Dog Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is much more than just plain swimming - it is a safe and effective, carefully controlled form of exercise carried out in heated water, with very specific benefits.
Exercising on land puts bones and joints under stress; swimming allows the animals to exercise its muscles avoiding these stresses as it is being supported by the water. In addition, sudden twists, stops and falls are impossible, limiting the risk of accidents. As movement is more difficult due to the resistance of the water, swimming is also a challenging workout, strengthening the muscles and giving great cardiovascular benefits. Exercising in warm water has additional benefits, as the warmth of the water stimulates blood circulation, reduces pain and swelling and helps loosen stiff joints and muscles.
Hydrotherapy can also help with a dog’s mental state. Many dogs become frustrated and depressed when they cannot exercise or they are in pain. Hydrotherapy releases endorphins (“feel-good” chemicals), can reduce pain, swelling and stiffness, and also allows dogs to have fun whilst speeding up their recovery.
Hydrotherapy is successfully used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
· Arthritis
· Pain, swelling and stiffness
· Muscle spasms
· Hip and elbow dysplasia
· Recovery from injuries, e.g. fractures and sprains
· Pre-operative conditioning and post-operative rehabilitation
· Spinal Injuries, e.g. slipped disc, spondylosis, wobblers syndrome
· Neurological conditions, e.g. CDRM, stroke
· Obesity
· Panosteitis or “growing pains”
If you would like to know in details how your pet’s specific conditions can benefit from hydrotherapy, please give us a call.
Our hydrotherapy programme is entirely tailored to suit each dog’s needs. Each animal is treated as an individual – we do not only take into its medical conditions, but also its preferences and personality. As with all therapies and forms of exercise, it is important to ensure that your dog is fit and well enough to benefit. For this reason, we require a veterinary referral prior to commencing treatment. We will also keep in touch with your vet for the duration of the treatment to ensure that they are kept up to date with your dog’s progress and current condition.
The duration of the swimming session will depend on your dog’s physical condition and fitness level and is tailored to maximise the health benefits whilst avoiding excessive exertion and stress.
All dogs wear either a float or harness in the pool for their safety. It does not matter if your dog is not a swimmer; we have the equipment to suit each animal. Your dog is usually happiest when with you, so we welcome your presence in the pool room, but if you prefer it we can exercise on our own and report to you.
At the end of each session dogs are dried. We recommend a dog coat or blanket for the journey home to ensure the benefits of warm exercise are not reduced once leaving the centre.
Collection and delivery service available.
