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Hydrotherapy, which simply means ‘therapy in water’, is one of the oldest forms of rehabilitation and is gaining popularity for canine rehabilitation, particularly in dogs. At Charlie's Canine Hydrotherapy Clinic, we utilize various methods to harness the benefits of hydrotherapy, including underwater treadmill therapy, swimming, or both.

There are many benefits of hydrotherapy for the canine patient, particularly through underwater treadmill therapy. These benefits include: 

· Ease of movement for painful or healing structures 

· Improved weight bearing 

· Gait re-education following spinal or neurological injury or disease 

· Prevention of muscle atrophy 

· Accelerated muscle strengthening 

· Faster return to previous function following injury or surgery 

· Improved joint range of motion 

· Balance re-training 

· Maintaining and prolonging mobility in senior pets 

· Conditioning for sport and show ring 

· Weight loss 

Overall, incorporating underwater treadmill therapy can significantly enhance canine rehabilitation for your furry friend.

There are many benefits of hydrotherapy for the canine patient from swimming. These include: 

· Exercise in a gravity eliminated environment 

· Prevention of muscle atrophy 

· Accelerated muscle strengthening 

· Faster return to previous function following injury or surgery 

· Improved joint range of motion 

· Maintaining and prolonging mobility in senior pets 

· Conditioning for sport and show ring 

· Improved fitness 

· Weight loss 

Overall, these benefits highlight the importance of canine rehabilitation methods like underwater treadmill therapy.

There are several properties of water that contribute to the many benefits of hydrotherapy for the canine patient. These include: 

Buoyancy - the buoyant force supports the dog’s weight, reducing weight bearing during canine rehabilitation. 

Viscosity - movement in water is much slower than on land, meaning if dogs have poor balance, they can be well supported in the water and even work on improving balance. This viscosity also creates resistance, which is very beneficial for strengthening as the dog’s limbs push through the resistance of the water. 

Additionally, the warmth of the water (32 degrees) helps the muscles to relax, increasing comfort, loosening joints, and making movement overall much easier than on land, especially during underwater treadmill therapy.

Orthopedic

Cruciate surgery or injury, medial patella luxation surgery or conservative management, and elbow dysplasia management—whether conservative, post-surgical, or arthritis management—are common concerns in canine rehabilitation. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, shoulder instability, fracture repair, arthritis, spondylosis, polyarthritis, and limb amputation also require careful attention. For senior pets experiencing weakness or poor mobility, the benefits of hydrotherapy, including underwater treadmill therapy, can significantly enhance their quality of life. Additionally, ligament repair and arthrodesis may be necessary interventions.

Neurological

In the realm of neurological conditions, IVDD may require surgical or conservative management, while FCE, degenerative myelopathy, polyradiculoneuritis, polyneuropathy, wobblers syndrome, and other degenerative neurological conditions can impact mobility. Brachial plexus injury also necessitates appropriate treatment strategies. Canine rehabilitation, particularly through techniques like underwater treadmill therapy, can provide essential support for recovery and improved functionality.