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Pet Hydrotherapy

Pets who are struggling with acute or chronic pain rely on their owners to provide the necessary care and support. If you’re thinking of starting your cat or dog on a new exercise program, it might be time to consider investing in pet hydrotherapy. An underwater treadmill is a reliable tool that can help your pet improve muscle, joint and brain function. You can talk to Elk Rapids Animal Hospital today about developing a rehab plan that works for you and your pet.

What Is Hydrotherapy for Dogs and Cats?

Hydrotherapy is the use of underwater exercise to treat pain and build endurance. Just as people can use hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, dogs and cats can reap the benefits of water therapy treatment.

Warm water therapy for your animal may help treat a variety of conditions. Elk Rapids Animal Hospital treats:

Muscle and ligament injuries
Patellar luxation
Spinal injuries and illnesses
Obesity and aging
Osteoarthritis
Post-surgery pain
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Cancer-related pain
Neurological diseases

Both cats and dogs can participate in aqua therapy. A professional will develop a treatment plan based on the illness, the size of your pet and their individual needs.

Benefits of Pool Aqua Therapy for Pets

Dog and cat water therapy is a gentle, low-impact way to provide patients with the exercise they need. In addition to relieving pain, pool aqua therapy offers several other advantages to patients. The benefits of hydrotherapy include:

Better muscle circulation
Increased range of motion
Increased flexibility
Improved endurance
Reduced joint strain

The benefits of pet hydrotherapy stem from the natural resistance the water offers during exercise. The resistance often eliminates the need for extra weights while your pet is on the treadmill. It soothes by reducing the burden of the patient’s body weight on them while still requiring them to work. If you develop a routine that’s suited for your dog or cat, it can be a reliable source of support during the healing process.

How Does Hydrotherapy Work?

If you decide to explore water therapy as a treatment for your animal’s condition, you can start with a referral from a vet. Elk Rapids Animal Hospital offers hydrotherapy pools where dogs and cats can exercise in a safe and controlled environment.

First, the patient enters the pool, and our therapist adjusts the water level according to the size of the dog or cat. The therapist can then adjust the speed of the treadmill so that it fits your pet’s needs. Water offers natural resistance that allows your pet to walk comfortably on the underwater treadmill.

Because it places minimal strain on the joints, this exercise is ideal for animals who are struggling with other types of exercise due to stiffness or pain. Using treats and toys can also help keep the patient interested during the therapy session.