Canine Hydrotherapy – It’s Amazing How it Works!

In aquatic therapy the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and resistance, as well as surface tension all are important components in the rehabilitation program for ones dog. These are all basic principles to understand about the properties of water and how it affects the body. Buoyancy is the upward thrusting of the water upon the body, creating an apparent decrease in the weight of a body when immersed in it. Buoyancy aids in the rehabilitation of the dog by decreasing pain and minimizing the amount of weight placed on the muscles and painful joints.

The percentage of body weight on land in these following positions, is the basis of a study done on dogs and the amount of body weight they carried when immersed in water:

91% when water was at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia

when the water level was up to the top of the forelimb it was 85%

38% when water was at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur

For dogs with arthritis, this is most beneficial in treating them because the buoyancy factors of water unload the joints.

Hydrostatic pressure provides an optimum working environment for edematous tissues and sore swollen joints. The tendency of blood and edema to gather in the lower extremities is opposed from the constant pressure to the body or limbs, thus aiding in reducing the swelling.

Hydrostatic pressure lessens the pain during exercise. The theory behind this is that the pressure creates phasic stimuli to the sensory receptors of the skin, causing a decrease in the nociceptor hypersensitivity. By reducing the dogs pain perception, it allows them to perform more movements with less pain.

Resistance or viscosity to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. To increase and strengthen the canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness, water provides that resistance. Unstable joints are supported and stabilized as well as the sensory awareness is increased from the viscosity. The combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog, may allow a dog with paraparesis to willingly walk in water even though they won’t on land.

With surface tension, if a dog is extremely weak, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.

One of the best things for increasing muscle strength and endurance is canine hydrotherapy. This also improves cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion and agility in the dog. All of these benefits including enhancing the dog’s psychological well-being while lessening their pain.

A dog’s heart rate and oxygen uptake is totally increased from water when hydrotherapy for dogs is implemented. The dog’s heart rate is increased further through the leg movements and the temperature of the water. Although exercise on land is beneficial, exercise in water out performed the land ones in both heart rate and oxygen uptake. To ensure proper weight management, nothing compares to the aerobic exercise in toning in the whole canine rehabilitation process.

Although exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance, dog therapy in water minimizes the amount of joint effusion and leads to greater functional improvement. Exercise such as walking in water recruits muscles in a more functional manner. Performing these exercises where forces are decreased may minimize or eliminate damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.

Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.

One of the key attributes of aquatic therapy for dogs is the heated water which contributes to many physiological effects. Not only do dogs become more functional on a daily level, they have an increase in the circulation to their muscles. Most water temperatures range between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Dogs with heavier coats can tolerate cooler temperatures than this.

Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. Caution should be exercised if taking a dog to a lake or river for aquatic therapy, as currents can be hazardous, or bacteria with recent incisions. Dog life preservers are very beneficial and support the dog while allowing free breathing.

Hydrotherapy for dogs has helped with the following conditions:

Knee Surgical treatments

ACL or TPLO surgeries

Hip replacements

Hip Dysplasia

Arthritic Conditions

Spinal integrity and bone fractures

Deteriorating joints

Nerve Disorders

Cognitive Dysfunction

Loss of a limb

Hydrotherapy for dogs helps with many health conditions, and to add to the list is the dog’s balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. Hydrotherapy for dogs has such a huge amount of benefits. All recovery time post surgery is greatly reduced. The physical condition of a dog can be returned with lessened discomfort through aquatic therapy.

Water therapy is very calming for dogs. It helps reduce levels of stress and assists with stimulating metabolic functions. The dogs immune system is enhanced and the lymphatic system is drained much more effectively. Hydrotherapy for dogs helps rid their bodies of toxins and regulates the electrolytes in their system. Their digestion is improved as is their skin and coat.

All around the world canine hydrotherapy is becoming recognized and prescribed by veterinarians. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today. The potential benefits are insurmountable.

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