What is K9 Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a form of non-weight bearing exercise, where your dog(s) can swim in a safe and

controlled environment with the supervision and guidance of a qualified Canine Hydrotherapist.

Swimming is classified as a strenuous, high cardio form of exercising, however when your dog is

immersed in water, they are essentially weightless in the water. As a result, swimming allows for

minimal stress on joints, compared to when they are walking or running on land. By integrating and

utilizing the controlled properties of water (i.e., resistance, buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and

increased thermal conditions), Hydrotherapy can significantly aid in pain relief, healing and

conditioning, reduction of inflammation within joints and can stimulate and/or relax the muscles.

Hydrotherapy is never used in place of veterinary care but can act as an additional, complimentary

modality, which can contribute greatly to increased surgical/injury recovery times, weight loss

programs, improved physical fitness, emotional well-being and overall longevity of your dog.

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Canine Conditions That Can Benefit From Hydrotherapy

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Damage (ACL)

  • Degenerative Joint Diseases

  • Neurological/Spinal Conditions (i.e. Intervertebral Disc Disease, Degenerative Myelopathy,

    Fibrocartilaginous Embolisms, Spondylosis)

  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

  • Pre/Post Surgical Recovery

  • Soft Tissue & Bone Injuries

  • Muscle Atrophy (Due to a degenerative condition or decline in activity)

  • Arthritis

  • Obesity

  • Anxiety/Boredom/Depression

*The therapeutic services offered by Pawtherapy K9 Aquatic & Massage Centre are

never in place of veterinary medicine and only act as cooperative/complimentary

modalities to the treatment plan, outlined by your veterinarian. As such, a

veterinary assessment and referral must be completed and submitted, before we can

assist in the care of your dog.*

Therapeutic Benefits of Hydrotherapy

  • Improves strength, builds and maintains muscles

    (Helps to condition the entire body, not just one part)

  • Improves cardiovascular and respiratory function

  • Increases flexibility, range of motion and mobility

  • Reduces pain and inflammation of joints

  • Relaxes muscles, stimulates inactive muscles

  • Enhanced metabolic function

  • Slows down the progression of degenerative conditions

  • Aids in the prevention of injury

  • Increased body awareness, balance and coordination

  • Burns excess energy and releases stress

  • Aids in weight management

  • Builds confidence, stimulates the brain and provides a sense of well being

    (Similar to humans - dogs are aware of their declining abilities as they age.

    As a result they can experience depression and anxiety, significantly

    affecting their quality of life).