When it comes to our furry companions, ensuring their well-being and health is a top priority. As pet owners, we constantly seek innovative ways to enhance their quality of life. Enter dog swim therapy—a transformative approach that harnesses the healing potential of water to aid in canine rehabilitation and wellness.
We were first introduced to swim therapy when Sienna had her FHO surgery. FHO is a Femoral Head Ostectomy, which is basically when they remove the ball that connects to the socket in the dog’s pelvis. I won’t go into further details in this post, but you can read more on it here as well as find more information on the tools and equipment we found beneficial for her recovery here.
Sienna was going through an extremely difficult time, and swim therapy was not only a recommended treatment but turned out to be a godsend for Sienna’s physical and mental recovery.
How has Swim Therapy Helped Us?
You can read the full story below, but in a snapshot, we have had numerous benefits from Sienna’s hydrotherapy including:
- Helped with rehabilitation and physical therapy after FHO (pelvic) surgery
- Helped to rebuild muscle mass with low-impact / high-result exercises in the pool
- Improved overall circulation, which was poor to begin with and has improved significantly
- Helped with mental health, confidence and PTSD
- Helped with weight loss and overall physical activity
- Helps to keep Sienna pain-free and active, benefiting ongoing physical issues, onset of arthritis and an auto-immune disease
Help Save Durham Region’s only Indoor Dog Pool!
Sienna has attended the Indoor Dog Pool for hydrotherapy and chiropractic care for close to 3 years. It is the only facility in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada of its kind. It is a centre that is near and dear to our hearts and it is at risk of closing!
There is plenty of fundraising going on, with the goal of keeping it open and potentially even expanding its services down the road. Please see their Facebook page, Instagram or TicToc for more information. If you can’t contribute, please share!
Our Experience with Swim Therapy
As mentioned above, we were introduced to Swim Therapy after Sienna had her FHO surgery. It was recommended as part of her physical therapy and rehabilitation. I knew we had a local dog therapy pool because I had considered bringing our old dog, Kimo, there before he passed away. Kimo loved to swim and it would have meant a lot to him to get to swim again before he passed away, but unfortunately, I didn’t contact the facility due to the nature and stage of his nasal cancer. Having attended the facility now and met the therapists, I wish I had brought Kimo to them.
Back to Sienna’s story, in addition to having a recent serious surgery, she was also suffering from PTSD. She had only just joined our home and had a pretty rough life up until that point.
It took a while for Sienna to warm up to the hydrotherapists and to the water. Despite being a lab mix and a natural swimmer, she couldn’t allow herself to enjoy the experience. The therapists slowly introduced her to the facility and the physical therapy and made sure to try to make it as positive an experience as they could. I made sure there was a steady supply of high-value treats!
Water therapy was a godsend for us because Sienna was reluctant to participate in other rehab activities at home. For example, when we would try to go on walks (she was supposed to have many short walks a day) as soon as we would get a few houses away she would plant herself on the ground and refuse to move unless it was back home. We could get her to do exercises in the house, but she wouldn’t play with toys and any exercises she did HAD to involve food. Unfortunately, she gained a lot of weight.
Sienna continued to get more and more comfortable with the facility, the activities and her swim therapists, and although she is still a bit hesitant to get in the water, she now seems to enjoy the actual swimming part. Her tail is up and even wags a bit, she is bright-eyed and makes great eye contact while she’s there!
After about a year of swim therapy, Sienna was down to a normal weight again (with the help of both swim therapy and other changes), she was much more confident and happier, and she recovered well physically. My husband and I had made the decision that we would do a few more sessions and then stop swim therapy. That was when we started noticing something weird about her claws, and a short time later Sienna was diagnosed with SLO.
SLO (symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy) is an auto-immune that impacts the dog’s claws, causing them to lift, slough and crack off. It is a form of lupus and can be very painful. You can read more about our experience with SLO here, but we wanted to treat it as naturally and holistically as possible. With our vet’s approval, we opted for treatments with vitamins and supplements instead of drugs and also engaged an acupuncture / Chinese medicine vet that our other dog Willow was already seeing to see if she could help.
The acupuncture / Chinese Medicine vet thought that it would be a good idea to continue Sienna’s swim therapy to help with her overall circulation and activity, especially given that she is a fairly inactive dog. She also thought that it would help to extend Sienna’s life a little bit. Sienna continues to have issues due to poorly healed fractures and is beginning to get arthritis, so keeping her pain-free and mobile as long as possible will help not only improve the quality of her life but help to extend her life. Swim therapy will continue to be a big part of that goal.
Understanding Dog Swim Therapy
Dog swim therapy, also known as canine hydrotherapy, involves structured exercises in water, typically performed in specialized pools or underwater treadmills. This therapeutic method is not just about having fun in the water; it’s a purposeful regimen designed to improve a dog’s physical condition, addressing issues such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or recovering from injuries. It’s a great exercise for dogs because it uses many muscle groups which is a low-impact but highly effective form of exercise.
It is a specialized form of rehabilitation and exercise that harnesses the therapeutic properties of water to aid in the recovery and overall well-being of our four-legged companions. The therapists who conduct the sessions are normally specially trained in hydrotherapy and many are also specialized in other areas of physical therapy including rehab, massage or even reiki.
But what exactly does it involve? Unlike casual swimming or playtime in a pool, swim therapy for dogs is a structured and purposeful approach to utilizing water for therapeutic benefits. It takes place in controlled environments such as specially designed pools or underwater treadmills, under the guidance of trained professionals. The equipment and methods used may vary depending on the facility and the needs of the animal.
The primary goal of swim therapy is to facilitate rehabilitation, exercise, and healing for dogs dealing with various conditions or recovering from injuries or even surgeries. Whether it’s assisting in recuperation post-surgery, addressing joint issues like arthritis, or aiding in weight management, swim therapy offers a low-impact yet highly effective means of improving a dog’s physical condition.
Techniques and equipment used in swim therapy sessions for dogs are specifically tailored to ensure safety and maximum therapeutic benefit. Trained therapists employ methods such as water treadmills, life jackets, toys and various exercises to target specific areas of concern. Monitoring each dog’s progress and comfort levels is paramount, ensuring a personalized and effective session.
In essence, swim therapy for dogs is a purpose-driven approach that taps into the natural properties of water to aid in rehabilitation, improve physical fitness, and enhance the overall quality of life for our canine companions.
The Healing Benefits of Dog Swim Therapy
The benefits of dog swim therapy extend far beyond mere exercise. It’s a holistic approach that caters to both the physical and mental well-being of our furry friends. Physically, it aids in muscle strengthening, enhances joint mobility, and promotes cardiovascular health. Moreover, the buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making it ideal for dogs suffering from conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. It’s also great for older dogs or dogs with limited movement.
It can also help improve your dog’s overall mental well-being. Swimming or being surrounded by water can have a calming and relaxing effect. It’s also mentally stimulating, and many dogs find it fun!
Dog swim therapy emerges as a game-changer in the realm of canine rehabilitation and wellness, offering a myriad of healing benefits that cater to both the physical and mental health of our furry companions.
Physically, the benefits are undeniable. Canine hydrotherapy promotes muscle strengthening, aiding in the development of stronger, more resilient muscles. This is particularly advantageous for dogs recovering from injuries or surgeries, as it facilitates a gentle yet effective way to rebuild muscle strength without exerting undue pressure on healing tissues. The controlled environment of water also enhances joint mobility, mitigating stiffness and improving range of motion—a significant benefit for dogs suffering from conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia.
Beyond the physical realm, there are invaluable psychological advantages. Swimming is inherently enjoyable for many dogs; it’s not just exercise but also a source of mental stimulation and relaxation. The serene environment of a swim therapy session often reduces stress and anxiety in dogs, providing a calming space where they can exercise without feeling overwhelmed. For anxious or nervous dogs, the soothing effects of water can work wonders in alleviating their apprehensions, fostering a more positive experience overall.
Swim therapy is highly beneficial for weight management. Dogs struggling with obesity find the buoyancy of water a welcoming relief from the strain of excess weight on their joints. The reduced impact on their bodies allows for effective exercise without added stress, enabling a gradual yet sustainable approach to shedding those extra pounds and improving overall fitness.
In essence, dog swim therapy stands as a holistic approach, addressing various facets of a dog’s health—physical, mental, and even emotional—creating a nurturing environment where they can thrive and heal.
Techniques and Equipment Used
Professional swim therapy sessions involve specialized equipment tailored for dogs. Under the guidance of trained therapists, dogs are introduced to pools or water treadmills, life jackets, and various techniques to ensure a safe and effective session. Safety measures are paramount, with experts closely monitoring each dog’s progress and comfort levels.
Incorporating Swim Therapy into Canine Care
For pet owners considering swim therapy for their dogs, it’s essential to find qualified centers or professionals offering these services. Additionally, preparing a dog for their first swim therapy session involves gentle introductions to water, ensuring a positive experience from the start.
If you’re looking for a qualified center in your area, consider asking your veterinarian or even your local dog trainers for their recommendations.
Challenges and Considerations
While dog swim therapy boasts numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges. Not all dogs may readily adapt to water, and certain health conditions might require special considerations. Consulting with a veterinarian or a certified canine hydrotherapist can help address individual concerns.
Conclusion
In the realm of canine wellness, dog swim therapy emerges as a promising avenue, offering multifaceted benefits for our beloved pets. The healing powers of water, when combined with professional guidance, create a nurturing environment for dogs to thrive physically and emotionally.
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[…] some alternative games and exercises we could use in the house and the yard. We also started swim therapy and started seeing a […]