
The Therapeutic Power of Water: Exploring Hydrotherapy for Dogs
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
- Rehabilitation and Recovery: Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repairs or hip replacements. The controlled environment of a hydrotherapy pool allows dogs to regain strength and mobility at a gradual pace, reducing the risk of re-injury.
- Pain Management: Dogs suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, can experience significant relief through hydrotherapy.6 The buoyancy of the water alleviates pressure on joints, while the warm water soothes aching muscles.
- Weight Management: For overweight dogs, hydrotherapy provides a low-impact form of exercise that can help them lose weight without putting additional stress on their joints. This is particularly important for dogs that struggle with mobility issues due to their weight.
- Improved Mobility: Hydrotherapy can help improve a dog’s range of motion, flexibility, and coordination. This is particularly beneficial for older dogs or those with neurological conditions that affect their mobility.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness: The resistance of water provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, helping to improve a dog’s overall fitness level and endurance.
Common Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy
- Arthritis: Hydrotherapy is often recommended for dogs with arthritis to reduce pain and improve joint function. With no cure available, treatment centers around easing discomfort and progression of clinical signs. Hydrotherapy allows aerobic ability, muscle strength, and range of motion to be improved or maintained while reducing pain.6
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia, both conditions causing arthritis, can benefit from hydrotherapy by strengthening the muscles around the affected joints, which helps to stabilize the joint and reduce discomfort.8
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After orthopedic surgeries, hydrotherapy can aid in the recovery process by promoting gentle exercise that strengthens muscles and improves range of motion.9
- Neurological Conditions: Dogs with neurological conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy or spinal cord injuries, can benefit from hydrotherapy as it helps to maintain muscle mass and improve mobility.10
- Obesity: For overweight dogs, hydrotherapy offers a safe and effective way to exercise without putting excessive strain on their already-overworked joints, aiding in weight loss and improving overall health.11
- Injury Recovery: Hydrotherapy is often used in the rehabilitation of dogs recovering from injuries, such as fractures or soft tissue damage, to promote healing and restore function.12
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.
- Underwater Treadmills: This technique involves placing the dog on a treadmill submerged in water. The water level can be adjusted to vary the amount of buoyancy and resistance, allowing for controlled exercise that is gentle on the joints. Underwater treadmills are particularly effective for dogs recovering from surgery or those with mobility issues.
- Swimming Pools: Hydrotherapy swimming pools are specially designed for dogs, with ramps or lifts to assist with entry and exit. Swimming provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances range of motion. It is especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or obesity.
- Controlled Swimming: In some cases, dogs may be encouraged to swim with the assistance of a therapist or using flotation devices. Controlled swimming allows for targeted exercise and is particularly useful for building strength and endurance in a safe and supportive environment.
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
- Monk, M. (2007). Hydrotherapy. Animal physiotherapy: assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals, 187-198. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470751183.ch11
- 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 Rural, 52(9), e202100092. doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20210092
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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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