Aquatherapy for Dogs: How Hydrotherapy Improves Mobility and Reduces Pain

As pet parents, seeing our dogs experience pain, limited mobility, or the effects of aging can be heartbreaking. Luckily, there is a growing trend in veterinary care that is helping our fur babies with conditions like arthritis, injuries, or recovery after surgery. Keep reading to learn about aquatherapy for dogs and how it may be able to help your fur baby!

What is Aquatherapy for Dogs?

Aquatherapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a water-based therapy that helps dogs of all ages regain mobility, manage pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Because water provides buoyancy, your dog is supported during exercise, reducing the impact on the joints and muscles. This allows dogs to perform exercises that would be too painful or difficult on land. 

There are two main types of aquatherapy for dogs:

Underwater Treadmills

This is a great option for dogs who are recovering from an injury or surgery. The underwater treadmill allows pups to walk while reducing the load on their joints. But the water provides good resistance to help them build up some strength.

Swimming Pools

Many dogs love being in the water and enjoy swimming. For those dogs with pain or mobility issues, swimming can be a very therapeutic activity as it allows their muscles to gently move and stretch. 

The wonderful thing about hydrotherapy for dogs is that each session can be tailored to meet your pup’s specific needs. 

Specific Benefits of Aquatherapy for Dogs

Aquatherapy offers a wide range of benefits, particularly for dogs suffering from joint issues, recovering from surgery, or experiencing chronic pain. Here are some of the key ways aquatherapy can help your dog:

1. Reduced Pain and Inflammation

Perhaps the biggest benefit of hydrotherapy is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. In addition to providing buoyancy and support for gentle exercise, the water’s warm temperature may also play a role, as warm water helps to soothe muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce stiffness.

2. Improved Mobility and Strength

Aquatherapy helps to improve your pup’s range of motion and mobility. The water is gentle yet provides enough resistance for muscles to become stronger and joints more flexible over time. In short, regular hydrotherapy sessions can improve your pup’s joint mobility, making daily activities like walking or getting up from a lying position much easier.

3. Weight Management

Those dogs with mobility issues or chronic pain have a hard time keeping up with regular daily exercise. This, of course, can lead to unwanted weight gain, which further exacerbates their pain and joint problems.

Aquatherapy allows dogs to exercise with ease and comfort, so they can continue to exercise and keep that extra weight off. In fact, hydrotherapy can be great for younger dogs who are obese and need to shed some weight as it minimizes the stress on joints.

By allowing your dog to engage in regular, low-impact exercise, hydrotherapy can help them reach and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces the strain on their joints and can lead to less pain and better overall mobility.

4. Faster Recovery from Injury or Surgery

Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery, such as knee or hip replacements, often face long rehabilitation periods where movement is restricted. Hydrotherapy can be a valuable tool during this recovery process. The water’s buoyancy supports healing joints and muscles, allowing dogs to perform rehabilitative exercises without risking further injury.

In cases of ligament tears or fractures, the controlled environment of an underwater treadmill or swimming pool helps dogs regain strength and mobility at a safe pace. Water therapy can also prevent muscle atrophy during periods of limited activity, ensuring that your dog maintains as much muscle mass and flexibility as possible throughout their recovery.

5. Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health

Just like people, our pup’s hearts need some extra TLC as they age. Swimming is a wonderful cardiovascular workout for dogs, as the water’s resistance forces your dog to work a little bit harder. The increased circulation aids in healing, reduces swelling, and supports overall heart health.

Is Hydrotherapy Right for Your Dog?

Hydrotherapy can benefit dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, but it’s especially helpful for:

• Dogs with arthritis: Hydrotherapy reduces pressure on arthritic joints, allowing dogs to move freely without pain.
• Dogs recovering from surgery: Hydrotherapy helps rebuild strength and mobility after orthopedic surgeries.
• Dogs with hip dysplasia: The low-impact nature of hydrotherapy is ideal for dogs with hip issues who cannot tolerate much movement on land.
• Senior dogs: Older dogs often experience stiffness, muscle weakness, and joint pain, all of which can be alleviated through hydrotherapy.
• Overweight dogs: Hydrotherapy offers a safe way for overweight dogs to exercise and lose weight without putting excess strain on their joints.

If you’re still wondering whether your pup might benefit from aquatherapy, speak to your veterinarian. They can help determine if hydrotherapy is appropriate for your dog’s condition and recommend a reputable hydrotherapy center. 

Final Thoughts

Aquatherapy for dogs is a wonderful option for those pups experiencing chronic pain, mobility issues, or who are recovering from surgery. If your dog is struggling with arthritis, an injury, or simply needs a gentle form of exercise to stay fit, consider exploring hydrotherapy as part of their care plan. 

Thinking about aquatherapy for your dog? Don’t let the cost hold you back. Many pet insurance providers now cover alternative treatments like hydrotherapy, making it more affordable to give your pup the best care possible. Get a free quote from providers today and find a plan that helps cover the costs of treatments like aquatherapy. Your dog’s health and happiness are worth the investment!

References:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hydrotherapy-for-dogs/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_hydrotherapy

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.