Water exercise can be a fantastic way to keep your dog in shape and provide them with enjoyable physical activity. Additionally, hydrotherapy, or therapeutic water exercises, can offer numerous benefits to your pet's health, particularly if they suffer from arthritis, joint pain, mobility issues, or obesity. At Valley Animal Rehabilitation in Clifton, our veterinarian offers hydrotherapy services to dogs of all ages, aiming to alleviate joint pain, enhance strength and endurance, improve range of motion, and promote weight loss.
The Purpose of Hydrotherapy for Pets
Pets with joint pain often struggle with mobility, which can limit their exercise opportunities. In turn, this lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, weakness, poor circulation, and an increased risk of illness and disease. Hydrotherapy provides a safe and effective means for pets to engage in exercise without causing joint damage or pain. It helps build strength and endurance, improves circulation, reduces pain, and enhances overall quality of life.
If your dog has any of the following conditions, they could benefit from hydrotherapy:
- Orthopedic problems
- Obesity
- Neurological issues affecting balance and coordination
- Health conditions leading to muscle mass loss
- Painful joints
Hydrotherapy can also contribute to the mental well-being and physical fitness of healthy pets.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Pets
Hydrotherapy offers low-impact physical activity that is highly beneficial for your dog's health. Water exercises provide the necessary resistance for a good aerobic workout while minimizing pressure on the joints. Dogs can move freely in the water without experiencing joint pain or discomfort. Hydrotherapy improves mobility in senior dogs, aids in the recovery of dogs after injury or surgery, and benefits dogs with arthritis. It can even be used to train athletic dogs for competitions or service work.
Overweight dogs may find swimming and therapeutic water exercises easier for weight loss compared to land exercises, as they do not have to contend with their own weight. Walking alone can be a challenge for overweight dogs, let alone running, fetching, or jumping. Hydrotherapy allows your pup to engage in a substantial workout while having fun in the water, making it a more effective and enjoyable method for getting back in shape.
Contact Valley Animal Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy services can help your furry friend regain strength, improve range of motion, enhance health, and restore mobility, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life. To learn more about hydrotherapy or enroll your dog in our program, contact Valley Animal Rehabilitation in Clifton today at (973) 509-5225.