Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic rehabilitation method that takes advantage of the physical properties of water, such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, resistance and temperature to improve physiological functioning. With documented success in human physical therapy, hydrotherapy has been used for years in the horse racing industry and is now branching out to include house pets.  

Conditions treated by hydrotherapy can be divided into four general categories: 

1. Post-Operative Some of the most common post-operative conditions are hip and knee orthopedic injuries such as CCL, TPLO, and FHO, as well as back and neck surgeries. Whenever a pet has decreased mobility or activity, their risk of muscle atrophy and weight gain rises.   

2. Pre-Operative Pre-operative pets can benefit from hydrotherapy as well optimizing their pre-surgery condition, the recovery period is often made shorter and less painful.   

3. Chronic Conditions Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, luxating patella, spinal injury and arthritis are all chronic conditions that are often treated with hydrotherapy. The buoyancy of the water decreases the weight bearing by your pet and the warm temperature of the water increases flexibility, improves circulation and eases pain. Hydrotherapy specifically helps animals with weak muscles, stiff/swollen joints or poor range of motion.   

4. Fitness

   Within the fitness category, hydrotherapy is a great option for your pets. Benefits include increased strengthening, joint mobility, conditioning, weight management and mental stimulation. Dispelling many myths, hydrotherapy isn’t just for dogs. A cat with the appropriate personality can also benefit from this modality, and we do offer this and other rehabilitation services for felines.

Within the fitness category, hydrotherapy is a great option for your pets.

Benefits include increased strengthening, joint mobility, conditioning, weight management and mental stimulation. Dispelling many myths, hydrotherapy isn’t just for dogs. A cat with the appropriate personality can also benefit from this modality, and we do offer this and other rehabilitation services for felines.

Hydrotherapy treatment benefits:

• Warm water enhances pain reduction and the healing process

• Older animals with joint problems can exercise effectively

• Improved circulation

• Restoration of mobility

• Strengthening of limbs

• Increased range of motion

• Improved coordination and function

• Variable water heights accommodate different sized dogs and allow for adjustable weight bearing

• Dogs can either swim at maximum water height or walk comfortably on the treadmill at lower water heights
  

FAQs

My dog does not like water. Can he still participate in therapy?

Most dogs do not jump into the water right away, but get used to the water after one or two sessions. However, if your pet does not tolerate the water, there are plenty of other forms of exercise and therapeutic modalities that we can use to help your pet. 

What is an underwater treadmill and how does it work?

An underwater treadmill is a self contained unit allowing for buoyancy and resistance training while walking on a treadmill submerged in warm water. The unit itself is comprised of a treadmill section, water storage tank and a filtration unit. The underwater treadmill at WAG has variable control over speed, resistance, and depth, which allows for a tailored and progressive therapy plan for patients of all sizes. The tank has jets which can be turned on or off, depending on the amount of resistance desired. Also, the tank converts to a countercurrent swim tank so patients can benefit from both treadmill and swim therapy. 

The dog (or cat, if they are comfortable in water) walks into the dry treadmill unit with the therapist, the door is closed behind them and water enters the chamber to the desired depth and buoyancy. Depending on the size of the patient this can take from thirty seconds to two minutes. The treadmill is then turned on and your dog or permissive cat walks for a prescribed time and speed, both of which are based the patient’s rehabilitation needs.

Following the aquatic therapy session, the water is drained, the dog (or cat) and the therapist leave the treadmill and the patient is towel or blow dried.

What are the unique benefits of hydrotherapy?

Exercising in water is effective for improving strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, range of motion, agility, and psychological well-being, while minimizing pain. It is also an excellent form of exercise for weight loss.

Many conditions benefit from hydrotherapy, especially those disorders in which an animal is reluctant to use a limb or there is a lack of strength, range of motion, proprioceptive ability (the ability to know where the feet are placed), or weight-bearing status. An animal that will not use a limb on land will frequently use it in the water.