Today, hydrotherapy is gaining popularity as one of the therapeutic methods for pets. This method not only improves the physical condition of the animal but also offers many benefits for them. What information do you have on this topic? Are you familiar with the amazing benefits of hydrotherapy? And is hydrotherapy recommended for all animals? In this article, in addition to answering all your key questions, we will also discuss how to prepare your pet for this medical procedure if they are afraid of water.
Exploring Hydrotherapy for Senior Animals
Many animals brought to the veterinary hospital are elderly. As they age, they encounter various problems. For instance, arthritis is one of the diseases seen in senior animals. Depending on the animal’s condition, the veterinarian suggests various treatment options. It’s important to understand that physiotherapy does not completely eliminate the problem of arthritis in animals; however, pain can be managed effectively. One of the processes performed by veterinarians in physiotherapy is hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy improves the animal’s ability to walk and enhances their performance in daily life. In some breeds, there are genetically predisposed conditions. For treating many of these conditions, such as patellar luxation and hip issues, physiotherapy, especially hydrotherapy, is the best approach. If surgical intervention is required for such problems, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can postpone it. In some cases, the animal’s problem may be completely resolved, and surgery may not be necessary.
Overview of Hydrotherapy Methods for Pets
Hydrotherapy is performed in two main ways:
1. Underwater Treadmill
The most well-known method of hydrotherapy is the underwater treadmill. In this method, your dog or cat is placed on a treadmill in a tank that is initially empty. Then, as the animal moves, the tank is gradually filled with warm water. An important aspect of the hydrotherapy method with the treadmill is that we can apply different settings based on the animal’s physical condition. For example, we can adjust the treadmill’s speed to optimize treatment for each animal; or if the animal has painful joints, filling the tank to the joint level temporarily reduces the weight on the joint.
2. Swimming in a Pool
Swimming is another hydrotherapy method that can be beneficial for dogs. This therapeutic technique can target various body areas, including the shoulder, elbow, legs, and is also very effective for improving muscle and joint strength.
Which Animals Are Not Suitable for Hydrotherapy?
- If an animal feels pain in its spine, swimming can exacerbate this issue. In such cases, excessive pressure is applied to the discs between the vertebrae. Ignoring this issue may result in sudden paralysis due to swimming.
- Hydrotherapy is not recommended for animals with cardiovascular issues, as swimming leads to excessive aerobic activity that can be extremely dangerous for their health.
- If your pet’s joints and ligaments are injured, hydrotherapy can lead to complete tearing of the injured ligaments. The manner of the animal entering and exiting the pool, as well as flailing in the water, can cause this. Pay attention to this to avoid ligament repair surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Pets may gain weight under various conditions. If the animal’s activity level is low or it overeats, its weight will increase. In such cases, exercising becomes difficult, and they may be reluctant to engage in heavy activities. Fortunately, with hydrotherapy alongside an appropriate diet, weight issues in the animal can be resolved. Besides alleviating various diseases and facilitating weight loss, hydrotherapy also strengthens the animal’s muscles. In the following sections of the article, we will highlight more benefits of hydrotherapy:
- Increased balance and coordination in the animal’s movements
- Improved blood circulation
- Pain relief
- Improved digestion
- Assistance in the animal’s recovery post-surgery
- Reduction in inflammation
- Increased endurance
Choosing the Best Veterinary Hospital for Hydrotherapy
If your veterinarian has recommended hydrotherapy for your pet’s issue, it’s time to look for the best hydrotherapy services for your animal. One of the most important factors to check is that the therapists performing the hydrotherapy are licensed. You can also consult with pet owners who have previously had hydrotherapy experiences to get advice. For hydrotherapy services, you can utilize the services of the Central Veterinary Hospital as well.
When Your Dog Is Afraid of Water!
Hydrotherapy has many benefits for animals, but sometimes they are afraid of water. In such cases, you need to take steps to help them feel more comfortable before their first hydrotherapy session. It’s advisable to discuss this with your hydrotherapist to ensure they understand the animal’s situation. A children’s pool is a good option for dogs that are afraid of water. The shallow water serves as the first step for wetting their paws and getting them used to immersion. Keep calm and be patient as you help your pet overcome their fear of water. The more gradual this process is, the easier it will be for your dog to adapt to the water. Allow your dog to enter the water on its own. If you believe your dog is too anxious and unable to overcome their fear, seek help from a veterinarian or specialists in this area. Spend time addressing your pet’s fear and anxiety and understand your dog’s personality.
Avoid Doing Hydrotherapy at Home!
Pet owners may be tempted to try hydrotherapy at home, but you should not…
Try home hydrotherapy yourself. To prevent any existing illness or injury from worsening, it is essential that this is done under the supervision of a specialist. Dog hydrotherapy should be conducted in a completely controlled environment. Everything from the water level and temperature to the type of exercise must be carefully selected to ensure that no issues arise for your pet during the treatment.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we discussed the functioning and benefits of hydrotherapy. At the end, it is important to remind you to have realistic expectations regarding this treatment method. It may take several sessions to see significant changes in your pet’s condition. Before starting hydrotherapy, you can consult with our colleagues at the Central Veterinary Hospital to ensure that this option is safe for your dog.
