A new dog hydrotherapy centre has opened its doors offering dogs of all ages the opportunity to exercise.
Called ‘K9 SWiM: Hydrotherapy & Wellness Centre’, the facility is located on Kurmond Road at North Richmond.
The centre – originally at Londonderry – has grown massively over its six years of operation.
Owner and founder Sharon Osmond started the centre when her beloved dog Curzon – an eleven-year-old Weimaraner – was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis in 2013.
Mrs Osmond is a qualified veterinary nurse, animal naturopath and muscle therapist who realised that hydrotherapy would be a good treatment for Curzon.
She discovered how popular her treatment was for not only her dogs but other dogs in the area and recently relocated K9 SWiM to an old vet clinic in North Richmond.
The staff is made up of vet nurses and students, Tafe students, a professional groomer, and vets who provide expert consultation.
The main centre offers rehabilitation, swimming lessons, weight-loss programs, senior dog programs, training, conditioning and fun swims for all dogs of all ages.
The attached wellness centre provides massages, photonic therapy, herbal remedies, Osteopathy, natural alternative and grooming.
Mrs Osmond and her staff know what they’re doing and understand the needs of each animal.
“It is so rewarding being able to provide something that so many dogs really need,” she said.
The centre has an underwater treadmill that provides resistance and reduces the pounding that comes with walking.
Annie – Curzon’s eight-year-old daughter – is in remission for lymphoma and uses the facilities for her weekly exercise.
The staff control the movements of dogs going through rehabilitation, ensuring they move the limbs that require therapy.
“There isn’t anything else like this in NSW… there is a demand for it but no one has done something like this until now,” said Mrs Osmand.
K9 SWiM is a unique facility for any dogs in need of exercise or rehabilitation.
Information on the centre can be found at www.k9swim.com.au.
