Click here to read about some of the dogs which have benefitted from hydrotherapy at Hydropaws
Aims of Hydrotherapy
Our aim at Hydropaws is to improve the quality of life and pscyhological well being of the dogs as this is often compromised following injury/surgery as well as returning them to the level of fitness/function that they were prior to the injury/surgery.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
For post-operative dogs, hydrotherapy removes the weight loading on the injured limb, reducing pain so the pet is able to move the limbs. This movement helps to improve joint mobility and rebuild muscle mass, so the dog is able to return to its normal mobility quicker.
- The support of the water allows unbalanced and weak animals to stand without falling and move with greater ease - this is particularly important in dogs with neurological defects or that have had spinal surgery
- The warmth of the water also helps to reduce pain, and the combined warmth and increased limb movement relax the muscles and promote circulation which in turn aid healing. The hydrostatic pressure of the water has an anti-inflammatory effect which relieves pain and reduces swelling, and the resistance provided by the water helps improve circulation, strength and fitness.
- The underwater treadmill introduces weight bearing and re-education of a normal gait pattern. The height and temperature of the water and speed of the treadmill are adjusted to suit the individual dog's requirements.
Conditions that benefit from the underwater treadmill include:
- Joint disease including hip dysplasia
- Arthritis - improved mobility and quality of life
- Spinal injuries, disc disease and paralysis
- Cruciate injury and surgery
- Hip surgeries
- Post-operative fracture repair
- Muscle and ligament injuries
- Obesity - weight loss achieved safely without putting undue stress on the dogs joints
- Fitness and conditioning for working dogs - integrated into training programs to maximise athletic potential and minimise injury
Hydropaws offers a holistic and complementary approach to fitness and rehabilitation. We integrate hydrotherapy in the canine underwater treadmill alongside therapeutic exercises for strengthening, flexibility and improving body awareness, massage and stretching and computer assisted gait analysis.
