Splashing around in water can be fun for your dog, but did you know that water can also provide a unique avenue for improving a dog’s well-being and even assist in their recovery from various health conditions? This is the essence of dog or canine hydrotherapy, and in this article, we will cover everything you need to know!
What is Dog Hydrotherapy?
Dog or canine hydrotherapy involves using water to promote low-impact activity in dogs without straining their muscles and joints. It utilises water’s natural properties (buoyancy and resistance) to strengthen and condition a dog’s muscles and overall endurance. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on your dog as it is immersed in water; this effect reduces the weight and pressure of your dog’s body on its limbs, allowing it to move freely without straining its muscles and joints. Meanwhile, water resistance will enable dogs to engage their muscles to improve their overall endurance.
Dog hydrotherapy is typically included in a comprehensive treatment plan to help dogs gradually recover from injury or illness. It primarily focuses on walking or swimming in water with the assistance of an underwater treadmill. A trained hydrotherapist will be present to help your dog build up its physical strength while improving its confidence in water. Dog hydrotherapy allows your dog to enjoy gentle but vital muscle conditioning and strengthening exercises to restore overall mobility and range of motion.
The Many Benefits of Dog Hydrotherapy
Various case studies have found that dog hydrotherapy provides many long-term benefits, including:
- Welcome relief from aches, joint stiffness, pain, and swelling.
- Strengthening muscles and joints.
- Improving range of motion in joints and overall flexibility.
- Improving blood circulation which helps with overall recovery.
- Improving cardiovascular function.
- Gradually improve your dog’s stamina levels.
- Reducing muscle strains and injuries.
Conditions Dog Hydrotherapy Can Treat
Dog hydrotherapy can help in managing various conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Luxating patella.
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis).
- Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons).
- Spinal or neuromuscular disease.
- Post-surgery recovery.
- Support weight loss.
How Does Dog Hydrotherapy Work?
A vet will first assess your dog’s condition, especially if it has recently undergone surgery; it may take a few days or weeks before your dog can start hydrotherapy. It is essential to do so to prevent the risk of contamination of your dog’s healing wounds or interfere with its recovery.
Hydrotherapy is typically conducted in a pool filled with warm water. Warm water (between 27 and 34°C) promotes dogs’ blood circulation and relaxes their joints and muscles, providing welcome pain relief and boosting their recovery rate. The pool size may be determined by the dog’s breed, size, physical condition, and other factors. Session length also may vary depending on your dog: senior dogs may need shorter sessions to avoid overstraining themselves.
If your dog needs to use an underwater treadmill, its speed and depth will be carefully tailored around its current therapy needs. The attending hydrotherapists will adjust the water level and treadmill pace accordingly and continuously optimise therapy for your dog’s benefit.
Some dogs may be scared of entering the water, so flotation devices will help keep them afloat and give them the confidence to swim. Over time, dogs will naturally become confident in swimming without these aids. Even so, a trained hydrotherapist will always be present to ensure your dog’s safety throughout the session.
Safety Tips for Dog Hydrotherapy
There are several essential safety tips to keep in mind at all times during hydrotherapy.
- Never forget to use flotation devices on your dog, especially if this is your dog’s first time swimming. Doing so can prevent the risk of drowning if your dog gets tired.
- If your dog cannot swim, take things slow and have a trained hydrotherapist on standby for safety.
- If your dog is reluctant to swim, avoid pressuring them to swim. You could end up hurting your dog or even yourself in the process. It is best to seek professional advice in such a scenario.
- Dogs with medical conditions will need additional supervision from a trained hydrotherapist to minimise the risk of unpleasant adverse conditions.
- Keep a close eye on your dog so you can look for signals that it is feeling stressed or tired. If this happens, stop hydrotherapy immediately. Your attention and care can improve your dog’s confidence and trust.
- Ensure you and your dog have fun together, along with your hydrotherapist, as it can help build your dog’s confidence in swimming.
Seek Professional Dog Hydrotherapy in Singapore
If you need further support or have other questions, the Bluewater Vet Acupuncture & Rehabilitation team is here to help! Contact us via our website or WhatsApp anytime for more information on canine hydrotherapy or our professional services tailored to maintain your dog’s well-being!
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