Hydrotherapy for Spondylosis in Dogs

What is Spondylosis?
It’s a condition that occurs due do progressive disc degeneration. Bone spurs form on the edges of the spinal bones in response to the disc degeneration. This can result in restricted movement or pressure being placed on nerve roots. Most dogs have no symptoms unless restriction occurs, often resulting in pain. Spondylosis is a condition where osteophytes grow on the ventral (bottom) surface of the vertebral bodies. Osteophytes are commonly referred to as bone spurs and are bony projections that can form along joints in the body of a dog. As bone spurs grow, they form bridges from one vertebrae to another. Though compression of the spine is usually not the result, the dog may gradually lose flexibility in the backbone and overall range-of-motion. As the dog ages, you may see a diminished capacity to run, jump and turn. Finally, trauma can snap the bridges of bone fusing the vertebrae, causing pinched nerves.
What are the Causes of Spondylosis?
While aging is generally regarded as the primary cause, being overweight is a contributing factor. Injury, either major trauma or repeated micro-trauma is another reason dogs develop spondylosis. It can also be inherited. Older large breed dogs are at the highest risk, but we’ve seen it in dogs of varying sizes.

Hydrotherapy & Other Treatment Options for Spondylosis
Veterinarians may prescribe NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain as well as glucosamine and MSM supplements if your dog is having symptoms. Massage, acupuncture and laser therapy are also options for helping with any pain. SOME dogs with spondylosis have no signs of pain, therefore their prognosis is generally good. Spondylosis is something dog parents need to be vigilant about-It can and will progress into nerve compression and lameness. Regular checkups from your Vet and keeping your dog strong through regular, appropriate exercise is vital for the management of this disease.
Hydrotherapy in a warm water pool is the best option for exercise because it places no stress on the spine. Plus the warmth of the water increases blood flow to the spine helping with inflammation and stiffness. In human physiotherapy, results have shown that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in non weight-bearing conditions, thereby improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues. Swimming helps to improve general fitness, muscle tone and helps in recovering from injury or surgery and can also help with weight management.
Interestingly, muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilization, so to prevent further weakness or injury, it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It is also far better to swim dogs in heated water since cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near the skin and the superficial muscles, which restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient. Also, canine hydrotherapy also allows the dog to build up its muscles especially around the spine area which with time helps in easing the pain that accompanies a case of spondylosis.
Other Water Therapy Benefits include:
- Reduces pain
- Reduced inflammation
- Increases blood flow
- Reduces Spasms
- Improves quality of life
- Non-weight bearing – easier to move
- Increased active range of motion
- Feeling of well-being due to release of endorphins
- Reduction of frustration for dogs on reduced exercise
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved muscle patterning and recruitment
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
Some More Things to Consider…
Dietary and Household Considerations
Obesity is a contributing factor to disc degeneration and spondylosis. In many cases, your veterinarian will place your dog on a low-calorie weight loss diet to maintain a healthy body weight. Because movement may be reduced or altered, household changes help improve mobility. Ramps, carpeting for additional traction and padded dog mats are some options.
Surgical Intervention and Experimental Options
In cases where spinal nerve compression causes neurological symptoms or paralysis, surgical intervention is often necessary when medical treatment is unsuccessful. Specialized veterinary surgeons remove protruding disc material as well as spinal bone and bone spurs. Another experimental treatment option involves the administration of rubeola virus immunomodulator injections.
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019