At Well Dog Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre we take pride in offering the highest quality hydrotherapy for our patients. We have helped many dogs over the years and their owners have seen some incredible results. We talk a lot about how hydrotherapy works and what conditions it can help, but less about its physical and emotional benefits. This article covers both.
Physical benefits of canine hydrotherapy
Movement in water provides increased resistance, which amps up the effects of exercise. Some experts say your dog will reap the benefits of a ten-mile run in a ten-minute swim. The buoyancy of the water is what makes this possible. It allows overweight, recovering or disabled dogs to perform non-weight bearing exercise with significantly reduced stress on their joints.
Less stress on the joints means quicker healing from surgery, helped along by increased circulation. All the systems in your dog’s body, including the skin, muscles, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, reproductive and skeletal systems, are simultaneously relaxed and stimulated by water-based therapy.
Pain and spasms can reduce, which lowers stress, while metabolic functions and hormones are stimulated. Hydrotherapy also helps drain lymphatic fluid, reduces inflammation and improves range of movement.
Emotional benefits of canine hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy doesn’t just offer physical benefits. There are emotional ones too. Many dogs that begin to lose mobility as they age experience sadness and fear, particularly when their conditions cause pain or when they have to face uncomfortable procedures like injections or surgery.
The support of the water during hydrotherapy gives your dog relief from physical pain. That relief promotes a sense of safety and wellbeing that calms a dog’s mind. A dog’s body is about 60% water, which is one reason being supported in our hydrotherapy pool can feel so settling. Getting in the pool gives them a feeling of completion and harmony.
What it looks like in practice
We have helped older dogs run on walks again, post-op patients build back strength gently, anxious dogs gain water confidence, and overweight dogs shift weight without putting strain on their joints. Every dog is different, and we tailor every plan accordingly.
If you would like to see the benefits for your own dog, give us a call to arrange an assessment. We are happy to chat through any concerns you have first.