Hydrotherapy for dogs is a therapeutic exercise that uses water to aid in rehabilitation and fitness. It is particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, as well as those with chronic conditions like arthritis.
The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while providing resistance for muscle strengthening.
Discover more about this specialization with Paula Teal, a canine rehabilitation specialist and director of the Squirrel Lodge Hydrotherapy Centre in England.
The benefits of hydrotherapy for canine
Hydrotherapy helps with a variety of issues, including pain management for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, orthopedic surgery, mental stimulation for dogs on ‘cage rest’ or restricted exercise, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and the prevention of muscle strain.
Maintaining the athletic potential of sport dogs, such as those in agility, is also a key reason for canine hydrotherapy consultations. Working muscles in an alternative way to their regular training regimen is particularly beneficial for competitive and sporting dogs.
These treatments also contribute to the prevention of sports-related conditions. Some dogs at Paula Teal’s center participate in agility world championships, and hydrotherapy is essential for the physical preparation of these high-level athletes.
« For these canine patients, hydrotherapy helps maintain muscle strength throughout the competition season, improves overall fitness, and provides preventive care. Hydrotherapy sessions are weightless, offering a gentle approach to joint work. This therapy builds muscle strength and enhances range of motion. Additionally, for dogs with spinal issues, hydrotherapy can aid in improving balance. On the pool platform, we also incorporate proprioceptive exercises to further support their rehabilitation », explains Paula Teal.
Example of Rehabilitation Plan: Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Below is an example of a rehabilitation plan developed by Paula for a cranial cruciate ligament injury case involving Jess, a 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who was non-weightbearing on her left hind leg.
Examination at the veterinary center revealed a cranial cruciate ligament injury, and surgery was performed using a lateral suture procedure. Post-surgery, Jess continued to be non-weightbearing, making land-based exercises ineffective. Consequently, she was referred to us for hydrotherapy.
Jess was fully assessed and exhibited marked muscle atrophy in her left hind leg. She remained non-weightbearing 6 weeks post-operation.
Jess was introduced to the pool and began swimming using only three legs almost immediately. Her confidence in the water grew with each swim.
Using therapeutic handling techniques in the pool, Jess was encouraged to use her left hind limb, and she gradually began to increase her range of motion.
Jess was seen weekly for 4-5 weeks, during which improvements were observed both in the pool, with increased range of motion, and on land, with improved weight-bearing.
She was given an exercise prescription to encourage increased use of her hind leg on land.
The aim of this program was to:
- increase muscle mass and strength
- improve range of motion
- enhance core strength to prevent future issues with the right hind leg, as there is always an increased risk of problems with the other cruciate ligament
Jess continued to improve, and her sessions were reduced to once every two weeks for another 6 weeks. The swimming patterns were made more complex to encourage greater muscle use and build strength.
Jess’s exercise prescription was modified to increase the difficulty level to further enhance muscle mass and strength. Her hydrotherapy sessions were reduced to every 3 weeks for the next two sessions.
Jess was now using her left hind leg correctly, her gait was well-coordinated, and muscle mass was equal on both sides. She was ready for discharge, but her owner scheduled two additional appointments a month apart for monitoring purposes and peace of mind that everything remained as it should be.
Example of a hydrotherapy session in a swimming pool:
Dog gait analysis : Tendiboots™ Canine
“I use Tendiboots Canine for both assessment and progress monitoring. Some veterinarians use the data I collect with Tendiboots™ Canine to assist with diagnosis when they are having difficulty pinpointing the issue.
Typically, veterinarians refer dogs to my center to begin a rehabilitation program. While the diagnosis is often provided, there are times when it is not. In such cases, I perform my own assessment and send a detailed summary to the referring veterinarian. I provide a report with actionable tips and include screenshots from the Tendiboots™ Canine app to supplement the objective data on the dog’s locomotion with the system’s analysis.” Paula Teal
Want to know more about Tendiboots™ Canine?
Paula works closely with veterinarians to ensure comprehensive follow-up and maximize the chances of successful surgeries and recovery for the animals.
During communications with the veterinary team, they may provide Paula with specific recommendations regarding the goals for the concerned dog. Paula then develops the most appropriate rehabilitation programs for each case.
Most of the dogs treated at the Squirrel Lodge Hydrotherapy Centre are referred by veterinarians. However, in some cases, owners themselves may request the care services.
« Owners can come directly for fitness work or a locomotion check with gait analyzer tools, but for other types of care, a referral is generally required », explains Paula.
At her center, Paula visually assesses canine locomotion and complements her observations with objective data. Equipped with the Stance Analyzer (Companion Health) and the Tendiboots™ Canine system, Paula obtains a comprehensive view of canine locomotion both statically and dynamically.
Based on these observations, the results from the gait analysis systems, and information from veterinarians, Paula then plans the most appropriate care program and exercises to be performed in the pool.
« Depending on the issue and the dog’s condition, I may also provide exercises for the owner to do at home between sessions to enhance the overall outcome. If an owner wants an objective assessment of their dog’s locomotion, I offer a data collection service using both the Stance Analyzer and Tendiboots™ Canine. A report with the collected data is then sent to the owner, who can share it with their veterinarian if desired », says Paula Teal.
Find all the information about the Squirrel Lodge Centre on:
💻 Website : https://squirrellodgecentre.co.uk
🖥️ Facebook : Squirrel Lodge Centre Ltd
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Hydrotherapy for Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness – dailydogclub.com
[…] Whether your dog's dealing with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or recovering from surgery, aquatic exercises can provide significant relief and rehabilitation. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while allowing for controlled movement patterns that strengthen muscles and improve mobility. Cold water therapy helps reduce inflammation and acute pain in injured areas. Dogs with patellar luxation and similar conditions often experience improved range of motion. […]