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About Hydrotherapy
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure in hydrotherapy for dogs might sound complicated, but I’ll break it down in a simple way for you.
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that water exerts on the body when you’re submerged in it. Think of it like a gentle, all-over massage from the water. When dogs are in water, like in a pool or underwater treadmill, the water pushes on their body from all sides, and this pressure can have some really good effects.
Here’s why hydrostatic pressure is important in hydrotherapy for dogs:
- Support: When a dog is in the water, the hydrostatic pressure helps support their body weight. This is great for dogs recovering from injuries, surgeries, or those with arthritis because it reduces the impact on their joints. It’s like a cushion that makes them feel lighter.
- Circulation: The pressure from the water also helps improve blood circulation. It encourages the blood to flow better, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the dog’s muscles and tissues. This can help with healing and reduce muscle stiffness.
So, in simple terms, hydrostatic pressure in hydrotherapy for dogs is like a soothing, supportive, and therapeutic hug from the water. It helps dogs recover and feel better, especially if they have mobility issues or are rehabilitating from an injury. It’s a gentle way to keep them active and healthy.
Water Resistance
Resistance in hydrotherapy for dogs is like swimming or walking against a gentle current. It’s when the water makes it a little bit harder for your dog to move, and this is actually a good thing! Here’s why resistance is important in dog hydrotherapy, explained simply:
- Muscle Workout: When your dog moves in the water, the water pushes back, kind of like a friendly, watery hug. This resistance makes their muscles work harder without the stress that comes from exercising on land. It’s like giving their muscles a workout without lifting heavy weights.
- Strength Building: Over time, working against this resistance helps your dog build stronger muscles. It’s great for rehabilitation after injuries because it can help them regain strength and mobility. It’s like a water gym for dogs.
- Cardio Exercise: Swimming or moving in water with resistance also provides a cardio workout. Your dog’s heart and lungs get a good workout, and it helps them stay in shape and be healthier overall.
- Improved range of motion. When walking in water dogs will tend to lift the legs higher, almost as if to step over the water. This along with a reduced weight environment helps put joints through their full range of motion in a way that couldnt be acheived on land.
In simple terms, resistance in hydrotherapy for dogs is like the water’s way of giving your dog’s muscles a little extra challenge while they play or exercise. It’s a bit like swimming in a pool with a gentle current, and it makes their hydrotherapy sessions both fun and beneficial for their health and fitness.
Bouyancy
Buoyancy in hydrotherapy for dogs is all about how the water helps them float and stay afloat easily, like a life jacket, making it a fun and effective way for dogs to exercise and recover.
Imagine your dog jumping into a pool. Because of buoyancy, the water pushes up on their body, making them feel lighter. Here’s why this is important in dog hydrotherapy, simplified:
- Reduced Weight: The water’s buoyancy supports your dog’s weight. This is super helpful for dogs with joint problems or injuries because it takes the stress off their joints, kind of like a magic cushion. It’s easier for them to move and exercise without pain.
- Gentle Exercise: When your dog moves in the water, they have to push against the buoyancy. This makes their muscles work, even if they’re not a strong swimmer. It’s like a low-impact workout, and it helps them get stronger and more flexible.
- Confidence: Many dogs who are scared of water on land feel more confident in the water because of buoyancy. They don’t sink, and that can help them overcome their fear gradually while getting the exercise they need.
In simple terms, buoyancy in hydrotherapy for dogs is like a water-powered superhero cape. It lifts your dog up, eases their movement, and helps them get better or have fun in the water. It’s like a built-in floaty toy that makes their time in the pool or underwater treadmill enjoyable and beneficial.

Hydrotherapy for dogs is a truly wonderful form of non weight bearing exercise. It uses almost every muscle in the body while placing no undue pressure on the joints. Our heated pool and aquatic treadmill allows your dog to exercise and move freely in a safe, clean and controlled environment.
Dog hydrotherapy is great for:
- General health and fitness.
- Improving muscle tone
- Gait re-education following spinal injury
- Increasing range of motion in joints
- Rehabilitation following surgery.
- Maintaining mobility in ageing dogs.
- Weight loss
- Water confidence
It has proven benefits for the following conditions, which may or may not have had surgical interventions:
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Arthritis
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weight control programs
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High energy or reactive dogs
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Hip and Elbow dysplasia
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Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
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Cruciate ligament rupture
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Patella luxation
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Degenerative myelopathy
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Intervertebral disc rupture
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Spondylosis and Spondylitis
