What is Dog Hydrotherapy?

Dog hydrotherapy is a form of rehabilitation and exercise for dogs that involves the use of water to improve their physical health and well-being. This therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from injuries, surgeries, or those suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis. Dog Hydrotherapy can also be used for general fitness and weight management in dogs.

Many patients can benefit from long term hydrotherapy. 

It can help:

• Strengthen and increase muscle mass
• Gait re-education
• Increase ease of mobility
• Maintains independence
• Reduce Pain
• Improve performance
• Increases blood flow
• Prevention of Atrophy
• Improves range of motion
• Decreases swelling
• Improves core strength
• Prolong mobility in senior pets and helps with mobility challenges
• Weight loss reduction (with diet management)
• Proprioception

  For best results for fitness clients, 1-2 sessions per week for 6 weeks and then for maintenance, once weekly or once a fortnight depending on your goals. The more your dog works out, the faster you reach your desired outcome - you technically can come as much as you want but I will work with you to formulate a plan to not overtrain your dog - recovery is important.

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For rehab clients, each condition will need to be assessed individually this can be discussed in your first consult or please contact me. You will need a veterinary referral.

  Your first session will be up to one hour (per dog) and this will include a history and assessment.
 

The follow-up session blocks are a maximum of half an hour.
 

The time spent in the actual underwater treadmill depends on the individual dog and how they are traveling, it's hard work! Most fitness dogs will be in the underwater treadmill for around 10 minutes initially and the level of difficulty will increase over time. Our unit also offers an incline and jet.

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Even if your dog is very fit, resistance exercise is very hard work!
 

Rehab client's treatment time is dependent on their condition and is likely to start with short sessions.

  They may be a little nervous initially, there are different sounds coming from pumps and equipment that are new to them, then water coming into the unit.
 

If your dog has never been on a treadmill before, they may become a little worried when the earth starts to move under their feet, but we'll be in there with them to help them.

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Most dogs cope well, and by their 3rd session and happily participating.

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If you have a dog that has a bite risk please speak with me before booking your appointment so we can discuss further management options.

There are several types of hydrotherapy for dogs, and the choice often depends on the specific needs of the dog:

1. Swimming Therapy: Dogs are allowed to swim in a controlled environment, such as a pool, where the water provides buoyancy and reduces the impact on joints. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that helps improve cardiovascular fitness and overall flexibility.
2. Underwater Treadmill Therapy: This involves a treadmill submerged in water, allowing the dog to walk or run against resistance. The water level can be adjusted to control the amount of weight-bearing, making it an effective way to rebuild muscle strength and enhance joint flexibility. What we do!
3. Hydro-massage: Some facilities offer hydro-massage for dogs, where water jets are used to massage the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. This can be particularly helpful for dogs with arthritis or muscle soreness.
4. Wading or Water Play: For less intensive therapy or for dogs who enjoy water play, wading pools or shallow water can be used. This can be beneficial for improving balance, coordination, and maintaining joint mobility.