Canine Hydrotherapy
What is Canine Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy means simply ‘therapy in water’. It is one of the oldest forms of rehabilitation and is now becoming increasingly popular for the rehabilitation and care of dogs.
In our clinic we use:
- Underwater treadmill
- Swimming
Why Hydrotherapy
There are several properties of water that contribute to the many benefits to be had by the canine patient.
Buoyancy
The buoyant force supports the dog’s weight reducing weight bearing
Viscosity
Movement in water is much slower on land- meaning if dogs have poor balance, they can be well supported in the water and even work on improving balance.
This viscosity also causes resistance which is very beneficial for strengthening as the dog’s limbs push through the resistance of the water
The warmth of the water (32 degrees) helps the muscles to relax, so comfort increases, joints loosen and movement is overall much easier than on land
Benefits of Underwater Treadmill
There are many benefits to be had by the canine patient from underwater treadmill therapy. These include
- Ease of movement of painful or healing structures
- Improved weight bearing
- Gait- re-education following spinal or neurological injury or disease
- Prevention of muscle atrophy
- Accelerated muscle strengthening
- Faster return to previous function following injury or surgery
- Improved joint range of motion
- Balance re-training
- Maintaining and prolonging mobility in senior pets
- Conditioning for sport and show ring
- Weight loss
Benefits of Swimming
There are many benefits to be had by the canine patient from swimming. These include
- Exercise in a gravity eliminated environment
- Prevention of muscle atrophy
- Accelerated muscle strengthening
- Faster return to previous function following injury or surgery
- Improved joint range of motion
- Maintaining and prolonging mobility in senior pets
- Conditioning for sport and show ring
- Improved fitness
- Weight loss
Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy
For Orthopedic Conditions
For Neurological Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy Furry Friends
This section is for your client testimonials, Rem ridi culus pharetra eligendi labore nulla explicabo sem! Modi ipsa, dolores cupiditate elementum molestias dis animi, consequ untur pulvinar, fringilla ducimus facilisis habitant, irure erure? Fringilla metus nulla expli cabo sem!
Rem ridi culus pharetra labore nulla expli cabo sem! Modi ipsa, dolores cupiditate elemen tum.
Jane Foster, Frankston
Rem ridi culus pharetra labore nulla expli cabo sem! Modi ipsa, dolores cupiditate elemen tum.
Mick O'Donnell, St Kilda
Rem ridi culus pharetra labore nulla expli cabo sem! Modi ipsa, dolores cupiditate elemen tum.
Michelle Johnston, Warrandyte