EMPORIA (KSNT) – It’s National Canine Fitness Month, and one fitness center in Emporia focuses on all the different ways to keep your hounds healthy.
Physical therapy for dogs is extremely important, especially in the long run. It can prevent arthritis, obesity and enhance their quality of life
“What we want to make sure is that our dogs aren’t just going to the vet one time a year, that they have every single part of their health and wellness taken care of,” said Heartland Hounds owner Kasey Flynt.
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Heartland Hounds specializes in an assortment of therapies, including acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy and more.
“Most of the cases coming through here are surgery recovery, injuries. It can also be used for sporting dogs, just like athletes go for massages, things like that,” said acupuncturist Julie Smiley. “We can use acupuncture to help keep those dogs doing. It can also be used to support dogs with other medical problems, cancers, kidney problems, things like that.”
Recently, the Kansas Department of Commerce awarded Heartland Hounds a $100,000 grant towards a multi-sport dog training facility called DockPlex.
“Being able to help the dogs, whether they’re new to water, to get them more mobile as they get older, they get less mobile,” said hydro therapist Kimberly Helberg. “They don’t like to exercise as much, so we can help strengthen their muscles and just make them live a happier, more enjoyable life.”
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Hydrotherapy helps dogs with joint pain, which can happen as they get older. It also helps strengthen muscles and help with weight management. Any form of physical exercise is healthy for your dog, even if it’s as simple as going on a walk.
You can find Heartland Hounds at 912 Commercial Street in Emporia. You can visit its website by clicking here.
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