Swimming provides a great cardiovascular workout.

Reaching for floating toys, diving to the bottom, or just keeping afloat means your dog's heart will have to work harder than with any other activity.

In the pool the chest is under pressure from the weight of the water squeezing inwards. Each breath requires more effort, particularly when breathing in. The muscles around the chest have to work harder when your dog is swimming, and short, regular dips in the pool will improve your dog's whole respiratory system.

How can Hydrotherapy benefit my dog?

• Relieves pain, swelling and stiffness
• Improves joint mobilisation and increases the range of movement
• Improves muscle strength and maintenance
• Improves circulation
• Improves cardiovascular fitness

Benefits of Hydrotherapy on the major systems

Integumentary System:
This system speaks of our skin, the largest organ of the body which wraps and protects our entire being. Water increases circulation which can help skin and coat condition and can help stimulate all the touch receptors.

Muscular System:
Water increases relaxation which can help pain and spasms. When moving in water, the resistance is 15 - 20 times that of moving in air so muscles are being used without the stresses of weight bearing. Hydrotherapy is an efficient, safe way to exercise and build muscle.

Nervous System:
Water can calm and sooth the nervous system, decrease stress. Water can stimulate the sensations of joint position and re-establish sensation channels.

Circulatory System:
Warm water can increase body temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation and detoxification, delivering nutrients and oxygen and carrying away wastes. Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure counters the effects of gravity, increases return from lower extremities, increases blood volume centralization. Soft tissue is compressed which increases circulation, lymph movement, oxygen in the blood and respiration.

Endocrine System:
Water can increase metabolic functions and hormones which regulate many processes in the body.

Lymphatic System:
Water can increase lymph drainage, decrease inflammation and improve the immune system.

Respiratory System:
Water can increases the depth of respiration through pressure on the lungs. Providing oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide

Digestive System:
Water can increases smooth muscle activity (digestion) which provides nutrients to cells and eliminates through the faeces.

Urinary System:
Water can increases blood flow through the kidneys (which filters the blood), ridding the body of toxins (including anaesthetic) and removing waste products. This process can help regulate and balance water and electrolytes in the body.

Reproductive System:
Water and its stimulating effects on the body can help enhance the role of hormones which influence all other systems of the body.

Skeletal System:
The skeletal system supports the body and moves one in space via a framework, it also protects internal organs. Water can decrease inflammation, increase circulation and in its safe and supportive ways, increase range of motion as the non-gravity environment can enhance stretches and movement.

Hydrotherapy can be used to treat conditions such as:
 

ü       Pre and post operative conditioning

ü       Arthritis – reduced pain and increased mobility

ü       Hip and elbow dysplasia – especially useful for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise

ü       CDRM – chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy

ü       Spinal injuries

ü       Recovering from injuries – including fracture, soft tissue and neurological damage

ü       Cruciate ligament injuries and post operative recovery

ü       Muscle strengthening maintenance and restoration

ü       Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness

ü       Relaxation of muscle spasms

ü       Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)

ü       Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)

ü       Mental well being

Hydrotherapy has long been recognised within the veterinary field, as a beneficial treatment for the recovery of certain injuries. Until recently, its use in animals was restricted to performance horses and racing greyhounds. Now it is becoming widely used with all types of dogs.

We liaise with Veterinary Surgeons and clients to provide the best treatment available and continually monitor your dogs’ progress to ensure your goals are achieved. The biggest benefit to your pet is an improved quality of life. Your pet will enjoy having more energy and flexibility. All dogs swim under strict control and supervision. The Hydrotherapist is always in the pool with your dog and treatment is always taken at your dogs’ own pace.

Sporting and show dogs                  

Owners of racing and show dogs will find swimming exercise invaluable as it keeps their animal in peak physical condition, strengthening and maintaining muscles, which in turn help to protect them from possible injury.

 
Puppies and Cats welcome too!