Canine Hydrotherapy: Underwater Treadmills for Recovery, Strength, and Wellbeing
When dogs are injured, undergo surgery, suffer from arthritis, or have mobility issues, regular exercise may actually worsen their condition. Canine hydrotherapy with an underwater treadmill is a veterinarian-approved type of rehabilitation that is gentle, controlled, and effective. Underwater treadmill therapy is now being used by many advanced veterinary practices to help dogs recover quickly, improve mobility, and remain pain-free during physical activity.
What is Canine Hydrotherapy Using an Underwater Treadmill?
Underwater treadmill therapy uses a special treadmill inside a tank of water that allows dogs to walk on the treadmill while the water supports the dog’s weight partially. In addition to decreased stress on the dog’s joints and allowing for purposeful movement, this type of therapy provides benefits to the dog’s overall fitness level.
Underwater treadmill therapy’s temperature, depth, and speed are adjusted for each dog based on their size, condition, and phase of recovery to ensure both safety and a custom fit.
Why Underwater Treadmills Work Well With Dogs
Water Provides Buoyancy, Decreasing Joint Pain
Water provides buoyancy, which decreases the stress on a dog’s joints. This is beneficial for dogs with arthritis and other orthopedic issues (for example, hip dysplasia) and after surgery (for example, ACL repair) by allowing for physical activity without the pressure of the full body weight.
Strengthens Muscles Without Impact
Through the water’s resistance, your dog can build muscle and improve balance while rebuilding muscle strength without the stress associated with land-based activities.
Improved Mobility & Gait
An underwater treadmill has controlled motion so that you can teach your dog to move its limbs correctly. This helps with regaining a normal gait after surgery or an accident.
Healing More Quickly
The warmth of the water increases blood flow and reduces stiffness, while also providing relief from inflammation. These are all important factors that aid in the recovery process.
Weight Management
For overweight dogs, the use of underwater treadmill therapy is an excellent way to burn calories while providing support to their joints.
Who Can Benefit From Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can benefit many different types of dogs, including:
- Dogs recovering from orthopedic or spinal surgeries
- Senior dogs that are experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility
- Dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or joint pain
- Overweight dogs that require low-impact exercise
- Athletic dogs and working dogs in need of conditioning
- Dogs who have had muscle weakness or neurological issues
With each session being supervised by trained professionals, your dog’s progress will be closely monitored and adjusted accordingly as improvements occur.
A Safe Controlled Method of Better Movement
The primary benefit of underwater treadmill therapy is the ability to maintain control over your dog’s movement. Unlike swimming, where the dog has to be directed to swim in a certain direction, with an underwater treadmill, your dog will always have some form of support and will be supervised and guided as it improves. Hydrotherapy not only has therapeutic benefits for dogs but also has a positive effect on their confidence, particularly in those dogs that are uncomfortable with conventional forms of exercise.
Many owners report increased strength, comfort, and mobility in their dogs after only a few hydrotherapy sessions.
Ready to Help Your Dog Move Better?
Does your dog have a surgical-related injury? Does your dog have mobility issues? Is your dog a candidate for low-impact conditioning? If you answered yes to any of these questions, canine hydrotherapy could be just what your dog needs. To learn more or to schedule an assessment, please contact AV Veterinary Center today. Our staff of experienced veterinary professionals will happily answer any questions you may have and provide a customized rehabilitation program for your dog. You can reach us by either telephone or by submitting a question to us online. Start today!
FAQs
No. Dogs on an underwater treadmill walk, not swim. They are fully supported throughout their session.
Yes. Hydrotherapy is particularly suited to seniors as the use of hydrotherapy reduces stress on their joints while allowing them to remain active.
The number of hydrotherapy sessions required by your dog will depend on the severity of the injury. Many owners of dogs with minor injuries observe progress after three to five hydrotherapy sessions.
Most dogs do. As soon as they realize that hydrotherapy does not hurt, most dogs find hydrotherapy to be a relaxing and confidence-building experience.
