Hydrotherapy
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Hydrotherapy
by Steve on Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:36 pm
It has been widely acknowledged for centuries that the benefits of swimming exercises every muscle of the anatomy. Swimming is ideal for muscle rebuilding for all breeds of dogs especially where a weight bearing exercise would prove too strenuous. Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery, spaying, caesarian section, spinal injuries, hip dysplasia, strains and sprains and many other ailments find swimming a gentle way of rebuilding their fitness. Swimming allows a complete workout without the risk or damage to the animal in a weightless environment. Our dogs will swim up to half an hour in the pool against jets and that is about the same amount of exercise as a 20+ mile brisk walk. Obviously the older dogs won't do as long as the younger ones.
It can be also used for owners who need to give their dog a more thorough form of exercise for a show or just general fitness. A four minute swim against a jet is equal to a brisk 5 mile walk for an average dog. This is an excellent workout for your dog and most dogs enjoy the experience.
1. Your dog should not eat for 4 hours before swimming.
2. Make sure you keep your dog warm after the swim.
3. Go to a fully qualified hydrotherapist and make sure their qualified in first aid also.
4. Swimming in lakes and rivers is not recommended as cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near to the surface restricting the flow of blood thereby impairing muscle efficiency.
5. Make sure your dog has emptied himself out prior to swimming so he won't feel uncomfortable.
It can be also used for owners who need to give their dog a more thorough form of exercise for a show or just general fitness. A four minute swim against a jet is equal to a brisk 5 mile walk for an average dog. This is an excellent workout for your dog and most dogs enjoy the experience.
1. Your dog should not eat for 4 hours before swimming.
2. Make sure you keep your dog warm after the swim.
3. Go to a fully qualified hydrotherapist and make sure their qualified in first aid also.
4. Swimming in lakes and rivers is not recommended as cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near to the surface restricting the flow of blood thereby impairing muscle efficiency.
5. Make sure your dog has emptied himself out prior to swimming so he won't feel uncomfortable.
Last edited by Steve on Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:35 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Hydrotherapy
by staffsrock on Sun Mar 16, 2008 5:55 pm
Last edited by staffsrock on Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Hydrotherapy
by Mattie on Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:54 pm
Gracie goes to hydrotherapy every week, the muscles in her back legs were very poor at first but now they are building up nicely. Gracie has arthritis in all 4 legs and spine, both crutial ligaments have gone and she has a compressed spine. The hydrotherapy is a treadmill and has given her a new lease of life.
The first time she went her feet could barely touch the treatmill and it was slow, she had more than 4 minutes though. Gradually the time was built up and the water level was lowered. I have put a picture up of Gracie before they started to lower the water level. They are not dropping the water to a few inches towards the end of the session now to make her work harder.
Gracie is working well in this picture but she does have a play, she picks her feet up and lets herself drift, she thinks that is really funny
The first time she went her feet could barely touch the treatmill and it was slow, she had more than 4 minutes though. Gradually the time was built up and the water level was lowered. I have put a picture up of Gracie before they started to lower the water level. They are not dropping the water to a few inches towards the end of the session now to make her work harder.
Gracie is working well in this picture but she does have a play, she picks her feet up and lets herself drift, she thinks that is really funny
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Re: Hydrotherapy
by staffsrock on Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:42 pm
I'm so glad it does her good bless her,Mattie wrote:Gracie goes to hydrotherapy every week, the muscles in her back legs were very poor at first but now they are building up nicely. Gracie has arthritis in all 4 legs and spine, both crutial ligaments have gone and she has a compressed spine. The hydrotherapy is a treadmill and has given her a new lease of life.
The first time she went her feet could barely touch the treatmill and it was slow, she had more than 4 minutes though. Gradually the time was built up and the water level was lowered. I have put a picture up of Gracie before they started to lower the water level. They are not dropping the water to a few inches towards the end of the session now to make her work harder.
Gracie is working well in this picture but she does have a play, she picks her feet up and lets herself drift, she thinks that is really funny
it's being used for what it is meant for. 
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