Blog | NATC

Understanding Canine Behaviour: It's Not Always What It Seems

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist Dogs are constantly communicating with us – through their posture, facial expressions and movements. Every behaviour a dog displays serves a purpose, even if it's not immediately obvious. Unfortunately, human interpretation doesn't always align with what the dog is truly expressing. What might look like stubbornness, excitement or aggression could actually be discomfort, confusion or fear. Before labelling a behaviour as "problematic", i

3 min read

Beyond the Pool: How Our Scent Work Sessions Help Every Dog Thrive

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist At Northern Canine Therapy Centre, we know that every dog is different. Some love splashing through our warm pools and come alive in the water – others would rather keep all four paws firmly on dry land! For dogs who can't (or don't want to) take part in hydrotherapy, that doesn't mean they have to miss out on the fun, focus and wellbeing benefits we love to promote. That's where our scent work activity sessions come in – an engaging, lo

3 min read

Understanding Canine Arthritis: How Hydrotherapy Can Help Your Dog Move Again

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist As our dogs age, many owners start to notice small changes in their movement – a little stiffness after walks, slower play or hesitation when jumping. These can be signs of arthritis, a common condition that affects dogs of all ages, though it's more often seen in older dogs or certain breeds. Sometimes, it can even appear in younger dogs, and this is rarely anyone's fault – it's just a part of how a dog's body develops. The good news is

2 min read

Puppy Care 101: Helping Your Growing Pup Thrive – With a Splash of Hydrotherapy

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's sweetest joys. Those clumsy paws, wagging tails and little bursts of energy make every day that bit brighter. But behind all that excitement, your puppy's body is going through a multitude of changes – growing stronger, smarter and more coordinated by the day. Here's a splash of puppy-parent magic: the secret to helping your pup grow strong and confident might just be found in the water! Hydroth

4 min read

Keeping Senior Dogs Active and Healthy: The Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Golden Oldies

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist As our dogs grow older, their needs begin to change – grey hairs start to show, naps last longer and walks home become slower. However, just like us, remaining active and comfortable is key to helping our senior dogs enjoy their golden years to the fullest. One gentle yet powerful way of supporting our dogs is through hydrotherapy – a safe, low-impact form of exercise that helps to maintain mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing. Unders

2 min read

How Hydrotherapy Builds Confidence in Anxious Dogs (All Year Round)

When most people think of hydrotherapy for dogs, they picture rehabilitation after surgery or injury. But there's another powerful benefit that often goes unnoticed: hydrotherapy is exceptional at building confidence and reducing anxiety in nervous dogs. At Northern Canine Therapy Centre, we've watched countless anxious, fearful and reactive dogs transform through regular hydrotherapy sessions. The warm water, controlled environment and gentle movement work together to create

4 min read

5 Ways to Create a Safe Space for Your Anxious Dog During Fireworks

Bonfire Night can transform even the calmest dog into a trembling, anxious mess. But with the right preparation, you can create a sanctuary in your home that helps your dog feel secure when the sky goes boom. At Northern Canine Therapy Centre, we know that environment matters. Just as our hydrotherapy pools provide a calm, controlled space for healing and confidence-building, your home can become a haven during fireworks season. Here are five proven ways to create a safe spac

3 min read

Recognising the Symptoms of Acorn Poisoning in Horses

Acorn poisoning can be a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition for horses, especially during autumn when oak trees shed large quantities of acorns. While some horses may show little interest, others find them quite palatable — and even a small amount can cause significant health issues. What causes acorn poisoning? Acorns, oak leaves, and bark all contain tannins, which can be toxic when consumed in excess. These toxins irritate the digestive system and can cause d

1 min read