Canine Hydrotherapy

For many thousands of years water has been documented as having several therapeutic effects. Hydropaws offers the first underwater treadmill in New Zealand.

The therapeutic effects of water are combined with controlled exercise in a Aqua Paws underwater treadmill. Treadmill speed, water level and temperature are adjusted to suit the individual dogs need. Most dogs love the underwater treadmill.

      

The underwater treadmill is a great form of exercise for all animals, especially those with orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Sessions in the underwater treadmill are useul for dogs recovering from surgery and many types of injury, and can also help with arthritis, obesity and general fitness training.   Fitter animals are less likely to be injured - they are faster, slimmer and less at risk from obesity related problems.

How does it work?

The combined effects of warmth and pressure of the water and the buoyancy of water provides a number of benefits including;

Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
Promotion of relaxation
Joint mobilisation
Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
Increase in range of motion of affected limbs
Improved circulation
Cardiovascular fitness

The warmth of the water will relax muscles and brings about a decrease in pain and muscle spasm.  Stiffness can be eased as the warmth of the water causes the blood vessels to expand.

Hydrostatic pressure applied by the water can assist in reducing swelling.  This is increased with exercising the limb to enhance the circulation.  The resistance provided by the water helps improve strength and cardiovascular fitness.

The water supports the weight of the animal and reduces stress on joints allowing them to participate in low impact exercise which reduces the pain they experience walking on land. The support of the water allows unbalanced and weak animals to stand without falling and they can move their body with greater ease. This limb use helps to prevent muscles from wasting away after injury and the dog is able to return to its normal function quicker.

Conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy

Obesity
Fitness & conditioning for working and competition dogs
Muscle injuries, strains and imbalances
Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD) and Degenerative Joint Disease
Arthritis
Spinal injuries, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Disc Prolapse, Paralysis, Wobblers Syndrome, Proprioception deficits
Amputation
Post operative fracture repair
Cruciate injury,surgery
Hip surgeries
Hip & elbow dysplasia

To download a Veterinary Referral Form which is required for dogs requiring hydrotherapy post injury or for rehabilitation purposes please click here.

For any further questions on hydrotherapy please do not hesitate to contact us.