Dog 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.
In a study performed on dogs, the amount of body weight carried when immersed in water was based on the percentage of body weight on land in the following positions:
having water at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia it was 91%
when the water level was up to the top of the forelimb it was 85%
with the water level filled up to the underside of the tail, it was 38%
A very beneficial factor when treating dogs with arthritis because joints can be unloaded when considering the buoyancy factors of water.
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.
During exercise, pain is significantly reduced from hydrostatic pressure. The nociceptor hypersensitivity is decreased from the phasic stimuli to the receptors of the skin. The dog’s pain perception is being reduced allowing them to perform more movements with far less pain.
Fluid flow resistance or viscosity is greater in water than in air. Canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness is increased and strengthened from the resistance that water provides. Sensory awareness is increased from viscosity and unstable joints are supported and stabilized. A paraparesis canine that is supported from the buoyancy and viscosity of water, may choose to walk in water although they won’t on land.
If a dog is extremely weak, with surface tension, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.
While canine hydrotherapy is known for its benefits, the dog’s psychological well-being and reduction in pain is profound. Their muscle strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance and agility is vastly improved. All of this in addition to increasing their range of motion.
A direct effect is placed on the dog’s heart rate and oxygen uptake from dog hydrotherapy. Exercising the legs and the temperature of the water also increases their heart rate further. These same exercises performed on land did not provide the increased heart rate and oxygen uptake as it did in water. One of the greatest benefits of this aerobic exercise is the weight reduction and toning that took place during the canine rehabilitation process.
The best functional improvement and minimization of joint effusion is obtained from dog therapy in water. Exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance. Walking in water has the dog’s muscles working in a more functional way. Participating in these canine hydrotherapy exercises where forces are decreased, minimizes and eliminates potential 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.
The heated water provides many physiological benefits in aquatic therapy for dogs. There is increased joint flexibility along with decreased joint pain. Dogs get improved circulation to their muscles and become more functional on a daily basis. Dogs with thicker coats can tolerate cooler temperatures in water, however, the normal temperature range is between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C.
There are a variety of methods of hydrotherapy for dogs. Some of the following can be found in most places; whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. If one is going to venture into a lake or river for aquatic therapy, caution should be adhered to. Underwater currents can be hazardous and so can harmful bacteria if there is a recent incision. A dog life jacket should be worn for safety.
Hydrotherapy for dogs has helped with the following conditions:
Knee Surgeries
ACL or TPLO surgeries
Hip Restoration
Hip Dysplasia
Arthritis
Broken bones or compromised Spine
Osteoarthritis
Neurological Disorders
Cognitive Impairment
Loss of a limb
In addition to all of the conditions hydrotherapy for dogs assists, it also increases the dog’s balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. The benefits are enormous when considering hydrotherapy for dogs. The recovery time post surgery is significantly reduced. Aquatic therapy restores the physical condition of a dog with minimal discomfort.
Aquatic therapy is very calming for dogs. Besides stimulating metabolic functions, the dog’s level of stress is diminished. Besides draining the lymphatic system thoroughly, the immune system is strengthened. There are so many things that dog hydrotherapy accomplishes. From regulating their electrolytes to removing toxins from their system, it enhances their digestion and improves the dog’s skin and coat.
Veterinarians all over the world are utilizing and noticing the huge benefits of canine hydrotherapy. The number one treatment of choice is Dog Hydrotherapy. The massive amount of benefits make it undeniable.
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