An important component in the rehabilitation for ones dog is aquatic therapy, which provides the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and resistance as well as the surface tension. How water effects the body is easy to understand through all the basic principles of water and its properties. The upward thrusting of water upon the body is the buoyancy which decreases the weight of the body when immersed in it. This decreases the amount of pain in the dog, by minimizing the amount of weight that is placed on the muscles and painful joints, all aiding in the rehabilitation.

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:

91% when water was at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia

85% when water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur

with the water level filled up to the underside of the tail, it was 38%

This is very helpful 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.

Hydrostatic pressure lessens the pain during exercise. The theory behind this is that the pressure creates phasic stimuli to the sensory receptors of the skin, causing a decrease in the nociceptor hypersensitivity. By reducing the dogs pain perception, it allows them to perform more movements with 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.

With surface tension, if a dog is extremely weak, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.

Canine hydrotherapy is extremely effective in improving muscle strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion, agility and all the while enhancing the dog’s psychological well-being in addition to reducing the pain.

In hydrotherapy for dogs the water provides a direct effect on the heart rate and oxygen uptake. The temperature of the water and leg exercise further increases the heart rate. The heart rate and oxygen uptake were greater performing the exercise in water than performing the same exercises on land. When aerobic exercise is utilized in the canine rehabilitation process, it also aids in weight reduction and toning.

Although exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance, dog therapy in water minimizes the amount of joint effusion and leads to greater functional improvement. Exercise such as walking in water recruits muscles in a more functional manner. Performing these exercises where forces are decreased may minimize or eliminate 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.

Aquatic therapy for dogs has many physiological effects resulting from the heated water. Dogs receive increased circulation to their muscles, increased joint flexibility and decreased joint pain. Dogs become more functional on a daily basis. The recommended water temperatures are between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Lower temperatures are tolerated by dogs with thicker coats.

Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. Caution should be exercised if taking a dog to a lake or river for aquatic therapy, as currents can be hazardous, or bacteria with recent incisions. Dog life preservers are very beneficial and support the dog while allowing free breathing.

Hydrotherapy for dogs has helped with the following conditions:

Knee Operations

TPLO or ACL operations

Replacement of the hip

Compromised Hip Structure

Arthritic Conditions

Spinal integrity and bone fractures

Osteoarthritis

Nerve Disorders

Cognitive Disorders

Amputation of a limb

Amongst all of the benefits from hydrotherapy for dogs, it also includes improving the dog’s balance, confidence, energy level and co-ordination. When considering hydrotherapy for dogs the potential benefits are vast. Any dog that has undergone surgery, their recovery time is significantly reduced. To have minimal discomfort and to restore the physical condition aquatic therapy is the choice.

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.

The potential benefits of canine hydrotherapy is becoming more widely recognized and utilized by veterinarians around the world. Aquatic therapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today.

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