Dog hydrotherapy is carried out in warm water and is an excellent therapeutic exercise. Either an underwater treadmill or a pool can be used to help your dog recover from injuries, strengthen their bodies and lose weight. Hydrotherapy can be non or partial weight bearing and the warm water allows increased joint flexibility, reduced joint pain and increased circulation which may not be possible when the animal is weight bearing.
Why Might my Dog Need Dog Hydrotherapy
There are several conditions dogs suffer from which benefit from having hydrotherapy as non weight bearing exercise.
- Weight loss
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Tendon, ligament and other soft tissue injuries
- Post surgical recovery
- Neurological problems
Common conditions include
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries such as a slipped disk
- Subluxating patella
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Spondolysis
- Degenerative myopathy
Benefits of Dog Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is beneficial to most dogs and a form of exercise as it is gentle on the joints but great for muscles and the cardiovascular system.
- Increase in core strength
- Gait improvements
- Increases cardiovascular strength
- Increases muscle tone
- Increases muscle mass
- Improves proprioception
- Warm water has a therapeutic effect of easing stiffness and pain
Types of Dog Hydrotherapy
Treadmill
This is where most animals start their hydrotherapy journey. This is because the conditions can be much more regulated than free swimming in a pool. The height of the water and the pace of the treadmill can both be adjusted to ensure your dog is getting the support it needs.
Its also easier to assess gait when your dog is working on the treadmill and so make adjustments to help them strengthen weak limbs. when recovering from an injury or surgery, the difficulty can gradually be increased to help the animal transition from non weight bearing to weight bearing.
Pool
The pool allows your dog to swim in a non-weight bearing environment. Dogs are usually in the water wearing a flotation device. This can have various levels of buoyancy as the dog gets stronger. Various techniques can be used to encourage the dog to use the injured or affected limb or limbs for maximum benefit.
The warm water can reduce stiffness, increase circulation, build muscle mass and get all their limbs moving effectively.
When Dog chiropractic is used in conjunction with other tools such as hydrotherapy, it gives your dog the best chance to fully recover from an injury or illness that effects their muscles and circulatory system.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
