We became a bit curious about hydrotherapy when we found an interesting article on it, so we decided to find out more about this method of therapy and rehab to see if it is a good option for our handicapped best friends. We’ve done some research and come up with this brief but hopefully informative article.

What’s It About

Hydrotherapy, as the term implies is a method of physical therapy or physical rehabilitation making use of water as a medium. It has been in use for quite a long time now for people and is slowly gaining popularity for animals such as horses and dogs. It takes advantage of the properties of water to help the patient to recovery muscle mass, blood circulation and joint movement. The most important advantage of making use of water for therapy is its buoyancy, which creates a low gravity environment, thereby helping the patient focus on the limbs that needs therapy. It also lessens the friction on the joints during sessions.

It has been proven to be effective in helping many dogs with various problems and complications. It is a beneficial form of treatment for dogs recovering from injuries and/or operations, those who have degenerative joint problems, and even paralyzed dogs. It is very beneficial for old dogs with arthritis and is has also been proven to be effective as a weight loss program for overweight dogs.

Types of Hydrotherapy for Dogs

There are mainly three types of hydrotherapy for dogs: whirlpools, dog pools and treadmills.

WHIRLPOOLS

This is mainly used to help dogs get accustomed to the water environment. The water temperature is regulated based on the nature of treatment. It is a safe and relaxing environment, but at the same time provide just the right kind of stress for effective rehabilitation. A trained medical professional assists the dog while in the whirlpool and performs the therapy.

DOG POOLS

This is similar to a swimming pool for people where dogs can learn to swim, do laps, and play catch. The dogs wear life vests and the therapy sessions are supervised by trained medical professionals.

TREADMILLS

This is usually a transparent glass tub with a treadmill inside. The dogs, with a life vest on, is placed inside the tub on the treadmill, and then water is allowed to pour in up to a height a little above the dog’s limbs, covering part of the body below the neck. The treadmill is then turned on to make the dog walk while supported by the water.

Benefits of Water Therapy

Based on our research, water therapy is a very effective method of physical therapy for various kinds of muscle and joint problems as well as for weight loss programs for dogs. It is very effective because it is an environment that effectively addresses the difficulties associated with physical therapy, such as the impact of gravity and increased friction on the joints during exercise. It also increases the efficacy of exercises due to the increased resistance water creates compared to air.

Is It Good for Your Best Friend?

Clearly, hydrotherapy is something worth exploring and considering to help your best friend get the exercise it needs when faced with physical limitations. The best first step is to consult your veterinarian and find out more about this type of therapy, as well as other options available in your area.