The term Hydrotherapy comes from the Greek term meaning "water cure."
Humans have known how beneficial water exercise is for centuries, but it’s only recently become popular in canine physical therapy...despite our dogs constantly dunking themselves in lakes or paddling out to sea!
What is hydrotherapy for dogs?
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical rehabilitation therapy conducted either fully submerged or with the dog's body weight supported by water on a special treadmill. It uses buoyancy to reduce stress on your dog’s joints.
The pressure of the water on the body reduces inflammation and swelling, and the increased resistance on the limbs as they power through the water helps to improve muscle strength.
Canine hydrotherapy sessions are held in a warm water pool, on an underwater treadmill, or, less often, in a canine whirlpool—always under the guidance and supervision of a qualified canine hydrotherapist.
What are the benefits of canine hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy removes pressure on joints and enables dogs to move their bodies more freely than they could on land. It alleviates pain and helps them to build strength.
Veterinary surgeons often recommend hydrotherapy after surgery, particularly joint surgery. It is also useful for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative diseases, and neurological conditions. It improves a dog's overall fitness and conditioning, can support performance in sports dogs, and helps with weight management programs.
Hydrotherapy can:
-
Relieve pain
-
Reduce inflammation and swelling
-
Increase muscle strength
-
Improve proprioception
-
Increase joint range of motion
-
Release muscle tension and relax spasms
-
Improve cardiovascular fitness
-
Increase circulation and support tissue healing
-
Support pre-operative muscle conditioning before joint surgery
-
Improves mental wellbeing and quality of life.
Types of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is carried out in warm water, typically between 28 °C and 32 °C. It supports muscle relaxation and facilitates blood vessel dilation, thereby boosting circulation.
Hydrotherapy pool
A hydrotherapy pool enables dogs to be fully supported by the water. They’re swimming, usually with the support of a buoyancy jacket. Because swimming in a pool is completely non-weight-bearing, it relieves pressure on the joints and encourages your dog to move their joints more, improving their range of motion.
Hydrotherapy pools encourage fully active exercise. Often, dogs who are unable or reluctant to use one of their legs will be more inclined to use it in the pool before they work up to using it on dry land..
Qualified hydrotherapists always get into the pool with the dogs for their therapy sessions, to support them and guide the exercises. This is also reassuring for dogs who might be nervous of the water.
Underwater treadmills
Underwater treadmills are useful for dogs who need to build strength or could benefit from a little extra support while still bearing some weight on their legs. The water level can be adjusted according to the support or type of therapeutic exercise the dog needs.
The dog enters the treadmill via a shallow ramp, the back is closed up, and the treadmill fills with water. It might be kept at ankle or knee height to increase the resistance and build strength, or it could be filled to shoulder height to provide more support and alleviate pressure on the joints.
The treadmill's speed can be set according to the patient's needs.
Whirlpool therapy
This treatment is used less frequently and is a type of manual therapy. Water jets stimulate and relax muscles, improving circulation, reducing muscle spasms, and supporting healing. The jets of water massage the dog's muscles and joints, helping to alleviate pain.
Similar to a hot tub, but more clinical.
How much does canine hydrotherapy cost?
Prices vary from place to place, and the facilities and expertise available will also impact the cost. A recent study of UK centres found that prices range from around £30 to £50 per 30-minute session.
Does my vet need to refer my dog for hydrotherapy, and will my pet insurance cover it?
It depends on why your dog needs hydrotherapy. If you’re taking them for a “fitness swim” to help keep them healthy and active, then you probably won’t need a veterinary referral. However, if your sessions are to support any medical condition, then you’ll need to speak to your vet and liaise with your hydrotherapist to make sure a proper referral is in place.
Many pet insurance companies do cover hydrotherapy under their complementary therapy cover. Check with your provider to see if your policy includes hydrotherapy.
Where can take my dog for canine hydrotherapy?
Your best contact will be your vet. They will be able to recommend a specialist hydrotherapist who is local to you. They may even have their own facilities.
If you are looking outside your veterinary clinic, ensure that any therapists you approach are qualified and registered with a professional body. Always check their insurance and visit their facility before committing to treatment.
Check the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists or the Canine Hydrotherapy Association to find a therapist near you.
