For Dogs with Injuries or Chronic Conditions such as:
Arthritis; Paralysis / Immobility: Hip, Elbow or Knee Dysplasia; Degenerative Spine, Discs or Joints; Pre-Surgical Conditioning and/or Post- Surgical Rehabilitation.

Also Beneficial for: Geriatric or Obese Dogs and Dogs with Physical / Emotional Trauma.

 What is Canine HydroTherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy for dogs, conducted in a warm water pool or swim-spa. The temperature of the water is designed to match the normal temperature a dog’s body: approximately 100-102 degrees Farenheit. Hydrotherapy is used in the treatment of chronic or degenerative conditions,such as degenerative joints, discs, arthritis, dysplasia, as well as pre-operative conditioning, post-operative recovery; rehabilitation from physical or emotional trauma, as well as an excellent form of weightless exercise for geriatric or obese dogs and general fitness for athletic dogs.  The benefits of swimming and movement in water are well documented and have been used for centuries. Dogs often suffer from conditions which may be aggravated by weight-bearing exercise. Injuries to the back, joints, ligaments, etc. may also make post-operative exercise in dogs problematic. Old or obese dogs, while requiring exercise, may exacerbate existing conditions or cause injuries to themselves due to the weight exerted on their joints during regular walking or land exercise.   Warm water therapy is especially advantageous because it removes stress and weight from the joints and other afflicted areas, helps relax the muscles and allows full range of motion. Because of water's increased resistance to movement, a 10 minute swim is equivalent to about a 10 mile run - thus creating a more efficient environment for exercise and healing.  Water is the basic component of life: it stimulates, relaxes and can have a positive affect on all systems of the body on both the physical and emotional level. From the moment of conception, infants,  - or in this case - puppies! -spend their entire gestation period in warm fluid within their mother's womb. This is an innate time of nurturing and development. The influences at the cellular level of being held in warm water are intensely profound. And so it is with our canine friends. It is our goal to see that each canine client is able to relax and enjoy the benefits of their hydrotherapy session and leave having experienced comfort, relief and a renewed sense of well being.

The Physical Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy

Clients seek canine hydrotherapy for reasons that include the following: geriatrics, arthritis, paralysis and other mobility issues; pre- and/or post- surgical rehabilitation; strengthening of atrophied muscles; help over coming or preventing obesity; issues of hip, knee or elbow dysplasia, to increase body awareness, balance, and coordination; and for to increase overall fitness and muscle tone without the stress of gravity.

Water stimulates, relaxes and can affect all systems of the body:

Epidermal System:
This system involves the skin, the largest organ of the body which wraps and protects our entire being. Water increases circulation which can help the condition of the skin and coat stimulate all the touch receptors.

Muscular System:
Water increases relaxation which can help prevent pain and spasms. When moving in water, the resistance is 15 - 20 times that of moving in air so muscles are strengthened and built in a safe and efficient  way without the stress of weight bearing. 

Nervous System:
Water can calm and soothe the nervous system and decrease stress. It can stimulate the joint connections and re-establish sensation channels.

Circulatory System:
Warm water can increase body temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate, which increases circulation and detoxification, delivers nutrients and oxygen and carries away waste. Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure counters the effects of gravity, increasing blood return from lower extremities, and blood volume centralization. Soft tissue is compressed which increases circulation, lymph movement, oxygen in the blood and respiration.

Endocrine System:
Water can increase metabolic functions and hormones which regulate many processes in the body.

Lymphatic System:
Water can increase lymph drainage, decrease inflammation and improve the immune system.

Respiratory System:
Water can increase the depth of respiration through pressure on the lungs: providing oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide.

Digestive System:
Water can increase smooth muscle activity (digestion) which provides nutrients to cells and eliminates waste through the feces.

Urinary System:
Water can increase blood flow through the kidneys which filters the blood, ridding the body of toxins and removing waste products. This process can help regulate and balance water and electrolytes in the body.

Reproductive System:
Water and its stimulating effects on the body can help enhance the role of hormones which influence all other systems of the body.

Skeletal System:
The skeletal system supports the body and moves it via a framework.
It also protects internal organs. Water can decrease inflammation and increase circulation (which helps prevent arthritis) and in its safe and supportive way, increase range-of-motion in a low-gravity environment.