Canine rehabilitation focuses on helping dogs regain strength, mobility, and overall well-being through targeted treatments designed to meet specific health goals. Key objectives include improving strength and balance, accelerating recovery from injuries, enhancing post-surgical outcomes, and supporting senior dogs to age gracefully.

A comprehensive canine rehabilitation treatment plan may incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as hydrotherapy for low-impact strengthening, acupuncture to relieve pain and stimulate healing, and cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair. These treatments, along with other specialized therapies, work together to support each dog’s unique needs, promoting a healthier, happier life at every stage.

Rehabilitation Therapy Goals Include:

  • Pain Reduction and Management: Alleviate discomfort caused by injuries, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery to improve the dog’s quality of life.
  • Restore Mobility and Flexibility: Enhance the range of motion in joints and muscles, allowing the dog to move more freely and comfortably.
  • Strengthen Muscles and Improve Stability: Rebuild muscle strength and endurance, especially after injury, surgery, or illness, to prevent further complications.
  • Prevent Injury and Promote Longevity: Support long-term health and function by addressing imbalances, improving posture, and minimizing the risk of future injuries.
  • Enhance Overall Quality of Life: Enable dogs to participate in daily activities and adventures with their owners, fostering better mental and physical well-being.
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Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy for dogs that leverages the natural buoyancy of water. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Wilson, your dog will engage in a tailored series of water-based exercises as part of their personalized rehabilitation plan.

This low-impact therapy is ideal for enhancing your dog’s strength, flexibility, and endurance. The buoyant properties of water reduce weight-bearing stress on joints, helping to minimize the risk of tissue injuries, inflammation, and pain while promoting overall mobility and comfort.

At Acupetvet, this type of treatment and exercise is used for:

Post-operative recovery from orthopedic procedures
Dogs with neurological conditions
Dogs suffering from painful osteoarthritis
Dogs dealing with pain due to hip dysplasia
Metabolic conditions such as Cushing’s and diabetes which can result in muscle atrophy
Paralyzed dogs
Helping overweight pets get the exercise they need to lose weight

Rehabilitation Success Stories

Ham’s Story

Dr. Wilson & Rehab Therapy

Nancy Carver
11:28 03 Mar 25
I am 70 yrs old and was a little skeptical when the surgeon that performed ACL surgery on my dog told me she needed physical therapy. My dog was not using her leg and I thought I may have just blown a lot of money for nothing. I took her to Lynne Low at Acupetvet in Dover, after just 4 visits the improvement was amazing....back to normal!! If your dog needs physical therapy this is the place to go!
Red Pointy Dog Training
16:36 06 Feb 25
We've been seeing Dr Wilson at Acupetvet for years. More recently we've been visiting weekly for much needed pain relief for our 13 year old boy Manzo.I was blown away today when I reached out explaining how Manzo woke up with a limp. Manzo can't take usual pain meds due to his history of a sensitive stomach so we lean on acupuncture and laser therapy to keep him as comfortable as possible.They were able to work me in to their busy schedule to get Manzo some much needed relief. If you've been to Acupetvet then you know, they treat you like family. I'm so grateful for them everyday and especially today. Thank you for providing such excellent care to my sweet senior boy.
Cathy Miller
15:05 10 Dec 24
Our Sadie girl was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia 2 1/2 years ago when she was 5 and had surgery this past March. After her recovery she was doing well but was still weak and unable to run and play like she used to. Her surgeon recommended PT and hydrotherapy so after doing some research, I reached out to Acupetvet and they were AMAZING from day one. Sadie started with PT and hydrotherapy with Lynn weekly for 12 weeks and gained so much strength and confidence back we were amazed! We decided to start incorporating acupuncture with Doctor Wilson about 8 weeks in and are continuing with one session of acupuncture monthly to maintain her strength. Sadie LOVES it there so much and actually pushes me out of the car to go in:) They are so patient and kind and compassionate with her and I can’t tell you the difference it has made. Sadie is truly a different dog now and back to where she was before her diagnosis. She is running and playing and keeping up with her 8 month old (75 lb) german shepherd brother and so happy again. I can’t recommend Doctor Wilson and Lynn or Acupetvet enough and would do it again in a heartbeat with the results we have had.
Kelly Lemos
18:44 05 Dec 24
Dr. Wilson and her team are the benchmark for what healthcare should look like for everyone…with 2 or 4 legs! Acupetvet has been so professional and accommodating at every visit. Our beloved Lucy feels great relief with each treatment and at 14 years old, she gets so excited to go there each week! Her energy has improved and her pain seems to disappear after her treatments. I cannot recommend them enough!
Steph Oeser
23:24 04 Dec 24
My 14 year old kitty had a CCL tear (cranial cruciate ligament) with meniscal damage in her left hind leg earlier this year. She was not a candidate for surgery, and my vet recommended rehab treatment with Acupetvet instead. Dr. Wilson has worked wonders in helping my cat.I was initially so impressed by the set-up, which is clearly designed with cat comfort in mind. Cats have a separate entrance and the treatment room has a couch and ottoman with a window overlooking a bird feeder, no scary exam tables. My cat is extremely skittish, she does not like strangers or being away from home. Dr. Wilson is so mindful of letting kitty set the pace during our visits. Dr. Wilson even does the treatments from the opened top of the carrier so that my cat is able to stay inside the whole time. She stays still and seems very calm every time; she doesn't react to the needles at all!What worked for us: two months of weekly acupuncture, laser therapy, easy daily home exercises and Gabapentin for pain management. I also placed pet steps around my home to help her access all of her favorite high places without jumping.She went from having a severe limp and a lot of hesitation with movement to being able to jump, play and gallop around my home again. I truly didn't think it would be possible for her to ever run again. We now see Dr. Wilson monthly for maintenance acupuncture, which seems to help my cat's pre-existing arthritis in her back, in addition to her knee.I had no idea what to expect from acupuncture and laser therapy for cats, but I have been shocked at how much it accomplished. I highly recommend Dr. Wilson and the Acupetvet team.
Andrea Tiberio
21:49 30 Nov 24
The team at Acupetvet has been absolutely wonderful helping our 7 year old dog recover from her 2nd ACL repair surgery (TPLO). When she tore her first one, we did all her rehab ourselves and she did OK, but this time we wanted to ensure that she gained all of her strength back with extra support. Having them as part of her recovery has made the process so much easier for us and she has recovered so much faster and better. She just graduated and has a little more work to do to get full strength back, but she’s well on her way and wouldn’t be as far as she is today without their help!!
Jenn Blum
01:36 05 Jun 24
Every staff member at Acupet is wonderful! My dog was passionately cared for and the staff provided great education (and moral support) to me. Nala ended up needing a TPLO surgery due to torn CCL/meniscus. We worked with Lynn for almost a year as it took a bit of time for Nala’s stubborn leg to figure itself out.I would highly recommend Lynn, Nicole and Dr. Wilson. Also, they are accommodating with dogs that might be a bit more timid.
Kimberly Lindquist
17:03 09 Mar 24
Dr. Wilson has helped my boy (12 years old) maintain his active lifestyle when it seemed like he was slowing down. It warms my heart to know that we can still do all of the beach walks that his heart desires.
Nancy Langevin
23:52 06 Feb 24
My dog was diagnosed with Lyrengeal Paralysis after experiencing a frightening inability to breathe. Dr. Wilson is warm, kind and very knowledgeable. The facility is immaculate and very welcoming. The dog is actually excited to go inside. I have seen noticeable improvement in his breathing. Since he began accupuncture he hasn't had another severe episode and it seems to be keeping the paralysis from progressing. He also did physical therapy and the underwater treadmill early on in his treatment. Our experience has been outstanding. Hickory's mood has improved and he is back to playing with his toys. We are forever grateful.
diana fincher
15:13 28 Jan 24
Dr Wilson and her fanatic staff have been wonderful with the care and knowledge they have given to two dogs. First Inch my Dachshund who had a back issue and now goes for monthly maintenance, to make sure he stays in tip top shape, and now our wonderful 12 year old German Shepherd "Bart" who no fault of his own is old - with acupuncture, laser and treadmill we hope to keep him going for years to come.. I recommend all who are looking for fantastic care to give them a call! I show my dogs in the breed ring, agility, and obedience. I am happy I have Dr Wilson see that my dogs stay as healthy as possible..
Bonny Gagne
20:56 09 Nov 23
Nichole, Lynne and Dr. Wilson are so professional and compassionate and caring! My little terrier mix absolutely loves going there to see them. She totally thinks the appointments are her social hour.Her discomfort and strength has improved notably especially in her hind legs after TPLO surgery on both. Thank you for taking such good care of us!
Rachel Davis
19:44 25 Jul 23
My dog came here for rehab for tendonopathy in her bicep. We saw Lynn! She was amazing and my dog is doing so much better! She is sad we don’t go visit Lynn anymore. 10/10 would recommend!
Krista Rodrigues
03:44 23 Dec 22
How have I not reviewed Acupetvet & Dr. Wilson yet?! My pups have been going to her for various ailments for three years and LOVE her. My oldest currently gets acupuncture and it's her spa time; we are normally attached at the hip but she prefers her treatments without me! They are helping to keep her arthritis and kidney disease under control. Dr. Wilson's staffalso has a great team and the new building is beautiful/well thought out for the pets' experience.
Alison Kruk
18:58 14 Nov 22
Dr. Wilson has done wonders for my cat Samme. Over the years, she has treated his chronic conditions that include cardiomyopathy, CKD, IBD and arthritis. He is very stable on all counts, and is on a single medication otherwise. He loves his acupuncture treatment, which is very soothing for both him and for me! The comfy cushion she provides, a view to the backyard and birdfeeder provide a nice, homey atmosphere, very un-clinical!Long live Samme, thanks to Dr. Wilson!
Cooper Maxwell
19:24 03 Aug 22
Acupet Vet and Lynn Low gave us our best friend back. After multiple complications with a CBLO surgery we reached out to Acupet for help rehabilitating our very active vizsla. In less than 6 months Lynn took Porter from vet prescribed restricted activity to 10 mile mountain bike rides and no physical restrictions. Never again will we consider any amount of pet surgery without the help of post-op rehabilitation services and Acupet vet is top notch. We highly recommend Acupet and Lynn and will gladly use them again. If you are considering rehabilitation for your pet, Acupet Vet is the place to go.Thank you so much!
Taryn Hentz
14:58 03 Mar 21
I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr.Wilson ❤️ She is so nice and loves your pets as if they’re her own.I have been taking my oldest dog Zion, an almost 14 year old chow mix to her since last August. Zion has transitioned to once a month acupuncture sessions and he has improved so much! He has hind end weakness and some tendon issues and I cannot thank Dr.Wilson enough for bringing the pep back to his step! He LOVES his appointments, it’s super cute 🥰For the initial consultation I brought my 13 year old lab mix as well but didn’t feel he needed anything quite yet. Well...a new consistent limp from arthritis in his front end means off to Dr. Wilson we go!!HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Louise Daigle
12:45 09 Feb 20
My dog Piper was in a lot of pain and limited in her daily exercise. It was hard for her to play and run like she normally does. She's better than back to normal these days! We have our happy dog back and we owe it all to Dr. Wilson. She was so patient with Piper and her special behavioral needs. She gave excellent follow up homework for at home care and I could tell she truly cared about how Piper was doing. This level of care and compassion is hard to come by! I can't recommend Acupetvet enough. I am certain that when my dogs need her help again, we'll be back without hesitation.
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14 Littleworth Rd, Dover, NH 03820. Click here for a map to our location

(603) 833-2313

Hours: Mon. & Tue. 9-6, Wed. 8-3, Thur. 9-7, Fri. 9-2.

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