Water Therapy
There are many benefits of swimming and moving around in warm water. People suffering from pain from arthritis and disabilities know the benefits of hydrotherapy, and now dogs are discovering water therapy too. Moving through water helps ease discomfort and aids mobility.
The temperature of the water in the hydrotherapy pool should be 80°F– 100˚ F. This warmth promotes even blood flow to the injured area and increases muscle and joint flexibility. Cold water constricts the blood vessels near the skin and reduces blood flow to muscles, makeing them less efficient.
Veterinarians and water rehabilitation specialists introduce dogs with severe arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and spinal injuries to a heated pool. The buoyancy of the water provides a feeling of weightlessness that enables dogs to use all of their muscles without exerting stress on their damaged or weak muscles. It encourages more movement and supports and lessens the stress on the joints. Swimming helps build muscle mass around the spine, which eases the pain.
Dogs that are not strong swimmers or are nervous in water wear special canine life jackets with handles. The therapist will use these to guide the dog and help him stay calm during the workout.
Dogs can benefit from warm water therapy in many ways. Water therapy has the following effects on dogs:
Increases range of motion
Diminishes muscle tension
Reduces pain
Reduces stress and anxiety
Increases body awareness
Releases emotional stress
Increases circulation
A veterinarian or a therapist trained in water rehabilitation for dogs should perform hydrotherapy. There are two types of hydrotherapy. In one type, the dog swims in an exercise pool against a current. The other uses an underwater treadmill on which dogs walk against the force of the water. Some therapists prefer using the underwater treadmill for rehabilitating hips and back legs because the therapist can regulate the speed, resistance, and depth of the water.
For dogs that are afraid of water, the treadmill provides a sense of security because their feet can touch the treadmill. The therapist can stand beside the dog to reassure her as she walks.
In the other types of water therapy, dogs have a more thorough body workout and conditioning. Before signing your dog up for water workouts, inspect the facility to make sure the pool is clean and the therapist is licensed according to your state's requirements.
