About Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy basically means healing with water. It is a non/ partially supported weight bearing exercise utilising the therapeutic properties of warm water. Swimming sessions are carried out by trained Hydrotherapists to improve a dogs fitness and function. All cases are treated differently and respond in varying degrees. For some dogs simply floating/sitting or free swimming gently in the warm water pool can relieve pain and inflammation.

For other dogs more vigorous exercise is used to improve range of movement, tone muscles and increase strength. When used after surgery or injury this can aid the patient to a speedier recovery. The benefit of buoyancy supports dogs in a non-weight bearing or partially weight bearing environment thus allowing movements that would not be possible on land, due to a weakness or injury. This is particularly useful for dogs that have spinal conditions. For dogs on restricted exercise or crate rest swimming can also reduce frustration.

Learn More

Pre and Post operative conditions.
Pain, swelling and stiffness (arthritis, veteran dogs).
Hip and elbow dysplasia, OCD, cruciate ligament injuries.
Spinal injuries, paralysis, amputation (strengthens muscles, increases range of movement, promotes overall blood circulation).
Cardiovascular fitness (improves heart and lung function). Excellent for working, agility, racing and show dogs.
Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet) and weight management.
Behavioural problems. Swimming allows your dog to release his energy in a safe and healthy manner. This in turn helps to rebalance his mental well being and may help reduce unwanted behaviour.
Because swimming is totally non weight bearing it is extremely useful with young large breed dogs where exercise may be restricted due to possible joint damage.

• Reduced weight bearing and limb loading

• Improved cardiovascular fitness

• Strengthened muscles and improved joint mobilisation

• Helps to speed up recovery

• Slows the progression of degenerative conditions

• Relieves swelling, pain and stiffness

• Increases range of movement

• Provides support allowing more comfortable exercise

• Enhances mental well-being

• Safe, controlled environment

Extension of the limbs/joints is more complete than with swimming
Variable water heights and speeds for individual treatment plans. Slow speeds are used for animals with neurological problems since the viscosity of the water gives more reaction time and they’re more likely to step correctly instead of dragging their feet. Moderate speeds are used for most post-surgical and arthritic pets initially and to warm up and cool down athletes. Fast speeds are used for athletes and stronger animals that are more advanced in their rehabilitation.
Less intimidating than swimming for dogs who are fearful of water.
Gentle and low impact enough for post-surgical patients (2 weeks post op with sutures removed)
Further advanced techniques allowing us to focus the treatment on specific areas.
We also have the ability to adjust the incline of the belt. All dogs will start off on a flat belt, however we are able to increase the belt at 10% intervals, all the way up to 100% which is like walking up a steep hill.

Patella luxation

Build muscle pre or post surgery to support the joint and prevent abduction of the joint. Help to reduce inflammation along with the use of NSAIDs

Cruciate ligament disease

Aim to increase muscle around joint supporting the cruciate ligament as well as decrease pain. By doing this alongside a restricted exercise programme, your dog will become weight bearing.

Osteoarthritis & OCD

This normally occurs secondary to other conditions. By doing hydrotherapy you will reduce pain and inflammation due to the warmth of the water, increase range of movement reducing toxins and increasing nutrients within the joint capsule.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Hydrotherapy will maintain and increase muscle bulk to keep good extension and minimize arthritic changes. This may be an option to swim as a form of conservative management rather than opting for surgery.

Obesity

Hydrotherapy can help increase cardiovascular fitness as well as burn fat and build muscle. We have scales in our centre, so we can set up a weight loss plan for your dog. As little as 5 minutes in the pool is equivalent to a 20 minute walk.

Degenerative Myolopathy

Hydrotherapy will help slow the progression of symptoms and improve the animals quality of life. Swimming Improves the feeling of wellbeing due to the release of endorphins.