What is Canine Hydrotherapy?
Canine Hydrotherapy |Orlando, FL
What is Hydrotherapy for Dogs?
Hydrotherapy for dogs simply put, is the usage of water for the treatment of injury or illness to dogs. Water makes the body float, so when submerged, the weight of a dog’s body is fully supported. This means the dog is not fighting any gravity. The buoyancy of water also reduces the stress on joints, which creates a much safer environment for recovery and regeneration. Controlled and assisted swimming allows a dog’s muscles to be exercised and stimulated without the stress that comes with a land-based exercise. This is why underwater treadmills are not as effective as pure natural swimming. Hydrotherapy offers a dog a relaxed, enjoyable and therapeutic workout.
What Types of Dogs need Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is beneficial for any dog needing to achieve an overall state of well-being. Assisted swimming can create improved circulation, flexibility, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and agility. Dogs who are recovering from an injury, suffer degenerative joint disease and who have been paralyzed are also great candidates for the water. Aqua therapy (which is the same as Hydrotherapy or Water Therapy) assists dogs suffering from fractures, hip dysplasia, the amputation of a limb, and neurological disorders. Lastly, the water is especially beneficial for dogs who suffer from arthritis due to the aging process; The warmth of the water reduces the inflammation that causes pain.
Benefits from Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Concurrently, hydrotherapy stimulates, strengthens and relaxes the body. It improves balance, coordination, and ups overall energy levels, all while reducing pain and stress.
Other benefits of hydrotherapy include:
Increased circulation
Retrain muscles; obtain lost muscle mass
Ideal for skin and coat
Increase lymph drainage, rid the body of toxins and improve the immune system.
Encourages better digestion and better sleep
Supports weight loss
Improves overall fitness
Canine conditions that can benefit from Hydrotherapy:
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
Obesity
Arthritis
Degenerative Myelopathy
Luxating Patella
Ligament Injury (CCL/ACL)
Pre and Post Operative improvement
Aging and lack of mobility
Chronic pain
Spinal Stenosis/IVDD
Acute Joint problems
General Fitness
Ideal for Dogs who are or have:
Obese or overweight
Fear of the water
High Anxiety or Stress
Injured
Recovering from surgery
Preparing for surgery
Disabled/Handicapped
Degenerative disease
Arthritic
Senior or aging
Needs to learn how to swim/exit pool
General exercise
Cardiac & Respiratory strengthening