The use of water for therapeutic purposes is known as hydrotherapy, water cure, or water treatment.
It’s a fun method to get active, decrease post-operative swelling, and treat arthritis and other pain disorders.
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The effect of gravity on the joints is nullified by the use of buoyancy and resistance in hydrotherapy. All sizes and breeds of dogs can participate in hydrotherapy for fun or as part of a regimen designed to aid with mobility and delay the progression of degenerative diseases.
Water therapy’s roots can be traced all the way back to the ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations, and it’s only grown more mainstream over the years.
For centuries, humans have used hydrotherapy to treat ailments like arthritis and back pain, but in recent years, it’s become more of a common practise because of the therapeutic benefits it provides, as well as the fact that it’s fun to do. Swimming, mineral baths, saunas, water aerobics, jacuzzi, cold plunges, and so on are all examples of human water therapy.
In the beginning, racehorses were the primary subjects of hydrotherapy for animals. Due to its proven effectiveness in reducing the risk of and speeding recovery from leg injuries, swimming in saltwater soon became a popular way to get healthy. The greyhound racing industry grew out of the horse racing sector through time.
The Use of Water for Dog Rehab Therapeutic swimming for dogs
The benefits of hydrotherapy for athletic canines were recognised, and the practise quickly spread to the general canine community.
Splashing around and paddling around in some water can serve as a form of hydrotherapy. If the focus of the therapy session is on recovery, however, the water will be warmed to increase circulation and ease sore, stiff muscles.
There are three primary forms of hydrotherapy, each with their own set of applications:
In this simple yet effective exercise, your dog will walk on a treadmill that is submerged in a tank of water. Due to the lack of gravity, dogs with joint problems will feel much more comfortable participating in this exercise. If your dog isn’t as athletic as others, don’t fret; the treadmill’s water level and pace may be adjusted to suit your pet’s needs.
Whirlpool: Essentially, it’s a jacuzzi that our dogs can use in our place. The gentle massaging action of the whirlpool will help ease your dog’s aches and pains. Whirlpools are commonly utilised for post-operative pain relief in canine patients.
Hydrotherapy pools: a dog might enjoy some general playtime and exercise in a swimming pool. Bring a floatable toy and some games to increase the fun factor. Swimming’s resistance and buoyancy aid in the treatment of obesity and degenerative joint disease. A buoyancy vest and a therapist will be provided for your dog even if the water depth cannot be adjusted like on a treadmill.
Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure as to the best course of treatment for your dog.
Keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list!
Hip and elbow dysplasia arthritis
Spondylosis
Patellar Dislocation
Traumatic muscle tears prior to and after surgery
Fractures of the spine
Acute ligament injuries
Obesity
Reducing discomfort caused by inflammation and stiffness
Relaxes spasmed or tight muscles
Aids in halting the onset and progression of degenerative diseases.
Builds stamina and abdominal muscular strength
Helps with dieting and working out
It will be great entertainment for your dog.
The only way to find out what your dog thinks of a pool play session is to actually do it, if you’ll excuse the pun.
Hydrotherapy for dogs Hydrotherapy for dogs
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, for example, are bred to be excellent swimmers and retrievers, and they flourish the moment they enter the water. It’s practically a given that water-loving breeds like the poodle, the newf, and the portuguese water dog will enjoy it, too, because those dogs were originally bred for their aquatic prowess. Whether or not your dog enjoys hydrotherapy depends on his or her individual disposition, however some dogs (usually the more pampered pooches) may turn up their noses at the prospect of even being wet. A dog’s personality can vary greatly from one to the next.
Always double-check with your vet to be sure hydrotherapy is safe and effective before beginning treatment with your dog. Some dogs, such as those with health problems or those that are quite old, may require extra caution when swimming.
Furthermore, due to their physical make-up, several dog breeds have a very difficult time swimming. These include the Bulldog and the French Bulldog, both of which require extreme caution if they are near water. Find out if your dog will be able to do the doggy paddle by reading our blog post titled “Can all dogs swim?”
Yes! While many hydrotherapy methods (like the underwater treadmill) require specialised equipment, you can still take your dog swimming.
You can take your dog to a large lake or river for some doggie paddling, or if your pooch is on the smaller side, a kiddie pool in the backyard would do the trick. Keep in mind that not all canines naturally enjoy swimming, so it’s best to keep Fido close by at all times.
Hydrotherapy is a fantastic form of exercise that can do wonders for your dog and is also a lot of fun for them.
Hydrotherapy could be the way to go if your dog needs pain treatment, needs to lose weight, or if you just want to try a different kind of exercise for your dog.
