Pawsitive Strides Rehabilitation and Therapy
What To Expect
Tailored Treatment Plans
Your pet's treatment at Pawsitive Strides will be tailor-made exclusively for them. We work with your veterinarian to create a plan designed to encourage your dog or cat's individual growth and development. Our veterinarians and specialized technicians consider pet-parents an integral part of the care we provide, and will also include you in the treatment process (you may even have homework to further advance your pet's comprehensive care)! Together we can provide the care and compassion your pet deserves!
We work together
At your pet's initial visit and assessment, our team will work with you to determine which of the therapies we offer will be the best fit for you and your pet. You may decide you want a combination of different modalities (such as combining chiropractic care and acupuncture sessions) or focus on a single area of treatment (like the underwater treadmill). The number and frequency of treatments is often a factor of the patient's progress, and may change as your pet responds. As an added benefit, many treatment packages can be purchased which may lower the cost of services per visit!
What To Expect
At Pawsitive Strides Veterinary Rehabilitation and Therapy of Des Moines, our mission is to relieve pain, promote fitness, and improve recovery, so your pet can enjoy the highest quality of life. We're here to support you every step of the way.
To schedule your pet's initial consultation, call us at (515) 575-9655. Our friendly staff is ready to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
What to Bring to Your First Visit:
Medical History:
Please have your pet's medical history available, including recent lab work. Your primary veterinarian can send these records directly to us via fax at (515) 575-9655 or email at
Current Medications & Allergies:
Bring a list of your pet's current medications and any known allergies. If possible, bring the medications with you.
Recent X-rays:
If your pet has had x-rays taken recently, please bring them along. If needed, we can request records and digital x-rays directly from your primary veterinarian after scheduling.
X-rays During the Exam:
If x-rays are required during your initial exam and you don't have recent ones, they can be performed by your primary veterinarian or at Pawsitive Strides through Ingersoll Animal Hospital.
Treats & Food:
We use treats during therapy to reward your pet’s hard work. If your pet has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please bring appropriate treats and food.
To make your visit smoother, you can download and fill out our Admission Form and Patient Questionnaire before your appointment. If you prefer, you can arrive 10 minutes early to complete these forms at our office.
Initial Consultation Exam
The initial consultation exam is the important first step in developing a therapy plan tailored specifically for your individual dog’s problems and needs. During this 90-120 minute-long initial exam, the rehab veterinarian will conduct an overall assessment of your pet’s condition, strength, and function. They will assess pain level, joint mobility, muscle strength and tone, nervous system function, posture, weight and dietary needs, as well as home environment, lifestyle routines, and goals.
The assessments are made by a veterinarian certified in rehabilitation so your pet’s overall health and any other existing conditions will be taken into consideration when developing the rehabilitation and wellness plans
An individualized treatment plan will be devised specific for your pet's needs.
After our rehab veterinarian has assessed or diagnosed your pet’s condition, she will work with you to customize a treatment plan that works with your pet’s needs, your schedule, and your budget. We have a wide range of therapeutic modalities: therapeutic exercises including hydrotherapy or underwater treadmill, laser, manual therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic, electrical stimulation, massage and more.
Responsive Treatment Plans
From the moment your pet’s paws first step into our office for their first visit, our trained staff begin evaluating their gait, flexibility, and ease of motion. Your pet’s health, personality, and your family’s lifestyle are all important factors and impact the direction of your pet’s recovery plan. Progress is monitored closely and continuously adopted to how your pet is responding. Throughout your pet’s treatment, regular check-ups with our certified rehabilitation veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s progress and allow for adjustments to the treatment plan based on the needs of each unique patient.
Continuing Care
As your pet progresses and moves towards their release from therapy, our aim is to prepare you to continue your progress at home. Completing your sessions doesn’t mean the end of your work; a healthy lifestyle is the key to long-term health. Incorporating a home exercise program will help your pet maintain the strength and mobility they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Some pets move on to our ongoing fitness program to help maintain their strength and mobility they have gained while others do well with their home exercise program. Release from therapy doesn’t mean goodbye-we will always be here as part of your pet’s health care team.
