Benefits of Hydrotherapy

- Pre/Post Surgical

Hydrotherapy is recommended for dogs prior to and after a surgical procedure. When a limb is injured, whether the cause is related to the joint, bone or ligament, the dog will use the effected limb less or not at all. This can result in joint stiffness, muscular atrophy, misalignment of the spinal column and overuse of the unaffected limbs causing compensating muscles to become tight and painful. Warm water therapy/massage helps to build muscle, reduce joint stiffness through range-of-motion exercises, drain toxins from the limbs and increase blood circulation, speeding and improving recovery time and end results.

- Geriatrics

Many older dogs and most large breed dogs will suffer from joint stiffness and pain as they age. Exercising on land can result in more impact to the bones and joints, causing more pain. Alternating short, slow and frequent walks with swim sessions is ideal for maintaining the health and safety of an older dog. Exercise in water also helps to keep the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in good condition.

- Overweight

Dogs who become overweight require both diet and exercise to reduce fat and remain healthy. As with older dogs, overweight dogs can benefit greatly from swim therapy in addition to a regular exercise/play regimen. It is common for aging dogs to gain weight as they slow down and swimming provides an ideal form of exercise without any impact.

- Arthritis/OCD sufferers

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions effecting dogs, and can result from injury or surgery, or as a natural process related to aging. It causes pain, reduced movement of the limbs and consequently muscle wastage. Warm water massage and swimming can have a profound effect on the symptoms of this disease, providing relief from pain and helping to prevent the loss of muscle.

- Conditioning for working/competition dogs

Hydrotherapy is an excellent addition to any fitness regimen for any dog. As water is up to 20 times the resistance of air,( meaning that moving 10ft in water is the equivalent of moving 200ft on land ), swim therapy is physically challenging without the risk of impact-related injuries.

- Disabled

For dogs who suffer from disabilities such as blindness, deafness, partial paralysis or missing limbs, the positive effects of hydrotherapy are both physical and psychological. Many dogs who have difficulty moving on land can move more competently in water.

- Dysfunctional (aggression, separation anxiety, etc.)

Dogs who suffer with behavioral issues can benefit from the calming, relaxing and safe warm water environment. Rescued dogs who have suffered trauma or abuse and are fearful or withdrawn can find release from the anxiety associated with human contact. As with people, dogs who experience the release of physical tension often enjoy relief from psychological stress simultaneously. Warm water relaxation massage provides a gentle, reassuring way for traumatized dogs to begin to bond and trust again.

- Swim lessons - Safety - FUN!

Great for puppies learning to swim or dogs who enjoy boating with their owners.