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

Monitoring the heart rate has been determined between pre- and post exercise to be 20-50 bpm. Normal respiratory rates are between 16 to 20 breathes per minute, with larger and more physically fit dogs being as low as 10 breaths per min. Overweight and unfit dogs may be at 30 breaths per min.

I explain lots about hydrotherapy programs in my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs.” I go into great detail about what I did to rehabilitate my dogs with multiple cruciate injuries and surgeries. I also provide dog owners with some easy to use methods and treatments for their dog’s arthritis, and many other health issues. After dealing with my own dog’s health issues, providing hydrotherapy at the canine pool, and holistic treatments, I am much more informed today than I was 22 years ago. There is so much more to talk about…