2025.01.21 Hydrotherapy for Pets

The Therapeutic Power of Water: Exploring Hydrotherapy for Dogs

February 3, 2025 Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, PCQI, PAS

In recent years, hydrotherapy has become a more popular treatment option for dogs, offering a unique and effective way to improve their health and well-being. While hydrotherapy has been a mainstay in human medicine for centuries, its application in veterinary care is relatively new. This therapy, which involves using water to aid in the rehabilitation and recovery of animals, is gaining traction among veterinarians, pet owners, and animal physical therapists.

Understanding Hydrotherapy: What It Is and How It Works

Hydrotherapy, derived from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "therapeia" (healing), involves the use of water to facilitate various therapeutic exercises.1 For dogs, hydrotherapy typically takes place in specialized pools, underwater treadmills, or whirlpool baths, where the buoyancy, resistance, and temperature of the water are leveraged to support the animal’s recovery process.2

Hydrotherapy offers several key advantages for dogs recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis. The buoyancy of water reduces the effects of gravity, thereby lessening the weight-bearing stress on joints and muscles. This allows dogs to exercise with reduced strain, making rehabilitation more comfortable and accessible. Additionally, water provides natural resistance, promoting muscle strengthening without the risks associated with land-based, weight-bearing exercises. This resistance also helps to enhance cardiovascular fitness.3

Hydrostatic pressure from water immersion can further support recovery by reducing swelling and alleviating pain.4 The warmth of the water adds another layer of therapeutic benefit, as it helps to relax muscles, ease stiffness, and improve circulation.5 This combination of warmth and pressure creates an ideal environment for healing, pain relief, and overall rehabilitation.

The Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Dogs

Common Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy Techniques: How It’s Done

There are several different types of hydrotherapy techniques used in veterinary care, each with its own unique benefits. The choice of technique depends on the dog’s condition, size, and specific needs.

Conclusion: Embracing Hydrotherapy for Holistic Dog Care

Hydrotherapy represents a valuable addition to the toolkit of holistic dog care, offering a gentle yet effective way to promote healing, manage pain, and enhance the quality of life for our animal companions. As more pet owners and veterinarians recognize the benefits of this therapy, its use is likely to continue to grow, providing countless dogs with the opportunity to lead healthier, happier lives.

For those considering hydrotherapy for their dogs, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian or animal physical therapist to determine if this treatment is right for their dogs’ specific needs. With the proper guidance and care, hydrotherapy can be a transformative experience, helping dogs to recover, thrive, and enjoy the many benefits of a balanced, active lifestyle.

Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply in need of a low-impact form of exercise, hydrotherapy offers a promising path to improved health and well-being. Embrace the therapeutic power of water and explore how hydrotherapy can make a positive difference in your dog’s life.

References

  1. Monk, M. (2007). Hydrotherapy. Animal physiotherapy: assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals, 187-198. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470751183.ch11
  2. Fernandes, Mayara Marques Pereira, Ana Caroline Lima da Cruz, Bárbara Perdome Machado Nunes, Deborah de Oliveira Soares, Thais de Oliveira Mustafa, Patricia Santos Ferreira Peruquetti, Patrícia Fernandes Nunes da Silva Malavazi, Acácio Duarte Pacheco, and Soraia Figueiredo de Souza. (2022). Physiological effects of land and water treadmill exercise in dogs. Ciência Rural52(9), e202100092. doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20210092
  3. Drum, M. G., Marcellin-Little, D. J., & Davis, M. S. (2015). Principles and applications of therapeutic exercises for small animals. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice, 45(1), 73-90. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.09.005
  4. Torres-Ronda, L., & i del Alcázar, X. S. (2014). The properties of water and their applications for training. Journal of human kinetics, 44, 237. doi:10.2478/hukin-2014-0129
  5. Nganvongpanit, K., Kongsawasdi, S., Chuatrakoon, B., & Yano, T. (2011). Heart rate change during aquatic exercise in small, medium and large healthy dogs. The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 41(4), 455-462. doi: 10.56808/2985-1130.2337
  6. De Smedt, L. (2019). Hydrotherapy as a conservative therapy for canine hip dysplasia. https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/784/483/RUG01-002784483_2019_0001_AC.pdf
  7. Cartlidge, H. (2015). Hydrotherapy for the osteoarthritic dog: why might it help and is there any evidence?. The Veterinary Nurse, 6(10), 600-606. Doi: 10.12968/vetn.2015.6.10.600
  8. Preston, T., & Wills, A. P. (2018). A single hydrotherapy session increases range of motion and stride length in Labrador retrievers diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. The Veterinary Journal, 234, 105-110. doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.02.013
  9. Connell, L., & Monk, M. (2010). Small animal post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation. The Veterinary Nurse, 1(1), 12-21. doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2010.1.1.12
  10. Spinella, G., Bettella, P., Riccio, B., & Okonji, S. (2022). Overview of the current literature on the most common neurological diseases in dogs with a particular focus on rehabilitation. Veterinary Sciences, 9(8), 429. doi:10.3390/vetsci9080429
  11. Tomlinson, R. (2012). Use of canine hydrotherapy as part of a rehabilitation programme. The Veterinary Nurse, 3(10), 624-629. doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2012.3.10.624
  12. Gamble, L. J. (2022). Physical rehabilitation for small animals. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 52(4), 997-1019. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.03.005

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.

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