Cork’s old dogs are learning new tricks at this wonderful custom-built swimming pool
Need a little lift to get you through the week?
Animal lovers have been microdosing ‘squee’ via the Instagram feed of a Cork physiotherapy centre that specialises in treating dogs.
Canine physiotherapist Claire O’Donnell opened the Canine Clinic in the Doughcloyne Industrial Estate on Sarsfield Road at the beginning of 2020, offering water and land-based physiotherapy, acupuncture and laser therapy for canine companions of all breeds and sizes.
Now the business has amassed hundreds of new Instagram fans who tune in to watch their furry clients puff and paddle their way through their regular sessions and honestly, it’ll make your day.
While the clinic is closed to human visitors during the Level 5 restrictions, Claire continues to treat canine clients inside in the toasty 32C pool, custom-designed with an extended platform to help golden oldies and first-timer swimmers to take the plunge.
Take Grover, for instance, a 10-year-old client who suffered a disc protrusion in 2016 and had to have surgery. Hit the arrow on the right to watch him hit the water…
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“To look at him, you would not know anything was wrong with him. But he also has osteoarthritis in his left hip,” explains Claire.
“He has physio and hydro to stay strong and comfortable and acupuncture to manage any pain or discomfort along with medication when needed or prescribed by his vet.”
Incredibly, 80% of dogs over the age of eight years old suffer from arthritis but even the most caring owners often put their behaviour down to getting old. According to Claire, identifying the signs early can prevent your dog from feeling a lot of pain and help to keep them active for longer.
“Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can change your older dog’s life,” says Claire.
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“Molly is a prime example of this. She had deteriorated rapidly and her owner was looking for ways to help her. Fast forward a year and Molly is better than ever.”
This is exactly the kind of good news we need in our lives.
When the session is over, each dog gets a warm towel and a treat, which means they’re usually quite excited about returning for further treatment.
Do you have a pet that could benefit from some physio? You can find out more about The Canine Clinic here.
