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Wet Dog

Hydrotherapy

Not just swimming... in fact, we rarely swim during Hydrotherapy. It's a science-based physiotherapeutic modality all by itself!

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Hydrotherapy literally means “water therapy”. It is an excellent tool that Physiotherapists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions such as;

  • Arthritis

  • Reduced mobility & leg weakness

  • Injuries like Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture

  • Spinal injuries & degenerative disc disease (IVDD)

  • Brain and nerve conditions like Degenerative Myopathy (DM)

  • Conditions requiring strengthening to improve such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia & Luxating Patella (MPL)

  

How Does It Work?
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  • The buoyancy of water reduces the amount of body weight through the joints, meaning that arthritic joints can be exercised with little or no pain

  • The pressure of the water on the body reduces swelling & is very supportive, reducing the chance of injury to ligaments, tendons and muscles

  • The resistance of the water to the body moving through it is used to increase muscle strength, increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and burn fat

  • It's relaxing and fun! A relaxed dog is a happier dog who is likely experiencing less pain

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Blue Pool Water

Did you know...?

Swimming expends about four times the amount of energy that running does

A dog standing in water at hip level is only bearing 38% of their body weight through their legs

Just like humans, some dogs are anxious if their feet can't touch the bottom of the pool or sea bed.

Dogs have a swim reflex and will automatically make swimming movements if they're lifted up above water - however not all dogs can swim well, and some can't swim at all!

'Need to knows' about Hydrotherapy

If the following apply to your dog, please book a regular Home Visit or Online Consultation first;

  • Fear of water

  • Open wounds, cuts, stitches etc.

  • Skin infection

  • Ear infection

  • Recent injury or accident resulting in limping, decreased appetite or withdrawal from normal activities

  • Had an operation in the past 6 weeks

  • Sick with an infection, diarrhoea &/or vomiting, a urinary tract infection, kennel cough, etc.

  • A Vet has advised your dog rest or avoid physical activity recently

  • Having chemotherapy or radiation treatment now or in the past month

  • Unable to wear a lifevest for any reason

  • Incontinent bowels

You'll be reminded of this when you Book Online

If you're unsure whether Hydrotherapy is right for your dog, please call or email us and we'll be happy to talk it through.

Sometimes a consultation is the quickest way to work out if Hydro will be the best physiotherapy treatment for your dog. 

Vets Recommend;

  • No swimming with ear infections

  • No swimming with open wounds (if you're not sure what an open wound is, call us or ask your Vet)

  • No swimming with tummy bugs

  • No swimming with infections like a cough or a UTI

  • Not to force an anxious or scared dog into the water.

DogFit PT always goes by Vet recommendations

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