Why can rehabilitation and fitness look similar?
Veterinary rehabilitation and canine fitness may use some of the same spaces, equipment or movement activities.
A dog participating in rehabilitation might perform controlled movement exercises, while a dog participating in fitness or conditioning may perform activities that appear similar.
The important difference is not simply what equipment is being used. It is the purpose of the service and the framework in which it is provided.
What is veterinary rehabilitation?
Veterinary rehabilitation is medical care provided within a veterinarian-directed rehabilitation plan.
It begins with evaluation of the individual patient and takes the patient's medical history, physical function, mobility, comfort, and rehabilitation goals into account.
Services used during rehabilitation are selected because they are considered appropriate for that patient's plan.
What is canine fitness?
Canine fitness and conditioning are non-medical activities intended for dogs participating in general fitness, conditioning, recreational activity, or performance-related programs.
The focus is on fitness rather than diagnosis, treatment, or medical rehabilitation.
At Animal Therapy Center, Fitness Club activities are separate from veterinarian-directed rehabilitation care.
Why does the distinction matter?
A piece of rehabilitation equipment does not become medical treatment simply because a dog uses it and a fitness activity does not replace veterinary evaluation when a medical concern is present.
The same general type of movement may be used for very different reasons depending on the patient and the program.
Keeping rehabilitation and fitness clearly separated helps owners understand what type of service their dog is receiving and what that service is intended to accomplish.
Which option is appropriate?
Dogs with known medical concerns, injuries, unexplained mobility changes, or rehabilitation needs should go through the appropriate veterinary evaluation process rather than beginning with a general fitness program.
Fitness and conditioning are intended for dogs that are appropriate for non-medical activity.
ATC may also request information or referral from the dog's primary veterinarian when appropriate for participation in non-medical fitness services.
Can a dog move between rehabilitation and fitness?
A dog's needs can change over time.
Some dogs may participate in veterinarian-directed rehabilitation and later transition into appropriate fitness or conditioning activities. Others may participate only in fitness.
Those decisions depend on the individual dog and the purpose of the program.
