Canine Hydrotherapy

By Andrew Phillips | April 24, 2013

Canine Hydrotherapy, a natural remedy for tissue, bone and joint damage, has become a fairly common way of treating dogs with mobility problems, including arthritis and other injuries. Hydrotherapy facilities are equipped with at least one type of pool, usually staffed by an associate who guides your dog though the process. The treatment has been so successful that its being introduced to other animal species, even those who categorically detest water.images-2

What are some pro’s of hydrotherapy?

  •  No impact on the bones, tendons and joints.
  • Increasing heart rate & oxygen consumption improving overall aerobic & cardiovascular fitness.
  • Warm water increases the circulation of blood to the muscles, leading to muscle relaxation and a reduction in pain and stiffness.
  • Improves circulation reduces swelling around an injured area and enhances healing from injury.
  • Improves general fitness, weight loss and cardiovascular stamina.
  • Improves muscle tone and helpful in recovering from injury or surgery and improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity.
  • Post operatively after orthopedic surgery e.g. Cruciate ligament
  • Hydrotherapy for dog can help with elbow or hip dysplasia, especially in young dogs
  • Arthritis/ stiffness or old age
  • Lameness
  • Hydrotherapy for dog helps improve stamina in show and racing dogs
  • DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease)

imgres-5What conditions can benefit from Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is Greek word, which means water healing.

Hydrotherapy is known to improve the over all health and general fitness level of canines.
It can help YOUR dog with:

  • Pre and post operative conditions
  • Arthritis—relieves pain, swelling & stiffness
  • Hip & elbow dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
  • Spinal injuries and paralysis
  • Cruciate ligaments injuries
  • Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
  • Cardiovascular fitness (hearts & lungs)
  • Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)
  • And swimming just for fun! Teach your puppy to swim!

Some people say “why not take them to your nearest lake to save money?” but this may end up causing more discomfort, due to the many hazards such as poisonous algae, injury from slipping down muddy banks or injuring themselves on unseen hazards, such as sharp sticks, or discarded metal object or broken glass or the danger of them getting out of there depth. Also, the cold water can reduce blood circulation, where as in a controlled environment the warm water of the heated pool combined with the jets has a massaging effect which promotes circulation and helps to reduce swelling.images-3

Leave a Reply