait patterns. The warm water also promotes circulation and comfort making movement easier and less painful.

Hydrotherapy is ideal for:
✔️ Post-surgical recovery (TPLO, patella luxation, etc.)
✔️ Arthritis and age-related mobility changes
✔️ Neurologic conditions
✔️ Weight loss and conditioning
✔️ Confidence-building for dogs nervous about movement
✔️ Fitness

Most dogs quickly learn to love their treadmill sessions and we love watching their progress week to week!

Whether your pet needs rehab, support for aging joints, or a fun way to get moving safely, hydrotherapy is an amazing tool to get them back on track.

Ask us if your pet is a good candidate! 🐶💧

04/08/2025

🦴 Modality Monday: Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT)

Spinal Manipulative Therapy is a hands-on technique that focuses on restoring normal motion to the joints of the spine and limbs. It’s gentle, targeted, and highly effective — especially for pets with mobility issues, stiffness, or neurologic dysfunction.

When joints aren’t moving properly, it can lead to compensation, pain, and reduced performance. SMT works by identifying restricted or misaligned joints and applying precise, quick adjustments to restore proper motion and improve nerve function.

We commonly use SMT to help with:
✔️ Back or neck pain
✔️ Hind end weakness
✔️ Gait abnormalities
✔️ Stiffness or decreased range of motion
✔️ Recovery from injury or neurologic conditions

Many pets experience noticeable relief, and improved movement, even after just one session. SMT is always performed by a qualified Veterinarian and integrated into a broader rehab plan for long-term results.

Not sure if your pet could benefit? We’re happy to assess!

Address

988 3rd Avenue

V2L 3C9

Website

http://www.stretchandfetch.ca/

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