The Shire’s First Injury Rehab Facility For Pets
Because our fur-babies deserve only the best
Animal Rehab Klinik, Sutherland
Our fur babies are exactly that: babies. They cuddle like babies, they play like babies, sometimes they cry like babies, and we’d do just about anything for them. But just like humans, pets can come head to head with both inherited and inflicted health conditions. Perhaps they went too hard at the dog park, are entering their senior years and facing arthritis, or have a genetic complication. Regardless, seeing them suffer is suffering in itself, but specialised conditions require expert treatment. Enter; Animal Rehab Klink, or ARK, for short.
Expert treatment is the name of the game here (yes, sorry good boys and girls, not fetch), the overall aim being providing injured animals with the best quality of life. This is not a skill that comes easily, and it’s little-found across Sydney at all. In fact, it’s taken founders Rhys and Matt over 20 combined years of work, an ever-expanding wealth of knowledge in the fields of chiropractic and osteopathic treatment, and a Graduate Diploma of Animal Biomechanical Medicine each to get to where they are today. “If it’s good enough for humans, it’s good enough for pets,” the pair say of their vision.
“Vets play a crucial role in the medical paradigm of animal healthcare. However, the area of musculoskeletal rehabilitation hasn’t been addressed in the same way that it has been for humans. Shouldn’t our pets also be given the same options?”
Resident Scout dog, Cleo, receiving treatment following Cruciate surgery
Having operated for 5 years (and counting), Rhys and Matt have had some time to finesse their team of seven and also establish multiple treatment offerings - not to mention put them into practice many times, including on our very own resident Scout dog, Cleo. Their treatment offering is wide-spanning, much like our pet’s personalities, and includes a mix of conditions: (Cruciates, IVDD, Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Neurological and more), along with treatments: (Chiro/Osteo/Physio, Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy, Laser, Home Exercise Programs, Home Visits).
“On our first visit, Rhys assessed Cleo with a Dog Gait Analysis, which is conducted on a treadmill and assesses things like movement, strength and walking ability,” says Shire Scout founder Bronte, who took Cleo to Animal Rehab Klinik for treatment following Cruciate surgery. “Rhys used non-invasive laser treatment on Cleo’s legs to help her with pain, inflammation and healing.”
“Her second visit involved some hydrotherapy, and a reassessment and update to her treatment plan.”
If you’re wondering what, exactly, these treatments look like, all we can say is: incredibly sweet. Picture dogs receiving laser muscle treatment in the most adorable glasses you’ve ever seen, walking on treadmills underwater (a.k.a. hydrotherapy), undergoing specialised massages and being gently stretched by the team. But behind the cute of it all is a lot of hands-on experience, high-tech equipment and therapy plans that are completely customised (including home visits if that’s what suits you and your pet best). And at the end of the day, the number of energetic wagging tails, happy customers and five-star reviews speak for themselves.
But how do you know if you need to engage an animal rehabilitation professional?
If you’ve noticed any changes in your pet’s behaviour (moodiness, loss of appetite, reduced energy levels or movement, for example), if they have surgery planned, or your vet has recommended treatment, you can explore Matt, Rhys and their team’s expertise and treatments at animalrehabklinik.com.au. Plus, from now until March 31st, they are offering 50% off all initial consultations so there’s never been a better time to enquire.