Welcome Jack! (Total Hip Replacement)

Jack, a 10-year-old Black Lab, has a personality that shines and about four years ago, he underwent a total hip replacement on his right side. Recently, his owners brought him into therapy because they noticed he was limping more on his non-surgical leg. They suspected his left hip might need a replacement as well. After … Read more

Welcome Bentley! (Post-Radiation Rehabilitation)

Bentley is an eight-year-old basset hound undergoing post-radiation rehabilitation. He started therapy because he struggled with walking and standing after his radiation treatments. When he first arrived for evaluation, we quickly noticed several issues. There was significant swelling in his left knee joint, along with noticeable atrophy in his left quadriceps and glute muscles. Additionally, … Read more

Welcome Oklee! (Cervical Disc Injury)

Oklee is a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever who sustained a cervical disc injury. In early June, Oklee jumped off the bed and suddenly lost control of his hind legs. Within hours, he couldn’t move his front limbs either. His owners rushed him to the ER, where he was diagnosed with a cervical spine injury. Oklee started … Read more

Welcome Cole! (Vestibular Syndrome)

Cole came to therapy after developing vestibular syndrome symptoms following surgery. His head tilted, and he had trouble standing, walking, and turning. Upon evaluation, I noted significant cervical muscle spasms. To address this, we started deep tissue mobilization and laser therapy. Besides the therapy for his muscles, we began standing rotation activities and balance training … Read more

Welcome Achilles! (Left Shoulder Strain)

Achilles, an 8-year-old bully mix, came to Arfit with what his owner originally thought was a left shoulder strain. A few days prior, Achilles stopped putting weight on his left front limb. He would pick it up when he walked, which raised concerns. Upon examination, I determined that Achilles most likely had a cervical strain, … Read more

Massage For Dogs (part 3) – Techniques

Massage techniques for dogs is the next step. Once you have set up your work area as described in part 2 of this series, you are ready to massage.  First, have your pet lie in prone or on their side.  Either position is fine.  You can even start in standing or sitting if they’re not … Read more

Massage for Dogs (part 2) Preparation

Before we delve into the many massage techniques, we can use on our furry family members, we need to prepare ourselves, our pet and our environment to insure a pleasant experience by learning the massage for dogs preparation techniques. Preparing your Pet: It is important to do massage when you and your pet are both … Read more

Massage for Dogs (Part 1) – benefits and differences

At Arfit Dog Therapy Chicago, we are pointing out the massage for dogs benefits and differences techniques to improve your pet’s well being.  Wouldn’t it be great if you could provide some additional relief for your pet at home? Well, here’s how to get started. Benefits of Massage We all know the many ways massage … Read more

What can I expect at my first visit?

Welcome to Arfit Dog Therapy Chicago, I bet you’re wondering, “What can I expect at my first visit?” We are so happy to meet you and your pet.  We will get acquainted with you and your pet during your first visit.  While at Arfit, we want you and your furry family member to feel safe, … Read more