Now Available!
Hydrotherapy for dogs monitoring
We all know that any exercise program needs a warm up session and a cool down session. In the case of dog hydrotherapy it is the same. This can be as simple as the exercise starting out slowly and increasing in intensity and then slowing again before it ends. For particular conditions, it can be massage, stretching or land-based exercises, during rest breaks or between bouts of exercise.
With the underwater treadmill, the intensity of the exercise is controlled through the depth of the water and the speed at which the dog is walking. With swimming in dog hydrotherapy pools, the intensity is controlled by the number of laps swum before a rest time, the rest time and the use of a bouyancy vest.
The duration of the treatment time is affected by the following:
- the dog’s prior experience with water
- anxiety
- age
- weight
- pre-existing conditions
- recent surgery
- previous fitness level
Hydrotherapy types
Dog Pools for canine hydrotherapy come in many forms
Well, brace yourself, there are so many types of hydrotherapy for dogs available than ever imagined! Everyone has different needs and styles, and while some work for others, some just don’t work at all. The type of hydrotherapy program for your dog will be determined by:
- the assessment
- the findings
- the size of the animal
- the equipment available
- and what your goals are
For very small animals, there are a number of different hydrotherapy methods which can be used. Some will be more effective than others, and some may not really work at all. The following is a list of what these might entail:
- sink
- bathtub
- whirlpool
- children’s wading pool
- beach
- dam
- lake
- river
- above-ground or in-ground human swimming pools
- purpose-built dog pools
- underwater treadmills
For larger animals there is a smaller selection to choose from: Continue reading
Hydrotherapy Dog Story
This is one of the most amazing stories I want to talk about! I have witnessed two dogs, one in particular, that went from barely being able to walk for any amount of time, to practically running around in circles and walking with minimal difficulty! This is so incredible given the dog’s health condition and circumstances.
I created a video of this dog in my hydrotherapy for dogs section on this website. It is listed under neurological conditions, and is the beginning of Norman’s canine rehabilitation program. I am working on releasing the new video as a follow up to the first one so people can truly see what happens when hydrotherapy for dogs is a consistent regime, and used as a form of therapy.
Some incredible points with this dog: Continue reading
Dogs in a Pool
Hydrotherapy for dogs is a great way to manage all sorts of health ailments. Whether you beloved family member is suffering with dog arthritis or is an older dog that has just slowed down with age, swimming will increase their mobility. Hydrotherapy will also have them feeling years younger than they are!
Dogs in a pool will each vary as to how great they float or sink! I can truly attest to that when I have witnessed dogs who just cannot keep their rear end up and float in the water. Then there are those canines who glide like an eel, ever so smoothly amongst the surface! How can there be such a difference?!
Here are some reasons: Continue reading
Hydrotherapy Aids
Hydrotherapy has been used for horses many years ago. Horses were conditioned and healed by walking in water. Now it has become the norm for the community to utilize this method of treatment for dogs. I am really glad for this!
Canine hydrotherapy is becoming more and more recognized as an alternative method of treatment that has great results. In a pool a dog has no pain when they are moving about. In an underwater treadmill, there is a percentage of weight on the limbs, although the percentages are controlled by the level of the water. On land, all the joints have full weight placed upon them and the dog is mobilizing with pain.
There are numerous different pieces of equipment that can be utilized when an animal is in the water. Some will reduce the effort that they have to expend and some will increase the effort. Read on for a list of them: Continue reading
Hydrotherapy for Dogs
I can’t help but talk about how hydrotherapy does such amazingly wonderful things for our pets! This has got to be one of the greatest alternative treatments for dogs!
Hydrotherapy for dogs is helping canines with so many different health issues, I am surprised that the industry hasn’t thought of it sooner. I have helped countless dogs in the pool with a variety of different disorders. It is most rewarding helping and seeing a dog recover fully after doing sessions with you in the pool. What a sense of accomplishment. The trust you build with them and the connection goes beyond words.
I have dealt with the following:
- acl surgeries
- tplo surgeries
- neurological disorders
- total paralysis
- fear of the water
Hydrotherapy in a pool lets you really connect with the dog. They put their total trust into you when you help them in that environment. Knowing just how vulnerable they are when you take them in the water, and how their whole well-being relies on you, is incredible. Canine hydrotherapy has made a world of difference to so many dogs’ lives and their guardians. I am very dedicated to hydrotherapy for dogs and discuss all the possibilities with it in my ebook, “The Ultimate Rehabilition & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs.” Continue reading
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are so important prior to surgery and including after surgery. Stretching your dog helps with a number of conditions including the following:
- improving motion in the joints prior to surgery and after surgery
- increasing the flexibility
- preventing adhesions between soft tissues and bones
- improving muscle and other soft tissue extensibility which prevents further injury to joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments Continue reading
Torn Cruciate Exercises
The importance of certain exercises can not be stressed enough. It is imperative that we do not overdo it. It is so easy to undo what the specialist has just spent hours fixing! The hardship on your pet is not worth it!
The main goal at the early stage after surgery is controlling swelling and limiting muscle atrophy. Pain control is also important and you may be needing to use some medication that the doctor has provided. Torn cruciate exercises are very gentle and non-taxing on your dog. They primarily involve:
- stretching of the limbs
- slow assisted walking on leash, on level ground.
If your dog is undertaking the conservative approach to their torn cruciate, they need to follow a program similar to one that has just had surgery. It is very important that a dog is not overworked in this recovery stage. In Chapter four of my ebook I get into much detail about the protocol of torn cruciate exercises and what is best for a 100 lb dog or a 10 lb dog. Continue reading