What is Canine Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a healthy, safe and effective treatment for dogs. The name derives from ancient Greek and simply means “water healing.” The benefits of hydrotherapy for humans have been known since ancient times; the buoyancy of water allows muscles to be exercised without any strain and warm water promotes relaxation and well-being.

Hydrotherapy is recognized as being beneficial to all dogs and is a treatment that is often prescribed by veterinarians to improve both physical and mental health.

Canine hydrotherapy is an aquatic exercise for dogs in a safe and warm environment. An underwater treadmill is used for controlled walking or running and the level of the water is adjustable from ankle deep to shoulder high. 

A course of hydrotherapy is often prescribed by vets as part of a physiotherapy regime but can also be enjoyed as a leisure and fitness activity for both pets and their owners.

Hydrotherapy has been recognised as an effective treatment for a range of conditions for many centuries; now, it has become an integral part of many veterinary practices. Hydrotherapy is effective for dogs of all breeds and ages and the ways in which exercising in warm water can help a dog’s fitness and wellbeing include:

• Before a planned operation

Hydrotherapy is often recommended by veterinarians for pre-operative conditioning to build and tone muscles before surgery; it is highly effective without risking further damage to damaged joints. By building muscle mass before surgery, the dog’s post-operative rehabilitation time will be greatly lessened.

• To assist recovery after an operation

Vets often prescribe a course of hydrotherapy sessions as part of a post-operative or post-trauma rehabilitation programme and hydrotherapy has been shown to improve the chances of a dog’s return to full fitness. Muscles begin to waste after just three days of immobilisation and exercise in the safe, controlled environment of a hydrotherapy treadmill is the ideal way to build muscle tone and strengthen joints.

• For senior dogs

Older dogs, who often suffer from arthritis and whose performance and stamina are beginning to decline, will benefit from hydrotherapy treatment. Many dogs begin to lose general fitness and muscle tone and start to put on weight as they gradually become less able to cope with exercise. The support of the warm water in the hydro treadmill allows the dog to exercise with reduced pain and a greater range of movement, resulting in improved flexibility and toned muscles. Older dogs who are given hydrotherapy treatment often seem to enjoy a new lease of life.

• Hydrotherapy forms part of the treatment for many other conditions

Hydrotherapy is commonly recommended for the post-operative rehabilitation of many conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, hip replacement, cruciate repair and general fixation.

In general conditions treated with hydrotherapy fall into the following categories: 

• Orthopaedic

• Neurological

• Soft tissue injuries

• Degenerative and medical conditions

• Conditions related to age - either juvenile/developmental or geriatric

These conditions can include: 

• Arthritis

• Hip dysplasia

• Cruciate ligament rupture - either conservative management or post operative recovery

• Patella luxation

• Elbow dysplasia

• Degenerative myelopathy (formerly known as CDRM)

• Spinal injuries including recovery from fractures and IV disc rupture (commonly known as a slipped disc)

• Spondylosis - spinal arthritis

• Mobility problems related to age

• Obesity control

• The warm temperature of the water relaxes muscles by causing an expansion of the blood vessels in the skin. As the skin temperature increases, the dog will experience a reduction of pain and muscle spasms will be relaxed. Pain, swollen joints and stiffness often lead to a decreased range of movement: stiffness is eased as the warm water expands blood vessels.

• When a joint is injured, body fluids tend to accumulate around the affected area, causing swelling and pain. The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps to reduce swelling by promoting the movement of body fluids away from the swollen joint. When immersion in warm water is combined with exercising the limb, blood circulation is improved, thus promoting healing.

• Buoyancy decreases the pressure on weight-bearing joints and dramatically lessens the impact associated with walking on dry land; it also improves balance and flexibility, helping to alleviate pain and allowing easier movement without further strain.

Obesity in dogs one of the most common problems seen by vets: as well as reducing mobility, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and a shortened lifespan. 

Canine hydrotherapy is a very effective tool in managing weight loss in obese dogs when used in conjunction with your vet’s recommendation for a calorie controlled diet. 

A programme of hydrotherapy sessions can be especially useful for dog owners who are struggling to provide their pet with enough exercise. Because hydrotherapy is non-impact and non-weight bearing it is kinder to muscles and joints than exercise on dry land and a hydrotherapy session  can provide a good workout for even the largest and most boisterous of dogs. As your dog gradually becomes fitter after exercising in the treadmill you can increase your programme of land-based walks and runs to restore your dog to its optimum level of fitness.

What is an Underwater Treadmill?

• At Kent and medway Hydrotherapy we operate a state of the art under water treadmill.

• An underwater treadmill is the most modern form of hydrotherapy for dogs. They are extremely effective for dogs with joint problems. 

• The equipment  is  a large  treadmill that comes in a glass enclosed chamber. Once the dog enters the chamber or tank, the doors are shut and the water fills up the tank with the level being just above the dog’s legs.

• The dog gradually begins to walk on the treadmill and faces the resistance that the water creates to strengthen their muscles in a low-impact environment. The speed of the treadmill  can vary depending upon the dog’s injuries and ability.

• As a result of this specific type of hydrotherapy for dogs, there is an improvement in blood circulation, an increase in joint flexibility and reduction in joint pain. Some of the additional benefits include cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and muscle strength