subject: The Advantages Of Hydrotherapy For Dogs And The Different Situations It Can Help With [print this page] Most people know how many benefits hydrotherapy can provide, and most people who have followed this form of therapy have nothing but good things to say about it, and say that it has certainly helped improve their condition and relieve some of the pain. The benefits of hydrotherapy, or water therapy, are not limited to humans though, as dogs or other animals can also benefit greatly from it, especially older dogs suffering from arthritis. Hydrotherapy for dogs is highly recommended in such cases, but it can also help speed up recovery after surgeries or cause degenerative conditions to progress slower. Mixing canine hydrotherapy with some dog joint care food supplements and some accessories can mean all the difference when it comes to helping your dog deal with arthritis.
If your dog is starting to show signs of old age and arthritis, or if it has had an accident and has needed surgery, then you should definitely start looking into suitable locations for hydrotherapy. You should be able to find several institutions that offer canine hydrotherapy in your area, but if you cannot, be sure to ask at your local vet office to see what institutions the vet recommends.
This is a very effective treatment when it comes to arthritis, as it allows the dog to exercise while also having support, and it will not have to struggle with the weight of its body. This is also an issue with overweight dogs that are unable to exercise due to the weight of their body, and hydrotherapy allows them to exercise their muscles as well. Naturally, the design of the pool for canine hydrotherapy is different from that for humans.
First of all, the pool is much smaller than a swimming pool for humans. Second, the water is always heated, as the muscles of the dog benefit greatly from the effects of the warm water. Other forms of hydrotherapy do not use heated water, as some animals actually produce a lot of heat while exercising, and they need cold water to cool them off. Dogs however require warm water, so make sure you check this aspect before selecting the best place where you will be taking your dog for hydrotherapy. A ramp is usually present, plus a special hoist for helping dogs get into and out of the water pool. Finally, to help the dog sustain its position in the water, different harnesses are used.
Besides helping overweight dogs and dogs suffering from arthritis, hydrotherapy is also useful for dogs recovering from surgery or accidents, as mentioned above. For example, in the case of spinal injuries or surgery, the dog suffers from an impairment of motor functions and it is unable to exercise normally. Thus, while the nerves are regenerating, the dog can still exercise in water. The water provides the support the dog needs and it is the best way for the dog to continue exercising its muscles while still in recovery.
You should keep in mind that hydrotherapy can also be used as a fitness routine, as it can help your dog even if it is not suffering from anything or if it does not need to recover from any surgery or accident. In the same way that humans go to the gym regularly, so can a dog attend several hydrotherapy sessions per week, to improve its health and general condition.
Hydrotherapy for dogs is effective and not very expensive, but owners of dogs suffering from arthritis need to keep in mind that this treatment, just like any other form of treatment, be it in the form of dog joint care food supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs or special pills, is only effective if the condition is detected early. The more time it takes for the arthritis to be discovered by a vet, the higher the chance that the treatment will not be as effective as it could. Owners should not expect miracles in such cases, but if the condition is detected early they should have confidence in the efficiency of canine hydrotherapy. There is nothing better to help keep your dog as healthy and as happy as possible, than some hydrotherapy, so be sure not to miss the opportunity to enlist your dog when you can.
