Hydrotherapy for dogs can be performed in a dog pool or in an underwater treadmill. Both have their place in canine rehabilitation and body conditioning, both are somewhat different, other than the fact that they each use water and have dogs as their patients.
Some of the aims of hydrotherapy are basically to enhance pre-operative fitness and conditioning, the resolution of clinical signs after cruciate or orthopedic surgery, and post-operative restoration of some functions (ie: in discopathy). As a form of palliative care, increase of cardiovascular fitness, obesity management and as a leisure activity, hydrotherapy is widely used and beneficial for our canines.
Here is an example of two dogs which have utilized hydrotherapy treatments for the paralysis in their rear legs:
Good communication between the hydrotherapist and the veterinarian is recommended. The hydrotherapist should be obtaining advice from the vet if there is any question at all regarding the dogs progress or if any difficulties arise. The hydrotherapist needs to communicate to the pet owner about any aggravation of clinical signs after a session and what to watch for.
In choosing a hydrotherapist, check on their experience and qualifications and number of hours spent in the pool with patients. Observe them to assess their level of skills. Check out the equipment from pool to ramps, hoists, buoyancy aids, drying facilities and/or treadmill. Is the therapist in the pool with the dog or outside, and are detailed records of the swim kept.
Underwater treadmills tend to be used more for fitness but get dogs for rehabilitation as well. The walking speed of the dog can be varied, and the hydrotherapist can stand on the non-movable parts within the treadmill.
The correct water level must be used in the treadmill because some short-necked dogs can have extra strain on the spine if they are forced to lift their heads above water as they stride forward. The speed of the treadmill also has to be chosen very carefully. One of the advantages of treadmills is that the limb movement can be observed and assessed from outside.
Many hydrotherapists prefer a dog pool over a treadmill because the hydrotherapist can ensure proper limb movement from in the pool with the dog. Dog pools match underwater treadmills in their benefit for increasing muscle mass and fitness, but dogs will tend to be calmer in pools.
The design of a pool is important if there should ever be an emergency. The dog would need to be removed quickly and there should be hoists or inclines if there was no ramp to use.
There are some who would rather swim in a dog pool for all the numerous benefits it provides, in addition to the bonding they receive with their pets. Others prefer to go to an underwater treadmill and have the result that it brings. Each is specific to our dog, it's a matter of what we feel is the right program and what the treating vet will recommend.
Work with your vet in regards to the treatment plan of choice for your dog. Some dogs are not suited to go onto treadmills right away and would be better suited to a pool. We need to be questioning everything along the whole process, about what we feel is right and suited for our companions.
Here is a story about a dog who is totally paralyzed and how he sees the world and those who helped him recover to the fullest degree:
Hydrotherapy has always helped my dogs. I cannot explain how much it has helped them. I feel so fortunate to have had access to a dog pool and know in my heart that my dogs would never be where they are today without it. That is a blessing in my life and in theirs, that I am forever thankful for!
The Swimming Dog is located in Northern California in Sonoma County. The owner is trained in canine hydrotherapy and in canine massage and offers a controlled environment where dogs can swim indoors.
Association of Canine Water Therapy (lots of information on hydrotherapy for dogs and what to look for in a pool; they are amalgamating with the IAAMB in 2010)
