Hydrotherapy (or water cure) for dogs is an occupational or physiotherapy treatment that uses water resistance to treat injuries and pain.
Hydrotherapy is a Greek word that means “water healing”. But can it be beneficial for dogs?
Hydrotherapy is beneficial for dogs, and there are many to learn. These are some of the essential facts you need to know about hydrotherapy for dogs.
Hydrotherapy is a method that uses water to treat injuries and pain in dogs. Hydrotherapy is especially helpful for dogs with conditions like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia or arthritis. It also helps dogs paralyzed or who have lost a limb.
Hydrotherapy is a combination of buoyancy, resistance and viscosity that helps dogs move injured joints. This therapy is weightless and eliminates the pressure of gravity.
As they attempt to heal from their condition, your dog’s buoyancy in the water helps reduce stress on their joints. Because it reduces swelling in the body tissues, this therapy can also be used as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Hydrotherapy for dogs: Different types
Hydrotherapy for dogs can be divided into three main types. Each type uses different equipment and serves a specific purpose. Talk to your vet about which type of hydrotherapy is best for your dog’s rehabilitation needs.
Treadmill for Underwater
This is the most popular form of hydrotherapy for dogs. It is especially suitable for people with arthritis and joint problems. The hydro treadmill is enclosed in a plastic or glass chamber. The door closes once the dog has entered the chamber. Water fills the chamber up to the level of the dog’s legs.
Your dog will start to move as the treadmill slows down. This exercise is low-impact and provides enough resistance to help strengthen their joints.
Whirlpool Therapy
This therapy is for dogs recovering from major surgery and provides pain relief. This therapy is similar to a Jacuzzi for dogs.
The harness would be secured and the dog would then be lowered into the pool. The location of the injury on your dog will determine how high the water level.
The warm jet stream from the whirlpool massages your dog’s muscles once he or she has entered the water. Your dog will feel relief from the water jets’ deep effects on his injured joints.
Dog Pools
Hydrotherapy is a form of hydrotherapy that provides enough resistance to allow dogs with arthritis or other degenerative joint problems to move freely. This hydrotherapy focuses on certain areas of the dog’s bodies, including their elbows and chest muscles.
The vet or therapist will determine the size and depth of your dog’s pool. They also need to know what kind of joint problems your dog has. If your dog is not fond of water, they will likely wear a floater or a harness.
A therapist would be available to help them monitor their movements in water.
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy for dogs?
Hydrotherapy is not only beneficial for relieving pain or rehabilitating joints. It also has other benefits such as the following:
Stiffness, pain, swelling and relief
Muscle strengthening
Muscle spasms can be relieved
Greater range of motion
Increase blood circulation
Tissue healing
Cardiovascular fitness
Gait modification
Injury recovery is quicker
Hydrotherapy for dogs: What else do I need to know?
Hydrotherapy is safe, effective, and reliable for your dog. Hydrotherapy for dogs is safe, effective and reliable. However, professionals and dog therapists must have the appropriate experience and training to handle dog injuries and pain relief.
Hydrotherapy can also be done with specialized equipment that targets specific areas of your dog’s medical problems.
Hydrotherapy costs vary depending on the injury or pain that your dog has suffered, how long they require therapy, what kind of therapy is required, and availability in your local area.
To determine the best treatment for your dog, consult your vet.