In a rehabilitation program for one's dog, aquatic therapy which provides the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, resistance and viscosity as well as the surface tension, are all important. This all falls under basic principles of properties of water and how it impacts the body. When a body is immersed in water, it creates an upward thrusting on it, thus decreasing the apparent weight of it when immersed in it. The rehabilitation of the dog is aided by the buoyancy by minimizing the amount of weight placed on the muscles and joints and decreasing the amount of pain.

The amount of body weight carried when immersed in water was based on the percentage of body weight that the dogs carried when on land in the following positions:

91% when water was at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia

when the water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur it was 85%

38% when water was at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur

A very beneficial factor when treating dogs with arthritis because joints can be unloaded when considering the buoyancy factors of water.

For sore and swollen joints and edematous tissues, hydrostatic pressure offers an enhanced environment to work in.This constant pressure to the body or limbs aids in reducing the swelling and alleviating the gathering of blood and bodily fluids.

During exercise, pain is significantly reduced from hydrostatic pressure. The nociceptor hypersensitivity is decreased from the phasic stimuli to the receptors of the skin. The dog's pain perception is being reduced allowing them to perform more movements with far less pain.

Resistance or viscosity to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. To increase and strengthen the canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness, water provides that resistance. Unstable joints are supported and stabilized as well as the sensory awareness is increased from the viscosity. The combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog, may allow a dog with paraparesis to willingly walk in water even though they won't on land.

If a dog is extremely weak, with surface tension, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.

Canine hydrotherapy is extremely effective in improving muscle strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion, agility and all the while enhancing the dog's psychological well-being in addition to reducing the pain.

A direct effect is placed on the dog's heart rate and oxygen uptake from dog hydrotherapy. Exercising the legs and the temperature of the water also increases their heart rate further. These same exercises performed on land did not provide the increased heart rate and oxygen uptake as it did in water. One of the greatest benefits of this aerobic exercise is the weight reduction and toning that took place during the canine rehabilitation process.

The best functional improvement and minimization of joint effusion is obtained from dog therapy in water. Exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance. Walking in water has the dog's muscles working in a more functional way. Participating in these canine hydrotherapy exercises where forces are decreased, minimizes and eliminates potential damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.

Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.

One of the key attributes of aquatic therapy for dogs is the heated water which contributes to many physiological effects. Not only do dogs become more functional on a daily level, they have an increase in the circulation to their muscles. Most water temperatures range between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Dogs with heavier coats can tolerate cooler temperatures than this.

Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. Caution should be exercised if taking a dog to a lake or river for aquatic therapy, as currents can be hazardous, or bacteria with recent incisions. Dog life preservers are very beneficial and support the dog while allowing free breathing.

The following dog health issues have been helped with hydrotherapy:

Knee Surgeries

TPLO or ACL operations

Hip replacements

Abnormal Hip Growth

Arthritis

Broken bones or compromised Spine

Deteriorating joints

Neurological Disorders

Cognitive Impairment

Removal of Limb

Hydrotherapy for dogs helps with many health conditions, and to add to the list is the dog's balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. Hydrotherapy for dogs has such a huge amount of benefits. All recovery time post surgery is greatly reduced. The physical condition of a dog can be returned with lessened discomfort through aquatic therapy.

Hydrotherapy is very calming for dogs. A dog's stress level is greatly reduced and it helps to stimulate numerous metabolic functions. The lymphatic system is drained more efficiently and the immune system is supported. Hydrotherapy for dogs regulates their whole system, including the electrolytes. It removes toxins and waste material while improving their skin and coat.

All around the world canine hydrotherapy is becoming recognized and prescribed by veterinarians. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today. The potential benefits are insurmountable.

www.treatment-for-dogs.com

• Dog Information - Flint River Ranch Dog Food The dog is regarded as their best friend by many dog owners but they may not give much importance to the dog food. For dog information, many people turn to veterinarians. Some vets will recommend vitamin supplements or medications, but all that is required is to change your dog's......
• Dog Pain Relief Solutions Using Microcurrent Therapy by Dana Bookman I have an energetic Lhasa apso named Corky. Corky eventually became a champion in the agility ring. Running through the tunnels was one of his favourite activities. He lives for our training sessions and competitions. Corky was given to me as a gift on my sixtieth birthday.......
• Injured Paw Pads Cause your Canine Pain by Derrick Mcgee Dog Pain with injured Paw Pads Doctor and the dog owner who are treating their dog with paw pad injury are often not giving pain killer to the dog. This is unacceptable because this paw injury cause severe pain to the dog. If you had injury in......
• Dogs Urinary Problems:Top 5 Signs Your Dog Has Bladder Problems by Kate Rieger an you tell when your dog is not feeling well? Chances are you can. Most dog owners are in tune to their pets, and will observe the behavioral changes that can occur when their dog is sick. In dogs, urinary problems can be hard to spot, especially......

• Working Out with Your Dog Both you and your dog need exercise in order to live long, healthy lives. You can kill two birds with one stone by adapting a workout routine that works for both you and your four legged companion. There are a wide variety of different ways that you can work out......
• Understanding the Pack Mentality of Dogs [/caption]One of the most famous phrases in dog training these days is to behave like the "pack leader." Why is this catching on so well? In principle, it's because this is the correct way to look at human-dog relationships. Dogs respond best when you are the leader of your household......
• Pet Care – How to Save on Your Pet’s Needs Everyone seems to be looking for a way to cut costs these days, even pet care costs. After all, with so many people losing their jobs, who can afford to spend money on expensive pet grooming or special foods? You want to make sure your pet has everything he needs,......
• Dog Health Insurance by Moses Wright Dog health insurance provides coverage for veterinary costs. This type of health insurance can help the dog owner provide routine veterinary care such as vaccinations and necessary veterinary care to treat unexpected health problems and injuries from accidents. A dog owner looking for information about pet health......

	Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet List Price: $11.95 Sale Price: $5.50 Used From: $3.13

	Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: Too low to display
Drinkwell® The Original Pet Fountain is perfect for single-pet households! It features the Drinkwell®-patented free-falling stream of water and a large charcoal filter to remove bad tastes and odors, giving your pet the best possible and most appealing way to stay hydrated...

Written by Helga Schmitt using tags: aquatic therapy for dogs, canine hydrotherapy, canine hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, dog health, dog health care, dog hydrotherapy, dog hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, dog pools, dog underwater treadmills, dog water therapy, hydrotherapy for dogs, Pets