Doggy Hydrotherapy: What are the benefits?

For years, we have been fascinated about the healing properties of water for injuries, rejuvenation and painful muscles. Just recently, doggys have started taking advantage of the benefits of hydrotherapy. We have heard news about the latest health, fitness, and diet regimes that our lovable furry friends can enjoy and one of these is Hydrotherapy. Is it another doggy fitness fad or does it really work?

Does Hydrotherapy work?

A big “Yes” to that. Hydrotherapy works. It’s not just a fad or a trending doggy health regimen. The fact that hydrotherapy is a real treatment that produces real benefits – let’s us know more about what it can provide.

Hydrotherapy for doggys is a type of physiotherapy that uses water resistance to fix injuries and relieve pain. It became known and is used as a therapeutic option for all doggy breeds which helps with their medical conditions and provides comfort emotionally. It can help with doggys who have injuries like a torn ACL, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and dogs who have been paralyzed.

Hydrotherapy explained.

Hydrotherapy relies on resistance, buoyancy, and hydrostatic pressure to help doggys move the injured joints they are trying to fix. This type of therapy works because doggys are provided with weightless physical therapy and remove the added pressure of gravity.
Buoyancy of water can lessen the stress on the doggy’s joints. This type of therapy is considered as a natural anti-inflammatory because of the ability toreduce inflammation and swelling on the tissues of the doggy’s body.

Three Common Methods of Hydrotherapy:

– An underwater treadmill – joint issues and arthritis.
– Whirlpool therapy – surgery recovery as it provides great relief from pain
– Dog pools – improve joint motion and muscle strength.

The Benefits Of Hydrotherapy For Doggys?

Helps in tissue healing
Promote blood circulation
Relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness
Cardiovascular fitness
Gait modification
Helps to strengthen the muscles
Alleviation of muscle spasms

Risks of Hydrotherapy:

There are some risks to be aware of, too. Some of the most common ones include:

Long exposure to water may cause skin conditions or dry skin

Too much water in the ear can cause ear infection.

Getting too tired may cause drowning if the doggy is not monitored or checked

Hydrotherapy for doggys is safe and beneficial. Please remember that this must be done by a dog therapist and professionals that have undergone training and with the experience in handling dog injuries and treatments of pain. They usually have specialized equipment which targets specific areas of your dog’s injury. Always check with the vet before undergoing a new treatment for your doggy.