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 versus on land. Controlled and assisted swimming allows a dog’s muscles to be exercised and stimulated without the stress that comes with land-based exercising. This is why we use & believe in the method of natural swimming versus an underwater treadmill. 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, neurological disorders and SO much more. The water is especially beneficial for dogs who suffer from arthritis due to the natural aging process, especially older dogs with previous injuries. The warmth of the water reduces the inflammation that causes pain & lubricates the joints/ligaments.

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 calming stress.

Other benefits of hydrotherapy include:

• Increased circulation

• Retrain muscles; obtain lost muscle mass

• Increased tissue healing

• Gait modification

• Calms muscle spasms

• Relieves swelling & stiffness

• Decreases pain

• Ideal for skin and coat

• Increase lymph drainage, rid the body of toxins and improve the immune system

• Supports mental health

• 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

• Vestibular Syndrome

• Acute Joint problems

• General Fitness

Other Conditions Hydrotherapy Supports:

• Obesity/Overweight

• Fear of the Water

• High Anxiety or Stress

• Behavioral Issues

• Injuries or Tears

• Surgery Rehabilitation

• Preparing for Surgery

• Disabled/Handicapped

• Degenerative Diseases

• Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Senior or Aging

• Swim Lessons

• Pool Exit Knowledge

• General Exercise

• Lower Inflammation

• Cardiac & Respiratory strengthening