In aquatic therapy the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and resistance, as well as surface tension all are important components in the rehabilitation program for ones dog. These are all basic principles to understand about the properties of water and how it affects the body. Buoyancy is the upward thrusting of the water upon the body, creating an apparent decrease in the weight of a body when immersed in it. Buoyancy aids in the rehabilitation of the dog by decreasing pain and minimizing the amount of weight placed on the muscles and painful joints.
The percentage of body weight on land in these following positions, is the basis of a study done on dogs and the amount of body weight they carried when immersed in water:
with a dog in water up to the level of the hock it was 91%
when the water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur it was 85%
having water up to the greater trochanter of the femur it was 38%
For dogs with arthritis, this is most beneficial in treating them because the buoyancy factors of water unload the joints.
Hydrostatic pressure provides an optimum working environment for edematous tissues and sore swollen joints. The tendency of blood and edema to gather in the lower extremities is opposed from the constant pressure to the body or limbs, thus aiding in reducing the swelling.
Hydrostatic pressure lessens the pain during exercise. The theory behind this is that the pressure creates phasic stimuli to the sensory receptors of the skin, causing a decrease in the nociceptor hypersensitivity. By reducing the dogs pain perception, it allows them to perform more movements with less pain.
Viscosity or resistance to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. Water provides the resistance needed to strengthen the canine muscles and increase their cardiovascular fitness. The viscosity increases the sensory awareness and supports in stabilizing unstable joints. A dog with paraparesis may willingly walk in water but not on land due to the combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog.
Movement and exercise are performed with more ease with surface tension, just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface, if a dog is extremely weak.
One of the best things for increasing muscle strength and endurance is canine hydrotherapy. This also improves cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion and agility in the dog. All of these benefits including enhancing the dog's psychological well-being while lessening their pain.
In hydrotherapy for dogs the water provides a direct effect on the heart rate and oxygen uptake. The temperature of the water and leg exercise further increases the heart rate. The heart rate and oxygen uptake were greater performing the exercise in water than performing the same exercises on land. When aerobic exercise is utilized in the canine rehabilitation process, it also aids in weight reduction and toning.
The best functional improvement and minimization of joint effusion is obtained from dog therapy in water. Exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance. Walking in water has the dog's muscles working in a more functional way. Participating in these canine hydrotherapy exercises where forces are decreased, minimizes and eliminates potential damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.
Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.
One of the key attributes of aquatic therapy for dogs is the heated water which contributes to many physiological effects. Not only do dogs become more functional on a daily level, they have an increase in the circulation to their muscles. Most water temperatures range between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Dogs with heavier coats can tolerate cooler temperatures than this.
Hydrotherapy for dogs includes everything from dog pools, underwater treadmills, to whirlpools. Aquatic therapy can also be achieved through taking a dog to a lake or river, although caution must be exercised. Underwater currents pose hazardous and if there is a recent incision, bacteria could present a problem. The water temperature will not provide the same benefits a a pool or underwater treadmill. Dogs can wear a life preserver for safety.
The following dog health issues have been helped with hydrotherapy:
Knee Operations
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
Hip Restoration
Abnormal Hip Growth
Joint inflammation
Fractures or Weakened Spine
Degenerative Joint disease
Nerve Disorders
Cognitive Dysfunction
Loss of a limb
Hydrotherapy for dogs helps with many health conditions, and to add to the list is the dog's balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. Hydrotherapy for dogs has such a huge amount of benefits. All recovery time post surgery is greatly reduced. The physical condition of a dog can be returned with lessened discomfort through aquatic therapy.
Aquatic therapy is very calming for dogs. Besides stimulating metabolic functions, the dog's level of stress is diminished. Besides draining the lymphatic system thoroughly, the immune system is strengthened. There are so many things that dog hydrotherapy accomplishes. From regulating their electrolytes to removing toxins from their system, it enhances their digestion and improves the dog's skin and coat.
All around the world canine hydrotherapy is becoming recognized and prescribed by veterinarians. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today. The potential benefits are insurmountable.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
The percentage of body weight on land in these following positions, is the basis of a study done on dogs and the amount of body weight they carried when immersed in water:
with a dog in water up to the level of the hock it was 91%
when the water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur it was 85%
having water up to the greater trochanter of the femur it was 38%
For dogs with arthritis, this is most beneficial in treating them because the buoyancy factors of water unload the joints.
Hydrostatic pressure provides an optimum working environment for edematous tissues and sore swollen joints. The tendency of blood and edema to gather in the lower extremities is opposed from the constant pressure to the body or limbs, thus aiding in reducing the swelling.
Hydrostatic pressure lessens the pain during exercise. The theory behind this is that the pressure creates phasic stimuli to the sensory receptors of the skin, causing a decrease in the nociceptor hypersensitivity. By reducing the dogs pain perception, it allows them to perform more movements with less pain.
Viscosity or resistance to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. Water provides the resistance needed to strengthen the canine muscles and increase their cardiovascular fitness. The viscosity increases the sensory awareness and supports in stabilizing unstable joints. A dog with paraparesis may willingly walk in water but not on land due to the combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog.
Movement and exercise are performed with more ease with surface tension, just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface, if a dog is extremely weak.
One of the best things for increasing muscle strength and endurance is canine hydrotherapy. This also improves cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion and agility in the dog. All of these benefits including enhancing the dog's psychological well-being while lessening their pain.
In hydrotherapy for dogs the water provides a direct effect on the heart rate and oxygen uptake. The temperature of the water and leg exercise further increases the heart rate. The heart rate and oxygen uptake were greater performing the exercise in water than performing the same exercises on land. When aerobic exercise is utilized in the canine rehabilitation process, it also aids in weight reduction and toning.
The best functional improvement and minimization of joint effusion is obtained from dog therapy in water. Exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance. Walking in water has the dog's muscles working in a more functional way. Participating in these canine hydrotherapy exercises where forces are decreased, minimizes and eliminates potential damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.
Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.
One of the key attributes of aquatic therapy for dogs is the heated water which contributes to many physiological effects. Not only do dogs become more functional on a daily level, they have an increase in the circulation to their muscles. Most water temperatures range between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Dogs with heavier coats can tolerate cooler temperatures than this.
Hydrotherapy for dogs includes everything from dog pools, underwater treadmills, to whirlpools. Aquatic therapy can also be achieved through taking a dog to a lake or river, although caution must be exercised. Underwater currents pose hazardous and if there is a recent incision, bacteria could present a problem. The water temperature will not provide the same benefits a a pool or underwater treadmill. Dogs can wear a life preserver for safety.
The following dog health issues have been helped with hydrotherapy:
Knee Operations
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
Hip Restoration
Abnormal Hip Growth
Joint inflammation
Fractures or Weakened Spine
Degenerative Joint disease
Nerve Disorders
Cognitive Dysfunction
Loss of a limb
Hydrotherapy for dogs helps with many health conditions, and to add to the list is the dog's balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. Hydrotherapy for dogs has such a huge amount of benefits. All recovery time post surgery is greatly reduced. The physical condition of a dog can be returned with lessened discomfort through aquatic therapy.
Aquatic therapy is very calming for dogs. Besides stimulating metabolic functions, the dog's level of stress is diminished. Besides draining the lymphatic system thoroughly, the immune system is strengthened. There are so many things that dog hydrotherapy accomplishes. From regulating their electrolytes to removing toxins from their system, it enhances their digestion and improves the dog's skin and coat.
All around the world canine hydrotherapy is becoming recognized and prescribed by veterinarians. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today. The potential benefits are insurmountable.
About the Author:
Helga Schmitt has been avidly studying and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation hands on for 20 years. She is a Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist, and holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She offers startling informationabout healthy choices. For your Free Dog Health Report and to read more on Hydrotherapy for Dogs, go to www.treatment-for-dogs.com.
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