Birch Pet Hotel Health & Fitness Centre

Heated hydrotherapy pool

Not only is hydrotherapy excellent when used for fun and fitness, but it is also extremely helpful when there is a need for non-weight bearing exercise as with arthritis problems and after certain operations.

To enable us to make this an enjoyable experience for your pet, we initially lower them slowly into the pool with the aide of a hoist from which they remain supported until they are confident and it is safe to permit them to swim freely against the flowing water to exercise their limbs. The pool jets are controlled to provide an appropriate level of current against which your pet will swim.

As they are swimming against a current it is hard work and it only requires a short time (5 to 20 minutes in most cases) for them to get sufficient exercise. It is advisable to keep early sessions short and gradually work up to the required exercise level. As with any exercise programme, repetition at short intervals provides the most benefit. Daily sessions are best for fitness, but once or twice weekly sessions can also provide significant benefits.

Even with young and apparently fit animals, progression is made slowly; starting with only a few minutes, particularly for injury problems, then gradually increasing the time in the pool and the strength of the current your pet swims against. Not only can this help dogs recover from operations and assist with joint problems, it also improves general fitness, building up muscle tone and stamina, so it is also ideal for working or agility dogs. Click here, or on the picture above to see a short video clip.

Veterinary input

It is recommended that you get specific advice from your veterinary surgeon regarding physiotherapy programmes, and also before introducing middle aged and older animals to a fitness programme. It is important to ensure that animals are fit enough to undertake specific programmes. Please download a veterinary approval form, print it out and get your vet to complete it, then bring it with you when your pet starts its programme. We will then knowwhich type of programme it requires and that your pet does not have any recognisable conditions that are likley to cause problems when undertaking an exercise programme.

We are always happy to work in conjunction with your veterinary surgeon in formulating and following a physiotherapy or fitness programme.

Hydrospa

The hydrospa hot tub is designed for toning and relaxation. It is ideal for elderly dogs and pets with arthritis, giving them extra mobility. Dogs with muscle injuries, strains and sprains also benefit. Epsom Salts and essential oils may be added to aid relaxation. 5 minutes in the tub is all that is needed to leave your dog feeling warm and relaxed. It may be used as a sole treatment but it is ideal for 'finishing off' an exercise regime!

Magnotherapy

As an 'added extra' we have introduced a whole body magno-therapy unit. The power of the magnet is one of the most basic powers in nature and magnetic field therapy is a 'natural' tried and tested way of helping our bodies, and our animals' bodies to promote natural healing. Whilst the scientific basis for it's effects is still not completely understood, it is known to have an effect of improving tissue circulation and oxygenation. (Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, an iron containing pigment. As iron is magnetic this offers a possible mechanism for action for this effect). As magnetotherapy can help many problems, so we have produced a leaflet with more information and details of magnetic collars and bracelets that can be worn continuously to maintain a beneficail effect.

 
 
A short time in our magnetotherapy cabinet, in which your pet feels nothing, but calm. It can assist with:

• Pain relief
• Reducing swelling
• Calming nervous system
• Improving circulation
• Increasing tissue oxygenation
• Promoting restful sleep
• Increasing athletic endurance

Dog Magnopulse collars, which your dog can wear all the time, work in exactly the same way as magnetic bracelets for humans. These are available in our shop.
 
 

We would like to emphasis that all these treatments are intended to be used alongside conventional medicine and not instead of it. Always consult your veterinary surgeon about any medical problems. We hope you and your pet enjoy and benefit from them!!

'K9 weight watchers club'

Do you need a little help with your pet's dietary needs and weight control? If so, why not enrol your pet to our weight-watcher's club. At each 'weigh-in' there will be a charge of 50p but you will receive dietary advice and a voucher for this amount to be redeemed in our shop. Your pets details will be taken and recorded at their first appointment and we will then inform you what your pet's ideal weight is and advise on appropriate diets and exercise programmes for their age, condition and needed weight loss. After that you may 'pop in' anytime for a 'weigh-in', or make an appointment for a more detailed advice session. Bring your pet's weight chart so we can update your records.

We recommend that you get your pets checked regularly by your veterinary surgeon to make sure thay are staying helathy. Older animals with medical conditions may require special consideration before dieting and exercise programmes.