Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Was your dog a waterbug before developing joint pain or just seems to enjoy being in a body of water? Hydrotherapy may be a perfect option for your canine companion to try as water has been known to help in the healing process of various injuries. But is the hype of hydrotherapy proven within dogs? Read on to figure out if hydrotherapy is right for your furry best friend.
What is Hydrotherapy?
The term hydrotherapy relates to the use of water for healing purposes or improving health. Hydrotherapy for humans includes activities like swimming, saunas, water aerobics, etc. Exercising or conditioning while in water gives the benefit of being able to strengthen muscles and build endurance without placing unnecessary stress on joints or muscles. Warmer water temperatures can also help to ease aches, pains, and muscles strains!
Using Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Hydrotherapy for canines is similar to how humans use the treatment! Most hydrotherapy for dogs involves swimming, walking in shallow water, or walking on an underwater treadmill. Hydrotherapy can be a great exercise for dogs in general or it can be used to ease joint pains, improve function after post-injury, or condition muscles!
Canine Hydrotherapy Treatment
Hydrotherapy in canines can be used to treat and condition a number of different things for your pooch. Hydro treatments are low impact in nature and allow patients to be of all ages, including those dogs who are weak or senior. Aside from using hydrotherapy for treating conditions like arthritis or muscle atrophy, water treatment can also help in healing:
- ACL injuries
- Weight loss
- Neurological problems
- Other orthopedic injuries
- Post-surgery recover
Like dogs, each hydrotreatment is unique depending on the condition or injury being treated. In general, water exercise is good for cardiovascular conditioning, muscle stamina, and reducing inflammation. But, water treatment cannot target the training of specific muscles, so it’s not best for select conditioning.
Preventing Injuries and Improving Physical Conditioning
Active or sporting breed dogs often face issues with joint aches and pains. Recreational hydrotherapy can help with conditioning muscle strains and joints while also getting in exercise! By using water therapy, dogs are able to build up stamina and prevent injury in order to get on track with regular day-to-day activities or exercise. Hydrotherapy should be used as a tool for treatment and not the overall training program for your dog!
At Home Hydrotherapy
Recreational hydrotherapy is a great additional exercise for dogs who face joint (or other) issues and can even be practiced at home! This treatment is different from professional/clinical treatment, but it can be effective for canines in general. For at-home hydro treatments, try supervising your dog swimming in a shallow body of water or while playing water sports! You can even guide them in walking/swimming if movement is harder for them to accomplish on their own.
Finding Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy may seem like an exclusive treatment, but clinics are beginning to pop up everywhere! Consult your veterinarian to see if they think your dog is right for water treatment and ask for a rehabilitation suggestion or specialist. Be sure to meet with the aquatic center and trainer first to see if your furry friend meshes well!
Hydrotherapy costs depends on the treatment and facility, but a swim therapy session is usually $20-$30 while a session with an underwater treadmill is $35-$50! It’s also important to remember there’s usually a consultation fee to begin, starting from $35.
To see if your dog is a good contender for hydrotherapy, consult your vet! Hydrotherapy can help change a dog’s rehabilitation journey and make it a little less stressful for you and your furry best friend.