Dive into wellness: A Mumbai pet owner's mini guide to hydrotherapy
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is "water therapy."
"For the animal patient, exercising in water allows unloading of painful joints, as well as earlier weight bearing on otherwise weak or painful limbs. (Steiss 2003)"
Animal Physiotherapy, Ed Cathrine McGowan, Lesley Goff & Narella Stubbs 2007
How does it work?
Water therapy is beneficial for patients with hip, knee and even spinal injuries. The buoyancy of water aids the dog and helps them to perform exercises without the stress of bearing weight on their limbs.
What conditions does it treat?
Hip Dysplasia
Osteoporosis
Post Surgical care - to build muscle and strength
Spinal Injuries or disorders
These are some of the few conditions which hydrotherapy can benefit. For your dogs individual condition it is essential to speak to your vet and physiotherapist.
Is it suitable for old and young dogs?
Yes, hydrotherapy is safe for dogs of all ages. Swimming itself is not hydrotherapy, rather it is a form of hydrotherapy. Therefore for an injured dog it should be done under supervised conditions.
Heavy and light dogs bodies will act differently in water- your vet/ physiotherapist may add weights to the treatment or a buoyancy vest. These devices are essential for your dogs safety.
Quick Facts about Hydrotherapy for Dogs
- Reduced energy maybe required for movement in water owing to the buoyancy of water - it reduces body weight.
- It helps animals to self correct (when loosing balance) Especially useful for dogs with balance problems.
- Swimming is often an exercise for canines recovering from cranial cruciate ligament stabilisation surgery
- Helps prevent muscle atrophy
- Reduces joint inflammation and increases circulation
- Be sure to let the vet/ therapist know if your dog is fearful of water, has any skin conditions or illnesses
A List of the Pet Hydrotherapy and Swimming Pools for Dogs in Mumbai
The Bark Club
(Disclaimer: This list is purely informational, please check with your vet for the best solutions/ clinic for your dog or cat)
