In a rehabilitation program for one’s dog, aquatic therapy which provides the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, resistance and viscosity as well as the surface tension, are all important. This all falls under basic principles of properties of water and how it impacts the body. When a body is immersed in water, it creates an upward thrusting on it, thus decreasing the apparent weight of it when immersed in it. The rehabilitation of the dog is aided by the buoyancy by minimizing the amount of weight placed on the muscles and joints and decreasing the amount of pain.
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:
with a dog in water up to the level of the hock it was 91%
when the water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur 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.
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.
Resistance or viscosity to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. To increase and strengthen the canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness, water provides that resistance. Unstable joints are supported and stabilized as well as the sensory awareness is increased from the viscosity. The combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog, may allow a dog with paraparesis to willingly walk in water even though 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.
One of the best things for increasing muscle strength and endurance is canine hydrotherapy. This also improves cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion and agility in the dog. All of these benefits including enhancing the dog’s psychological well-being while lessening their 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.
Dog water therapy is by far the best in minimizing joint effusion and obtaining superior functional improvement. Dogs exercising on land will achieve greater maximum muscle performance. To allow the muscles to operate in a more functional fashion, walking in water is highly rated. To ensure there is no damage or inflammation to the soft tissues, performing these exercises in dog hydrotherapy pools or dog underwater treadmills where forces are decreased, is best.
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.
Hydrotherapy for dogs includes everything from dog pools, underwater treadmills, to whirlpools. Aquatic therapy can also be achieved through taking a dog to a lake or river, although caution must be exercised. Underwater currents pose hazardous and if there is a recent incision, bacteria could present a problem. The water temperature will not provide the same benefits a a pool or underwater treadmill. Dogs can wear a life preserver for safety.
Hydrotherapy for dogs has helped with the following conditions:
Knee Surgeries
TPLO or ACL operations
Replacement of the hip
Hip Dysplasia
Arthritis
Fractures or Weakened Spine
Osteoarthritis
Malfunctioning of the Nervous System
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.
Water therapy is very calming for dogs. It helps reduce levels of stress and assists with stimulating metabolic functions. The dogs immune system is enhanced and the lymphatic system is drained much more effectively. Hydrotherapy for dogs helps rid their bodies of toxins and regulates the electrolytes in their system. Their digestion is improved as is their 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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