Why Use Hydrotherapy For Your Pet?

What is Hydrotherapy? 

hydro 3

Hydrotherapy is a form of low impact physiotherapy.  Hydrotherapy uses water to enable a dog to exercise.  The water supports the dog’s weight allowing dogs who may not otherwise be able to move, or those that have limited movement, to move around and gain strength. Hydrotherapy can be used for fitness, weight loss, after injury or illness, or as an alternative therapy to treat a specific disease.  Underwater therapy sometimes includes the use of an aquatic treadmill.  This provides an ideal setting for proper conditioning, especially for lame animals.

I’m a believer! Here are some pix of my sweet 15 year old April Mae working out in the underwater treadmill at http://www.angelcarecca.org/doctorsandstaff.html

hydro 1

 

hydro 2

 

This type of therapy has many benefits for the animal. 

Some of the many benefits of hydrotherapy are as follows:

  • Alleviates pain, stiffness and swelling associated with Arthritis
  • Increases circulation
  • Increases range of motion
  • Promotes tissue healing
  • Soothes muscle spasms
  • Speeds up Post operative healing
  • Aids in weight loss by allowing for more exercise
  • Improves stamina in all animals but is great for show dogs and racing dogs
  • Helps with hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease

Wholedogwellness.com suggests asking the following questions before you select the facility that will provide your dog with hydrotherapy:

  • How would you get my dog in and out of the water?
  • Where do you rest my dog in between laps
  • Do you use chemicals to clean the pool water?
  • Will my dog wear a life vest when he’s in the water?
  • How will you dry my dog off? With a towel? Or with a blow dryer?
  • Is this facility a safe environment for my dog? (or cat, horse etc.)

If you think your pet may benefit from hydrotherapy, please speak with your vet.  Often times hydrotherapy is utilized in conjunction with other therapies or medicines.  As always, do your own independent research when looking for a vet or any facility that will treat your pet.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *