Hydrotherapy

What is Canine Hydrotherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy is a form of non-weight bearing exercise, this can be seen in either a swimming pool or the use of an underwater treadmill. Hydrotherapy involves the use of key water properties which are important in facilitating rehabilitation. The key water properties help to reduce pressure from the joints and encourage a greater range of movement.

What are the benefits?

Evidence based benefits of hydrotherapy indicate that it:

• Removes pressure from the joints which improves range of motion
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps to increase blood circulation
• Re-educates a correct gait pattern
• Increases muscle mass
• Reduces concussive forces felt by the joints during exercise
• Improves stamina and strength in a controlled environment
• Provides cardiovascular fitness
• Provides mental stimulation

Hydrotherapy Water

The treadmill water is lightly chlorinated to keep it clean, it is tested 3 times daily and sent for microbiological testing every month. The chemical levels in the water are kept within strict boundaries and adjusted when needed. Your dog will be showered before and after their session in order to help keep the water clean and to avoid your dog ingesting the chlorinated water.

Your Session

Your dog will be introduced to the treadmill slowly. It is essentially a big glass box that fills with water, then the floor moves - weird! We cannot explain that to them, so we have to show them and allow them to take the time to accept it. Performing hydrotherapy on a stressed animal is not therapeutic and will not achieve the best from your sessions.

Before starting the session your dog will be given a short health check and showered to remove excess dirt and oils.

During the session their heart rate and mucous membrane colour will be monitored closely to ensure they are coping with the respiratory demand of the session.

Afterwards, they will be showered again to remove excess treadmill water and towel dried ready to go home.

How to Prepare

Please consider the following before coming to your hydrotherapy sessions:

• If your dog experiences any vomiting or diarrhoea in the 24 hours before your session, please call to reschedule
• Please do not walk your dog on the day of your session
• No food 3 hours before your session or until 1 hour after. If your dog is diabetic, please factor this into your appointment time and we will replace your dog's walk with the hydrotherapy session at the time they would usually be walking.
• Please bring with you a towel or drying coat and a supply of your dog's treats.

If you have any questions at all please contact the surgery on 01548 853322