Hydrotherapy: A highly effective treatment option for dogs with painful chronic conditions.
Finn after his therapy
Most dogs love water so Hydrotherapy is an enjoyable and effective option frequently suggested by vets.
Hydrotherapy is a popular form of therapy at the centre. Most dogs love water so its an enjoyable and effective option frequently suggested by vets. There are many reasons to consider hydrotherapy for your dog and in this blog we discuss some scenarios in which this form of therapy is particularly useful.
– Pearl & Tonka in the hydrotherapy treadmill –
Post Operative Rehabilitation:
Just like people, dogs gain huge improvement from participating in guided rehabilitation by a physiotherapist. After the initial rest period, hydrotherapy can assist your dogs recovery immensely. The buoyancy of water minimises the weight placed on joints and muscles which helps decrease pain. Hydrostatic pressure reduces oedema, general soreness and swelling of post-operative areas. Walking in warm water causes a reduction in pain perception which allows patients to move with greater confidence and comfort.
Pain Management:
The therapeutic effects of water are well documents in human and veterinary medicine. Dogs suffering from painful joint conditions such as arthritis show huge improvement with exercise on the underwater treadmill. The warm water helps relax tight muscles whilst the resistance of the water helps to strengthen and build muscle to support the dysfunctional joints.
Weight Loss:
If your dog has difficulty walking on land and maintaining a healthy weight due to nasty joint pain, a program of hydrotherapy can help them immensely. It offers a low impact environment which promotes safe and healthy weight loss. Hydrotherapy can be used to prepare the patient for future exercise on land thus minimising the potentially life shortening issues associated with being overweight.
Seniors Wellness:
Hydrotherapy is a great option for the golden oldies that visit the centre. Quite often their owners report reduced enthusiasm regarding exercise, decreased energy levels, alterations in movement and behaviour along with wastage of muscles especially in the hind legs. Hydrotherapy offers a low impact environment that is supportive yet also resistive. Hydrotherapy on our treadmill can also improve circulation to muscles and joints which in-turn improves strength, muscle mass and range of motion. Older dogs who have lost range of movement due to arthritis particularly see the benefits of walking at a slow speed. They often respond with increased happiness in their overall mood. Supportive movement for elderly patients within the treadmill can increase confidence and improve mental wellbeing.
Gait + Posture Correction:
At the centre, we see a variety of musculoskeletal problems ranging from hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal conditions, fractures, cruciate repairs, luxating patellas and osteoarthritis to name but a few. The reduction of weight bearing stress on joints and ligaments whilst exercising in a hydrotherapy treadmill successfully helps with re-educating movement and posture. Balance and proprioception problems caused by neurological injury can also be improved with a tailored aquatic therapy programme.
Psychological Wellbeing:
Often the trauma of surgery or serious injury can leave a dog depressed and miserable. A positive mental outlook is an important part of a speedy recovery. Hydrotherapy is usually a very calming experience for dogs. It helps to reduce stress levels and stimulate metabolic functions. The immune and lymphatic system become enhanced helping to rid the dogs body of toxins.
Fitness + Conditioning:
Maintaining fitness and muscle tone in working dogs can be effectively accomplished in a canine treadmill. Incline, speed and depth can be individually tailored giving a personalised canine workout. The low impact exercise is gentle on joints and ligaments which can help extend the working life of dogs keeping them in peak condition for as long as possible.
