Top Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Senior Dogs

by Christy Caplan | June 23, 2021

Sherman, our almost 15-year-old hound enjoys weekly hydrotherapy sessions! He’s starting to have some trouble getting around.

Our CVT coach, Kristin, at Splash Canine Hydrotherapy and Recovery has been working with both hounds for the past two years. Sherman benefits from the weekly swim sessions as long walks aren’t always possible anymore and Walter needs to lose some weight! During the summer months when the temps soar and it’s simply too hot for daytime walks it’s wonderful to have a weekly session with Kristin booked. Both dogs benefit and they love the underwater treadmill. Why is this a great idea for seniors? It’s not just the treadmill that’s available, there are multiple options open for older dogs.

Top benefits of hydrotherapy for older dogs

Walter in the underwater treadmill

For senior dogs, the goal of any type of physical therapy is pain control, maintaining a range of motion, and helping them stay active. This may help your dog live longer and improve the overall quality of life. Here are the three areas of rehabilitation you can consider with the help of your vet.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a type of physical therapy for dogs.

This includes exercise not only on an underwater treadmill but swimming too. This provides a painless way for your senior to move and exercise. The water provides buoyancy and this creates less stress on your dog’s joints. A dog can move their legs in a different manner than walking during treatment. For dogs like Walter, the water offers a type of resistance for muscle strengthening. Hydrotherapy is also helpful with weight loss.

Swimming

The great thing about swimming your dog is it takes all the weight off of the joints. Any senior dog with arthritis benefits from this and the gentle range of motion that occurs during swimming decreases pain. During the swimming stroke, the animal’s hocks and stifles in the rear legs are used through the full range of motion which doesn’t occur with walking. Swimming also builds muscle which is wonderful for Sherm.

For dogs with back problems, they develop trunk strength. This is essential is getting around and as Walter (doxie) gets older he needs a strong core.

Underwater treadmill

The dog is placed in the treadmill when it’s empty and then the water comes up around the animal. The therapist will measure the height based on the dog. Dogs react to the movement (like us) under their feet and quickly understand they have to keep up with the treadmill. The therapist can have the treadmill go at whatever pace is needed during the session. Sherm’s are short and purposeful.

When the water is at hip level, weight-bearing is reduced by 60 percent. This benefits any dog with weakness or arthritis!

Manual therapy

Some therapists will use manual therapy as a technique under the water, which includes stretching, and strengthening. Massage is also enhanced when done in the water.

If you have any questions about how this may benefit your senior, drop me a comment! There is no doubt in my mind that this helps Sherm with his mobility and it’s proven when he does zoomies after swimming! Dogs who ‘don’t like to swim’ do very well and they don’t perceive hydrotherapy and the swimming environment as the same as going to a local lake!