With all the recent rain and the changing of the seasons, there’s a noticeable chill in the air ❄️
Here's a gentle reminder to keep your furry companions warm, cosy, and moving. Cooler weather can make joints a little stiffer and slow down progress, but staying active and consistent with their physio can make all the difference.
Don’t let the cold discourage the journey. If your pet seems a bit sore or uncomfortable, we’re here to help support them every step of the way - reach out to us anytime.
24/04/2026
Our sweet Leo, a familiar little face you’ve all come to know and love 🐾💙
When he first came to us, he couldn’t move his legs and even holding his head up was a challenge. But day by day, with patience, determination, and a whole lot of hard work and dedication from his mommy and the PAWS team, Leo has been making the most beautiful recovery.
Today was a special milestone… he took some very stylish new wheels for a test drive. The best part? His legs kicked with such enthusiasm, as if they couldn’t wait to join the adventure. We’re all half convinced he will hop up and dash after a fly (his favourite air-borne snack) one of these days.
We are so proud of you, Leo. Your journey is one of courage, resilience, and hope - and we’re honoured to be part of it.
22/04/2026
Navigating the loss of a beloved pet can feel overwhelming, whether you are grieving, preparing to say goodbye, or supporting others through this journey. 💛
We invite pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal care workers to join our gentle and supportive Pet Bereavement Workshop - created to help you understand, process, and navigate grief with compassion and care.
Please view the full invitation for more details, or reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re here to support you.
21/04/2026
Meet Neelsie, our adorable Tongue Out Tuesday star! With a sweet face and a big love for treats and snacks, this little Scottish Terrier has completely charmed us. At school, he keeps things lively with his playful, cheeky nature - always up to a little mischief like the typical spirited young boy he is. Just one look at that tongue and you know he’s ready for his next tasty reward! ❤️
18/04/2026
Macy 💛
This beautiful German Shepherd is on a mission to build strength in her hind legs and hips, and she’s tackling her physio sessions with pure joy and enthusiasm!
From the moment her mommy pulls into the parking lot, Macy is already bouncing with excitement in the back seat, tail wagging as she spots her favourite people. She absolutely adores human attention (and makes sure she gets plenty of it with a few enthusiastic licks and a happily lolling tongue).
While she prefers to keep the humans all to herself rather than share with other dogs, her warm, friendly nature shines through in every session. And when she’s not hard at work, she transforms into a proper little Madame, bundled ever so elegantly in Jarrod’s arms as she’s carried from room to room.
We just love having this happy, energetic girl in our care, and we’re soaking up every sloppy kiss she’ll give us.
17/04/2026
Resource guarding is more common than you think 🐾
With patience, understanding, and the right guidance, you can help your dog feel safe enough to share.
17/04/2026
This past week we unfortunately said goodbye to a very sweet and special patient of ours, darling Bailey. A cuddly, lovely girl who spent her time boarding with us hugging our feet and snuggled up under our desks. She was absolutely adored, and her deep soulful brown eyes, cheerful nature and fluffy paws will be sorely missed.
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” - Diane Keaton.
Rest in Peace, Darling Bailey
14/04/2026
14/04/2026
Rory is a beautiful chocolate Labrador with the sweetest, most gentle face. As she embraces her golden years, she’s been coming to us for physiotherapy and soothing spa baths to help keep her comfortable, mobile, and feeling her very best.
Our focus with Rory is to support her strength, ease any stiffness, and make sure she continues to enjoy life with as much comfort and dignity as possible. And of course, her spa bath days are a firm favourite, because every senior pup deserves a little pampering.
Rory is lucky to have the most loving and devoted owners, whose kindness and deep love for animals shines through in the way they care for her. It’s always so special to work alongside families who are so committed to their pet’s wellbeing.
10/04/2026
DCM: a quiet condition worth knowing 💔
Getting to know your pet’s heart (both emotionally and physically) can make all the difference. Take a moment to learn more in this post.
10/04/2026
Meet Caleb 🐾
This dapper little gentleman in his black-and-white “suit” has been visiting us to build strength in his limbs and improve his weight bearing.
Caleb may be a little shy at first, but once you’re in his good books, his sweet (and slightly cheeky) personality shines through. His expressive little face says it all, you always know exactly what he’s thinking… and occasionally, what he thinks of you too.
With his fluffy legs, big soft ears, and a nose that twitches side-to-side (constantly on the lookout for outside “gossip”), he keeps us endlessly entertained during his sessions. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s even got a hidden heart-shaped spot on his bum - because clearly, he was designed with love in mind 🤍
At home, he’s completely devoted to his adoring parents, so much so that not even the tastiest treats can convince him to leave their side. Wherever they go, Caleb is ready to follow.
We adore this charismatic little boy and can’t wait to watch him grow stronger with every visit
07/04/2026
Chuck has stolen all of our hearts 🐾
With his perfectly split little face and the gentlest soul to match, this sweet boy has been staying with us while he recovers from an injury to his hip, leg and tail. He may be on the mend, but his spirit is as bright as ever, especially when his family comes to visit and shower him with kisses. His dad’s devoted “shadow,” Chuck is happiest by your side, always ready to greet his people with pure joy after a long day.
On sunny days, you’ll find him outside under the trees with the Paws team, lounging on his blanket while we have lunch - soaking up the fresh air and, of course, insisting on being the centre of attention. He’ll gently rest his paws and head on your lap, asking (very politely, of course) for all the love and cuddles.
He’s already made such beautiful progress, and while we’ll be sending him home stronger and healthier, it will be very hard to say goodbye to this soft, affectionate little charmer ❤ Let's all wish Chuck the very best with his ongoing recovery!
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Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation (also often referred to as Veterinary Physiotherapy) is the treatment of dysfunction in the musculoskeletal and neuro-muscular systems as well as the maintenance of optimal function and the prevention of dysfunction. Veterinary physiotherapists work alongside veterinary specialists and surgeons and the goal of our profession is to maintain, restore and maximise optimal movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan of an animal.
In general, most of the animals being referred for physiotherapy include horses, dogs and cats, but we are often we are fortunate to treat and array of other species as well.
What makes veterinary rehabilitation such an important aspect of the recovery process is patients that undergo surgery, such as fractures or ruptures of the cruciate ligament, or neurological conditions, have changes to cartilage, bone, muscle, tendons, and ligaments. For example, dogs may lose one-third of their muscle mass in the rear limbs following surgery for a cranial cruciate ligament rupture and it may take over one year to regain the lost muscle tissue. In some case, complete recovery may not occur.
The use of physical rehabilitation is based on the principle of Active Recovery. In abbreviated form, the body and injury will recover faster with controlled activity than with complete rest (passive recovery). Through controlled activity, tissues of the body maintain elasticity and higher levels of functioning. This is true of muscles as well as articular cartilage. Patients that are involved in physical rehabilitation tend to recover quicker, maintain more muscle mass and lose less motion of their joints. This translates into the patient returning to normal activities sooner than patients that use the passive recovery method.
Treatment ideally takes place in consultation with the animal’s veterinarian.
As with Physiotherapy for humans after surgery, trauma or injuries, the benefits of Physical Rehabilitation for animals are just as great. Benefits would include:
Increased speed of recovery
Positive psychological effects for the pet and owner
Improved performance and quality of movement
Increased strength and endurance
Improved biomechanics and flexibility
Reduced pain
Is a non-invasive approach
Minimal complications
Prevention of further injury through owner education
Common conditions that we see in Practice that benefit from Veterinary Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy can be categorized in a few ways.
Front and Rear Limb Orthopedic Conditions, Neurologic Disorders, Geriatric Patients, Osteoarthritis, and related conditions. Pre-and Post-Operative Cases, Weight Management.
Veterinary Physiotherapy modalities that we use as part of a successful rehabilitation program would include, but is not limited to the following: Ortho-or-Neuro Evaluation, Hydrotherapy, Electrotherapy, Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Exercises, Land-based Treadmill, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Nutrition.
At Paws-itive Paws-abilities, we work closely with our referring Veterinarians and have over the past 13 years built a professional and trust relationship with these Vets, Surgeons and Specialist. Being accredited by SAVC, and members of SAAPRA, you can rest assured that your beloved companion is in skilled and experienced hands.
As we live up to our Mission Statement, we strive to contribute to the rehabilitation, improved wellbeing and the best physical and mental condition possible of each patient encountered, by absolute fortitude, dedication, passion, love and dignity to achieve this. We are proud of our work and our world class facility in Centurion, Gauteng.
