Once Upon a Paw Wakefield

24/10/2026

💦🐾 PETER’S MAKING A SPLASH! 🐾💦

Just look at that face! 😍 Apparently, hydrotherapy comes with a complimentary hairstyle… and Peter is absolutely rocking the soggy look! 😂💛

This handsome boy has been joining us for hydrotherapy to help manage the early stages of osteoarthritis. 🦴🐕

But what exactly does hydrotherapy do for dogs like Peter? 🤔

💦 Less pressure on joints. Water supports body weight, allowing movement with reduced stress on sore joints.

💪 Stronger muscles. Swimming helps build and maintain the muscles that support and stabilise joints.

🐾 Improved mobility. Controlled exercise encourages joint movement and helps maintain flexibility.

❤️ Keeping active comfortably. Osteoarthritis doesn’t mean giving up exercise! It’s about finding the right kind of movement.

And judging by Peter’s big cheesy grin, he’s not complaining about his workout! 😁💦

Did you know? 🧐 Osteoarthritis isn’t just something that affects older dogs. It can develop at any age, and early management can make a real difference to their long-term comfort and mobility.

Hydrotherapy isn’t a cure for arthritis, but it can be a fantastic part of a tailored management plan alongside veterinary care.

Well done, Peter! Keep making waves, handsome! 🌊💛

📩 Has your dog been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, or are you noticing stiffness or changes in their mobility? Get in touch to find out how hydrotherapy could help!

13/10/2026

🐾🦷 Did you know your pup can get their teeth cleaned at Once Upon a Paw too? 🦷🐾

We’re delighted to share that Sophia from Dog Grooming By Sophia, who runs her own independent business from our centre, also offers Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning! 💗

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing, and this gentle, non-invasive treatment can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up and keep those lovely smiles looking their best! 🐶✨

💗 Initial session £35
💗 Follow-up maintenance sessions £25

Just look at those before and after results! 😍

Please note that ultrasonic teeth cleaning is not a replacement for veterinary dental treatment.

📍 Available at Once Upon a Paw
21 Clarion St, Belle Vue, Wakefield, WF1 5EX

📩 To book or find out more, please contact Dog Grooming By Sophia directly!

We love having other passionate pet professionals working alongside us, helping keep your four-legged family members happy, healthy and feeling their best! 🐾❤️

Message me to get booked in ☺️♥️

12/10/2026

🍂🐾 Autumn is here, but the swimming doesn’t have to stop! 💦🐶

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and those sunny summer adventures are becoming a distant memory… 🍁

But at Once Upon a Paw, the splashing, happy tails and swimming adventures continue all year round! 💙

Our warm indoor hydrotherapy pool is the perfect place for your furry friend to stay active, build confidence and enjoy some exercise, whatever the weather outside! 🐕

💦 Gentle, low-impact exercise
🐾 Supports joint health and mobility
💪 Helps build strength and confidence
❤️ Great for physical and mental wellbeing
🐶 And most importantly… lots of tail-wagging fun!

Whether your dog needs hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, a little extra exercise, or simply loves being in the water, we’d love to welcome them!

Because happy, healthy dogs aren’t just for summer! 🍂💙

📍 Once Upon a Paw
21 Clarion St, Belle Vue, Wakefield, WF1 5EX

📞 07350 503020

🐾 Message us to book your pup’s next swimming adventure!

❤️

03/08/2026

Watching Mars discover the joy of swimming has been one of the sweetest parts of this summer 💙☀️ Now, as he splashes through a quiet pond on our European adventure, it’s hard not to smile. A skill he once had to learn has become a source of pure happiness, freedom, and confidence. Moments like these remind us that helping dogs feel safe in the water can open up a whole new world of adventures. 🐾💦
Once Upon a Paw, Wakefield

25/06/2026

💙 Meet Indie 💙

Some dogs face more challenges than others, but every dog deserves the chance to run, play, exercise, and enjoy life.

Indie falls within the UK XL Bully regulations, which means she must wear a muzzle in public. However, during her hydrotherapy session, she was able to safely enjoy the freedom of the water, move comfortably, and simply be a dog.

Swimming is an incredible form of exercise. It’s gentle on joints, helps build muscle, supports mobility, and provides valuable mental stimulation. For dogs that may have fewer opportunities to exercise freely, hydrotherapy can be especially beneficial for both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

We understand that these dogs are often judged before they’re known. Our experience, however, is that every dog should be assessed as an individual. Indie was an absolute sweetheart, and we were delighted to welcome her through our doors.

At Once Upon a Paw, we are happy to work with all dogs. Our priority will always be safety, welfare, and providing a positive experience for every pup that visits us.

Because every dog deserves kindness. Every dog deserves care. And every dog deserves the chance to make a splash. 🐾💦

📍 21 Clarion St, Belle Vue, Wakefield WF1 5EX
📞 07350 503020

29/05/2026

11/05/2026

Why is he built like a horror movie character 😭

23/04/2026

2-minute daily movement check
Watch how your dog gets up, walks, and turns.
Small stiffness = early warning.

💦 This is exactly what we assess in sessions.

Warm-up before big walks
1–2 mins of slow walking before zoomies.
Cold joints + sudden sprint = strain.

💦 We always ease dogs in the water first.

Post-walk cooldown matters
Don’t go from full sprint → bed.
Let them walk it off.

💦 Controlled movement = better recovery.

Swap 1 high-impact day for low-impact
Too much running/jumping adds wear over time.

💦 Swimming builds strength without joint stress.

Keep nails short
Long nails change posture → affect joints.

💦 We spot this all the time during sessions.

Grip your floors
Slipping on tiles = silent joint damage over time.

💦 Confidence in movement is everything.
Lean body = happy joints
You should feel ribs easily (not see sharply).

💦 Less weight = less joint pressure.

Rotate surfaces on walks
Grass > pavement for joint-friendly impact.

💦 Variety supports better movement patterns.

Don’t ignore “slowing down”
It’s not always age, it’s often discomfort.

💦 Early support changes everything.

Build confidence, not just fitness
Nervous dogs move differently (and compensate).

💦 Confidence work in water = better movement on land. 🐶🦮

19/04/2026

Healthy dogs don’t happen by accident 💦