What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

For dogs, swimming is much like running, but did you know the many benefits that can be gained from hydrotherapy? Here are 6 interesting facts about the benefits of this fun form of exercise.

1. My dog's gained weight- what can I do?

Weight loss can be achieved with exercise; however, those few extra kilograms when exercising on land can really put added strain on the joints. The potential for weight loss with hydrotherapy, is best achieved when combined with a restriction of calorie intake (less treats).

2. Swimming is a great cardio workout!

Swimming is a very beneficial way to elevate the heart rate. It is a high- energy, high- intensity workout, with 10 minutes of (continuous) swimming being alike to a 30-40 minute run! However, not all of us are capable of a 30-40 minute run, certainly not our overweight, sore, or older patients (many of which have an already compromised cardiorespiratory system). Fat build-ups do not occur only around the waistline, but around the internal organs too- placing strain on vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This means we need to slowly increase the load on the cardiorespiratory system, in a controlled manner, adapting workouts as our dogs become more "cardio-fit". What is a sign of improved cardio fitness? One of the short- term effects of hydrotherapy, includes a decrease in the resting heart rate.

3. Less pain- what we all want for our dogs

For a patient with osteoarthritis, increased stress and load on their joints can cause increased pain and inflammation. When swimming, buoyancy (one of the many great physical properties of water) decreases the force and stress (on the weight bearing joints, muscles and bones), meaning less pain. Less pain, less pain medication? Chat to your vet team about your dog’s individual pain management.

4. Swimming is really beneficial for your dog's joints

Aquatic exercise is indicated for dogs (and humans) with arthritis- why? Firstly, swimming results in an increase in joint range of motion, by promoting maximum flexion and extension of the joints in the limbs. Secondly, there is an improvement in joint function, possibly through an increase in blood supply to the joints. Lastly being non- weight bearing it is easier and more comfortable to move through the water so dogs may be more inclined to use their joints, building confidence in the process

5. Exercise that feels good

Hydrotherapy results in the happy feelings! Not only is the pain reduced, which is always a good thing, but swimming is stimulating, enriching, mentally engaging and it results in the relaxation of muscles. Overall, like any form of exercise, swimming is a great endorphin release and you achieve the benefits in a much shorter time (1 minute of swimming is equal to about 4 minutes of running).

6. Let's get all of the muscles working

Breeds, injuries and swimming styles are all factors that can result in a dog tending to favour using some muscles over others. This means some muscles are potentially “over” worked, and some under developed. When hydrotherapy is done under the careful watch of a skilled professional in the pool with your dog, it is possible to correct your dog’s movement patterns, ensuring many more muscles are worked. This coupled with moving the limbs against the resistance of the water, ensures all the major muscle groups are activated.

This blog has referred to hydrotherapy, in the context of (controlled) pool swimming. How does this differ to the benefits we can get from an underwater treadmill- or are they one and the same? Well, you’ll have to wait for our next blog to find out. In the meantime, book your hydrotherapy assessment with us, or contact us for more details. Our professional team can’t wait to welcome you to Pet Pavilion.

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