At P.A.W.S. for Rehabilitation, aquatic rehabilitation is performed using the most advanced canine hydrotherapy equipment. It is extremely beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of conditions in dogs.
Exercising in water provides the advantages of buoyancy, stability, and hydrostatic pressure. These properties of water work synergistically to help alleviate pain, strengthen, and improve mobility for the post-operative, arthritic, neurologic, debilitated, and/or geriatric dog.
Our Underwater Treadmill
Rehabilitation with water has many benefits. One is decreased weight bearing, which reduces the concussive forces within the joints, thus reducing strain and pain in the joints. In the water, gentle range of motion of all four limbs is accomplished and strengthening is provided by the water resistance. Neurological re-education for muscles occurs because they are used differently when walking in water versus on land, and reflexes can be used to relearn movement.
Swimming in water provides an aerobic activity for patients that are enrolled in conditioning or weight loss programs. Swimming can also be used as a non-concussive exercise to help increase range of motion, as dogs and cats use their limbs differently while swimming as compared to walking.
Hydrotherapy jets provide a warm whirlpool effect to alleviate swelling and pain.
Many owners are concerned that their pets don’t like the water and therefore won’t benefit from hydrotherapy or will be too scared. We progress at every animal’s particular pace and never make them do anything they are not comfortable with. We go in the treadmill with every pet during their first hydrotherapy session to help support and reassure them. This comforting environment allows them to feel safe and enjoy their sessions!