Hydrotherapy
‘Hydrotherapy’ essentially means that you take your dog to a specialised facility so he can swim.
It can be used in the treatment of arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligament, and many other types of soft tissue injury. It can also help with general convalescence.
Hydrotherapy encourages a full range of joint motion to improve muscle tone and help repair tissue - without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.
Swimming helps to improve general fitness and heart health, and aids recovery from injury or surgery. It improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity.
Muscle wastage begins within three days of any immobilisation, so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It’s better to swim dogs in heated water since cold water restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.
Most dogs will cope happily with hydrotherapy as a form of exercise. However it is essential to get advice from your vet before taking your animal swimming.
‘Hydrotherapy’ essentially means that you take your dog to a specialised facility so he can swim.
It can be used in the treatment of arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligament, and many other types of soft tissue injury. It can also help with general convalescence.
Hydrotherapy encourages a full range of joint motion to improve muscle tone and help repair tissue - without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.
Swimming helps to improve general fitness and heart health, and aids recovery from injury or surgery. It improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity.
Muscle wastage begins within three days of any immobilisation, so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It’s better to swim dogs in heated water since cold water restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.
Most dogs will cope happily with hydrotherapy as a form of exercise. However it is essential to get advice from your vet before taking your animal swimming.
Hydrotherapy Services:
Stage1Hydrotherapy (Cornwall): http://www.stage1hydrotherapy.org.uk
Glenbrittle Kennels (Merseyside): http://www.glenbrittlekennels.com
The Splash Hydrotherapy (Mid-Wales): http://www.midwalesdogtraining.co.uk/
Roxilyn Canine Therapy Centre (Nottinghamshire):
http://www.roxilyn.com/Roxilyn_Therapy_Centre/Welcome.html
Huntsmans Dog and Cat Hotel (West Sussex): http://www.huntsmansdogandcathotel.co.uk/hydrotherapy
Paws in Water (Wiltshire) : Alison Hudd VN RMN BFRP, Devizes, Wilts SN10 2LJ. Tel: 01380 860720
The K9 Health Centre (Scotland): http://www.k9healthcentre.com/
USA
International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork / Association of Canine Water Therapy
http://www.iaamb.org/home.php
Pampered Paw Swim Spa: http://www.pamperedpawswimspa.com
If your dog has mobility problems, then hydrotherapy is an extremely useful resource. Ask your vet to refer you to a nearby canine hydrotherapy pool.
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