Active Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Inc.

04/11/2026

Celebrating National Pet Day with my 2 girls at the Amherst Scent Trial put on by Grande Digue scent association.

04/08/2026

SCENT DOGS ARE ATHLETES TOO! 🐾

If you missed my earlier post about why scent dogs are true athletes, here’s another great example!

Yes, this video highlights the breathing muscles, but take a close look at the shoulders and the hind end too — you can really see the tension and effort through the whole body.

Now think about what we ask these dogs to do: running through tight spaces, climbing over hay bales, swimming with a catch in their mouth, or stretching up onto their hind legs to reach a high hide.

Scent work asks the body to move in so many different ways, often for long periods of time. That effort can last just a few seconds or continue for several hours — especially in search and rescue or police work.

These dogs work hard for us, so let’s work together to make sure their bodies are strong, prepared, and ready for the job we ask them to do 💛

Have you ever noticed how physically demanding scent work can be for your dog? I’d love to hear your thoughts below ⬇️

04/06/2026

Sharing this post to help explain canine body postures. If you notice your dog looks off, please check in. Canine rehabilitation and proper conditioning can help!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BJmYjdsKL/

04/05/2026

Unlock Your Dog’s Potential: K9 Conditioning Classes 🐾

Ready to take your dog’s fitness to the next level? Whether you have a high-performance athlete or a beloved companion who needs a bit of a boost, our K9 Conditioning Classes are designed to help every dog move better and feel stronger.

What to Expect
Our classes are kept small—limited to 3-5 dogs—to ensure everyone gets individual attention and a safe, low-stress environment. Each session focuses on evidence-based movement to build a more resilient body.

What We Cover
Core Control: The foundation of all movement. We focus on stabilizing the "powerhouse" to protect the spine and improve posture.

Proprioception (Body Awareness): Helping your dog understand where their paws are in space! This reduces the risk of injury and builds confidence on uneven surfaces.

Hind End Strengthening: Targeted exercises to power up those back legs, essential for jumping, climbing, and maintaining mobility as they age.

Stretching & Mobility: Learn how to safely improve flexibility and support recovery after a big day of play or sport.

Invest in your dog's longevity and performance. Let’s get those tails wagging and those muscles moving!

04/04/2026

Do you know the subtle signs that your dog is in pain?

Ask your vet for a canine rehabilitation assessment today!

Here is how to recognize the quiet signals that a canine companion might be experiencing physical distress or joint discomfort.

• Monitoring the way a pet approaches stairs or furniture reveals whether they are experiencing stiffness, as hesitation often stems from the impact on their joints.
• Looking for signs of restlessness during sleep is vital, as a constant need to shift positions often points to an inability to find a pain-free posture for their spine.
• Noticing if a dog begins to fall behind on their usual walking route helps identify early onset fatigue, which is a common sign that their mobility is decreasing.
• Paying attention to a rounded spine or a crooked sitting position is a simple way to spot when they are trying to redistribute their weight to protect a sensitive area.
• Observing facial expressions and general energy levels provides clues about their internal comfort, especially if they seem unusually withdrawn or less interactive than normal.
• Checking for unexplained panting while they are at rest can indicate that the body is working harder to manage physical stress or underlying tension.
• Evaluating changes in eating speed is also beneficial, as lowering the head to a bowl can sometimes cause strain in the neck or upper back.

Being observant of these subtle behaviors ensures that their needs are met long before their discomfort becomes a more serious health concern.

04/01/2026

April is National Canine Fitness Month, and we’re celebrating with some massive sales on the gear that keeps those tails wagging and muscles moving! 🐾

If you’re looking to level up your conditioning game, here are my two "must-haves":

1️⃣ The FitKinect: The ultimate Swiss Army knife of dog gear. It’s a target disc, a box, and a cavaletti all in one. It’s lightweight, gripped for safety, and works for almost any breed. Now 20% off!

2️⃣ The DuoDisc: My top pick for puppies, seniors, or dogs just starting their fitness journey. Unlike the thicker FitBone (which can be a real challenge!), the DuoDisc offers a lower profile for better stability. Only $98 and it includes 2 Trax Targets!

Pro Tip: You can even use the DuoDisc for your own balance training. Fitness is better together! 🏃‍♂️🐶

🔗 https://fitpaws.com/?bg_ref=DSeDdmBq4H

03/29/2026

🐾Stop guessing! Start conditioning with science.

Have you ever seen a cool dog fitness video online, tried it for five minutes, and then felt like you weren't doing it "right"? You aren’t alone.

Conditioning isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for the couch potatoes, the bouncy puppies, and our beloved seniors who just need to stay mobile. Our K9 Conditioning Classes are BACK in Charlottetown, and we’re cutting through the confusion.

Why join us?

Science-Based: We use proven research to ensure every movement is safe and effective.

No "Random" Exercises: Every stretch and lift has a purpose.

Tailored to YOUR Dog: Whether they are a weekend warrior or a professional napper.

Stop wondering if you’re doing it right and start feeling empowered to care for your dog’s physical health.

For more information: www.activeanimal.ca/education

03/25/2026

That little "skip" in your dog's step might seem minor - but it can be a sign of a luxating patella.

This condition happens when the kneecap slips out of place, often causing dogs to briefly lift or hop on one leg before returning to normal.

It's especially common in small breed dogs and can come and go, which makes it easy to overlook.

Over time, repeated slipping can lead to irritation, discomfort, and arthritis.

The good news? With the right support - including strengthening and rehabilitation - many dogs can stay comfortable and active.

If you've noticed changes in your dog's movement, it's worth paying attention.

03/24/2026

We're so lucky to have her come to PEI!

On Saturday, March 28th, our surgery specialist, Dr. Lister-Grey DVM, MSc, DACVS will again be seeing patients and performing surgeries at New Perth Animal Hospital. Dr. Lister-Grey performs a wide variety of orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries and is currently scheduling appointments for the 28th for both consultations and surgical procedures.

03/22/2026

🐶 Bringing a puppy home? Start them off on the right paw.

Puppies are full of energy, curiosity, and growth — but their bodies are still developing. The way we guide their environment, activity, and movement early on can make a big difference in their long-term health.

That’s why I created a Puppy Wellness Checklist to help you feel confident in those early stages.

It covers:
✔ How to set up your home environment for safety and success
✔ Signs to watch for and when to seek veterinary advice
✔ The importance of proper conditioning and movement from a young age

Many injuries and mobility issues we see later in life can be influenced by early habits — but with the right guidance, we can help puppies grow into strong, confident, and resilient dogs.

You don’t have to guess your way through it.

📍 Mobile canine rehabilitation across PEI
🌐 Learn more: www.activeanimal.ca/education
📧 Questions? Feel free to reach out

03/18/2026

Puppies grow fast - but their joints are still developing.

During growth, the hips are more vulnerable to stress from things like slippery floors, uncontrolled running, or excessive jumping.

Simple things can help support healthy joint development:
- Traction on floors
- Controlled play
- Balanced exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight

Small environmental changes can make a big difference for developing joints.

Visit www.activeanimal.ca/education for more information on the "Stages of Puppy Development".