A New Method For Treating Your Dogs Aches & Pain with - Water!!!

For years, humans have used hydrotherapy as a way to treat muscle and joint problems. In more recent years, veterinarians and other animal specialists have turned to hydrotherapy as a way to help treat similar problems in animals. So what is hydrotherapy and how can it benefit your pet?

According to the Random House Dictionary, the definition of hydrotherapy is "the treatment of physical disability, injury, or illness by immersion of all of part of the body in water to facilitate movement, promote wound healing, relieve pain, etc., usually under the supervision of a trained therapist." Perhaps the most well-known form of hydrotherapy is water aerobics. People who suffer from arthritis or similar joint problems often use water aerobics in addition to, or as an alternative for, medication. By performing the aerobics in the water (an almost weightless state), the body is allowed to build strength and muscle mass without the body weight bearing down on the joints.

Hydrotherapy is used the same ways for dogs as it is humans. Dog who benefit from the therapy include those that suffer from ligament disorders, joint diseases, muscles strain, hip and elbow dysplasia, and orthopedic fractures. In truth, any dog that cannot exercise normally (even due to an outdoor allergy) can benefit from the therapy. Hydrotherapy not only helps a pet build muscle and increase joint mobility, but it is also a great workout for the lungs and heart. The therapy can improve coordination and balance, decrease muscles spasms and associated pain, and help your pooch recover from his problem more quickly. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the therapy involves the happiness and wellbeing or your pooch. Dogs that are unable to move or suffer from constant pain often exhibit signs of depression, since they are unable to exercise and play. Giving your dog a chance to move around and workout can make one happy pup.

You may be wondering why you should enroll your dog in a therapeutic class instead of just letting him swim in the lake. Hydrotherapy is performed with caution and care. The pools are designed so that your dog can swim without worrying about environmental and other animal hazards. The water is warm to help loosen the muscles and make your dog more comfortable. A therapist runs the session in the water with your pooch and makes sure that the exercises are performed safely and correctly. The therapist is there to intervene if your pet panics or tires out. Throwing an unhealthy or injured pooch in the water is not the safest idea. It is hard to monitor his amount of exercise or which areas of the body he is working. Without supervision, he may be causing a greater strain on the muscles or joints that are causing him pain. Unless you are in the water with your dog helping him through each exercise, then it is a good idea to let a professional take care of your pooch. Once you learn the ins and outs of the therapy, then you may want to consider leading your own therapy classes with your dog at home.

How long your pooch will need to undergo the treatment depends upon the problem that is being treated. It he is suffering from a muscle tear or similar condition, the therapy may only last a handful of sessions. If he is suffering from a long-term illness, such as arthritis, then the therapy may last his entire life. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of hydrotherapy. Often, the therapy can replace medication and other forms of treatment. You vet can recommend a therapist near your community and possibly provide more literature on the treatment.

Hydrotherapy has proven beneficial for humans for many years. Now, dogs are also reaping the benefits of underwater aerobics in order to treat a variety of conditions. In addition to helping certain problems, hydrotherapy can improve your pet's overall health. Trained therapists work side by side with the dogs to ensure that the dog is properly performing the exercises, so there is no reason to worry about the safety of your dog. If you think your dog would benefit from the therapy, talk to your veterinarian for further recommendations. Many of these disable pets often experience high anxiety and stress. You can also ease your pets anxiety by taking them with in a pet carrier or making them feel secure in a pet crate.