Hydrotherapy can provide many advantages for your furry friend. It uses the natural properties of water to help pets recover from injuries, manage pain, build strength, and improve overall health. In fact, a small clinical study of 13 pups found that swimming helped improve their range of motion, according to The Dog People by Rover. Let’s review three of the ways pet hydrotherapy can benefit your four-legged pal in depth below.
1. Promotes Healing
If your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or has another medical condition causing pain or limited mobility, hydrotherapy can aid the healing process. The buoyancy of water supports your pet’s body weight, reducing stress on the joints and muscles. This allows your pet to move more freely with less pain. The gentle resistance of the water also helps build muscle strength, and the warmth of the water encourages blood flow to promote healing. Regular hydrotherapy sessions under the supervision of a vet can help your pet recover faster.
2. Manages Pain
For pets suffering from chronic pain due to arthritis, hip dysplasia, or another condition, hydrotherapy offers an effective way to manage discomfort. Again, the support of water allows gentle exercise that gets your pet moving while minimizing pain. The massage effect of the water can also increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles. Pet hydrotherapy provides pain relief without the side effects of medication. Consistent sessions can help manage your pet’s pain for a better quality of life.
3. Builds Strength
Pet hydrotherapy is like a pool-based workout for pets! The natural resistance of water makes it perfect for building muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. Whether your pet needs conditioning after an injury or surgery or just tends to be a couch potato, hydrotherapy provides an excellent form of exercise. From walking against the flow of water on an underwater treadmill to swimming laps, a customized workout plan from a vet can help your pet gain strength.
From healing to pain relief to strength building, hydrotherapy has a lot to offer your pet’s health. Under the guidance of your vet, water therapy can aid recovery, manage chronic issues, and improve conditioning. Contact our team at Healing Hands 4 Paws to find out if this treatment may be ideal for your furry friend today!