Canine Fitness Centre

07/09/2026

6 month English Bulldog- helping this pups development without overstressing joints

06/09/2026

04/09/2026

The Different Types of Dog Enrichment

There isn't one perfect enrichment activity - different dogs need different enrichment. A balanced routine incorporates different types of enrichment throughout the week.

🧠 Mental Enrichment
Mental enrichment encourages dogs to think, learn and make decisions.

Try:
*Puzzle toys
*Learning new tricks
*Basic obedience games
*Object discrimination games
*"Find it" games
*Scent work
*Simple problem-solving activities

Even a few minutes of training can provide valuable mental stimulation. Teaching your dog something new also gives them an opportunity to make choices, practise impulse control and work out how to earn a reward.

03/09/2026

🐶 DO YOU KNOW KENNEL COUGH?

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis
Kennel cough is one of those illnesses every dog owner should know about. It’s highly contagious and can spread quickly wherever dogs mix.

🦠 What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. One of the most common causes is Bordetella bronchiseptica, along with viruses such as canine parainfluenza.

🚩 What should you look out for?
Common symptoms include:
• A persistent, dry, hacking cough
• Retching or gagging, sometimes after coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Mild fever
• Reduced appetite in some dogs

That distinctive "honking" cough can sometimes sound much worse than the dog actually feels — but respiratory illness should always be taken seriously, particularly in puppies, seniors and dogs with underlying health conditions.

🐕 How does it spread?
Kennel cough can spread through airborne respiratory droplets, direct dog-to-dog contact and contaminated surfaces.

It's particularly common in places where lots of dogs come together, including:
🐾 Boarding kennels
🐾 Doggy daycares
🐾 Dog parks
🐾 Training classes
🐾 Competitions and events
🐾 Grooming facilities

💊 What about treatment?
Many healthy dogs recover without complications, but some may require veterinary treatment. Depending on the individual dog, your vet may recommend medications such as cough suppressants or antibiotics, along with rest and monitoring.

If your dog develops a persistent cough, speak with your veterinarian.

🛡️ Can you prevent it?
Vaccination against Bordetella and other respiratory pathogens can help reduce the risk and severity of illness. Your vet can advise whether vaccination is appropriate based on your dog's lifestyle and how often they mix with other dogs.

🚨 PLEASE DON'T BRING A SICK DOG TO HYDROTHERAPY

If your dog is coughing, sneezing or showing signs of a respiratory infection, please keep them home and contact us before attending your appointment. All dogs in the household must be completely symptom free for a week before returning to hydrotherapy

Even if your dog seems happy and energetic, kennel cough can spread incredibly easily to other dogs and will more often than not spread to all dogs in the household.

We'd much rather reschedule your appointment than have an outbreak among our canine clients. ❤️

03/09/2026

🐾 Dog Enrichment: Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Mind and Body Happy

If your dog has ever shredded a cushion, barked at absolutely nothing for twenty minutes, or decided your favourite shoes make excellent chew toys, boredom may be part of the problem.

While a daily walk is important, it isn't enough and this is something that alot of dog owners don't understand. Dog enrichment goes far beyond exercise. Enrichment gives dogs opportunities to sniff, chew, forage, explore, problem-solve, learn and interact with the world around them.

And the best part? Enrichment doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

What Is Dog Enrichment and Why Does It Matter?

Dog enrichment is any activity, experience or change to the environment that allows a dog to engage in natural behaviours.

Dogs are naturally wired to investigate smells, search for food, chew, dig, explore, solve problems and interact socially. When we provide appropriate outlets for these behaviours, we can help support their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Enrichment can:
*Reduce boredom and frustration
*Provide appropriate outlets for natural behaviours
*Encourage problem-solving and learning
*Build confidence and resilience
*Strengthen the bond between dogs and their people
*Support physical fitness and mobility
*Encourage relaxation and calmer behaviour
*Provide meaningful activities for dogs who have limited exercise options

Importantly, enrichment isn't just for young, energetic dogs. Senior dogs, dogs recovering from injury, dogs with mobility limitations and dogs who become overwhelmed by high-intensity exercise can all benefit from appropriate mental and sensory enrichment.

The key is choosing activities that suit the individual dog. Over the next few posts I will look at the different types of enrichment and explain why each one is important.

01/09/2026

Chopper is 10 years old and unfortunately has elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and spinal arthritis however he doesn't let this show him down. Chopper still leads an active life and competes regularly in Scent work trials. Regular hydrotherapy helps this old boy keep moving and doing what he loves best.

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30/08/2026

What a Weekend! 🐾💜

Over the last 3 days, Erica and I have been sharing a stall between our two businesses at the Dogs Queensland 5th Scent work state Trials (as well as running our businesses) — and WOW, were we kept busy! 😍🐶

From selling treats, bathrobes, supplements and paracord leads, to helping the many, many dogs who booked in for a session with Erica on her mobile
underwater treadmill, a turn (or three 😉) on the Accell Therapy Mat, or an acupuncture session, we certainly didn't get much time to sit down!

It was fantastic meeting so many amazing dogs and their humans, chatting about canine fitness, rehabilitation and wellbeing, and seeing so many dedicated handlers putting their dogs through their paces. ❤️

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by, supported our businesses, booked a treatment, made a purchase, or simply came over for a chat.

Fine Fettle Canines