Dive into Relief: The Wonders of Hydrotherapy for Dogs with Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful truth of aging. Inflamed and aching joints make it impossible to enjoy jumping onto the bed, sauntering on an evening stroll or even chasing after their favourite ball. A holistic approach to managing joint pain is essential to get the maximum benefit out of our treatments, so that our pet’s can enjoy comfortable living and age gracefully. Hydrotherapy is a fantastic and completely natural complement to any dog's osteoarthritis care plan.

But how does hydrotherapy help? 

Low-Impact Exercise

Our hydrotherapy sessions are run on our 28oC heated underwater treadmill. The heated water provides a soothing pain relieving effect on the joints, and the buoyancy of the water helps to reduce concussive forces on the joints as they walk. The water weight, bubbles and incline can be adjusted to make walking easier, or more challenging. This low-impact environment allows dogs to move more freely and engage in exercise without exacerbating their arthritis symptoms.

Pain Management

The warmth of the water can help to soothe sore muscles and alleviate pain associated with arthritis. The buoyancy provided by water reduces the pressure on inflamed joints, offering immediate relief and promoting relaxation. Hydrotherapy helps to rebuild lost muscle mass and helps stabilise the joints, and relieve pains from muscle cramping.

Improved Mobility and Flexibility

Consistent hydrotherapy sessions improve joint mobility and flexibility for dogs with arthritis. The resistance of the water helps to strengthen muscles surrounding the affected joints, meaning better support and stability during movement.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for dogs with arthritis, as excess weight puts more pressure on sore and inflamed joints. Hydrotherapy provides a safe and effective way for overweight dogs to exercise and manage their weight without putting undue strain on their joints.

Enhanced Circulation and Healing

The warm water and gentle exercise of hydrotherapy sessions stimulates circulation, promoting faster healing and tissue repair around arthritic joints. Improved blood flow also helps to flush out inflammatory toxins and reduce inflammation, further contributing to pain relief and improved mobility.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH US

Hydrotherapy is a fantastic tool in our arsenal to help support our dogs suffering with osteoarthritis. Wondering where to start? Book an assessment with one of our veterinarians to get your furry companion started with a dedicated hydrotherapy plan today! BUse the form below to search for our available practitioners at a time that best suits you.

If you have an emergency, we urge you not to book a vet appointment using this booking form and instead contact us at (03) 8595 6655 so that we can organise to see you as soon as possible.