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:

• Children’s arm floaties
• Buoyancy Vests
• Therabands
• Weighted straps around the limbs
• Hoists
• Harnesses
• Aquatoys
• Steps
• Ramps / inclines / declines

Each one of these can be used to assist in the rehabilitation of the dog. Hydrotherapy for dogsis extremely beneficial for pre- surgery, post surgery and maintenance or conditioning. In my ebook, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs,” I go into great length about all of the methods available to help our companions, as well as I provide simple how to methods for reducing pain levels and increasing our companions qulaity of life. Let’s embrace all that we can do for them…

What kind of hydrotherapy aids have you used? How did they work? Share your comments below!