What is hydrotherapy and how will it benefit your dog?

Hydrotherapy is a form of therapeutic exercise carried out in warm water, giving increased circulation to muscles, increased joint flexibility and reduced joint pain. Water is a propreoceptively enriched environment allowing for greater use of the musculatory system compared to on land.

Hydrotherapy is used as a non weight bearing exercise for your dog to help recovery from surgery or injury, or to improve conditions such as arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, ligament damage and muscle strain. It can also be used to strengthen muscles and improve fitness levels. 

Due to the therapeutic properties of water you are able to start the rehabilitation process soon after surgery, resulting in a faster recovery period.

This exercise can be carried out either through free swimming in a pool or more controlled exercise in an underwater treadmill.

Whilst exercise in the pool is great for building up muscle strength without bearing any weight on the joints, the treadmill is excellent for those animals which need to learn how to place their feet again, or if you want to target specific muscle groups to increase muscle tone. 
Dogs don't have to have an injury to come to us. They may just love swimming or you may be interested in improving muscle tone and fitness levels. It is also an excellent way to exercise your dog if you yourself struggle to keep up with them! 

For more information on how Hydrotherapy can help your dogs condition please call and speak to Angela on 029 20451278

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