11/10/2022 0 Comments A dogs purpose dog in water“We start dogs off on the low end if they are presurgical or postsurgical, if they have injuries they are recovering from, or if they are obese or unfit in any way,” Taylor says. Beth Taylor of The Puddle: Pet AquaFitness & Nutrition in South Elgin, Illinois says that most swim sessions can range from 10 minutes to a half an hour. The amount of time dogs spend in the pool is entirely dependent on veterinary recommendations. Warm water helps loosen tight muscles, and is used more often for therapy or recovery sessions. Block explains that colder water is typically used for athletic dogs who are training or exercising because it helps them maintain a normal, balanced body temperature. Some dogs may need to work out in warm water as opposed to cool water. Each facility will have different methods of exercise within the lap pool, depending on the dog and his needs. The majority of canine aquatic centers feature hydrotherapy pools in which dogs can do laps, fetch and retrieve balls thrown into the pool, or simply learn how to swim with the assistance of a licensed staff member. “A fit dog who is trying to improve their conditioning, may run at 2.5mph.” The resistance provided by the water greatly increases the benefits of exercising even at these relatively slow speeds. “A pet rehabilitating from spinal surgery may only walk at 0.5mph,” Fuoco says of the varying speeds of the equipment. Once the tank is filled to the appropriate amount for the dog, the treadmill will start. The underwater treadmill provides buoyancy while the dog walks, taking the pressure off aching limbs and joints. The tank fills up to an individual pet’s needs and drains easily when the exercise is done. Some facilities simply include pools, while others host higher-tech equipment such as underwater treadmills.Ĭhristina Fuoco, VMD, CVA, CCRT of WAG: Whole Animal Gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania explains that an underwater treadmill features a treadmill that is enclosed in a tank of water. “The duration of exercise needed in water may be less than needed for similar exercise on land.” Different Types of Aquatic Exercise for DogsĮach aquatic facility is different, as are the needs of each individual dog. “Water is denser than air, so movement through the water and the resistance to that movement helps to work the muscles quite well, she says. The resistance and buoyancy that water provides, makes it a great exercise environment for pets recovering from injury or for those suffering from joint pain, says Tari Kern, DVM, of Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation & Therapy for Pets in Rochester Hills, Michigan. “The beautiful thing about swimming-even with an older dog who has muscle loss-is they can exercise in a completely non-weight-bearing environment.” “When dogs are not moving, they can lose pretty profound muscle within six or seven weeks,” says Lee Deaton of Natural Healing Whole Dog Wellness in West Chicago, Illinois. For instance, when the pavement in the wintertime is lined with ice or salt, a dog who is used to working, or running alongside his owner, can stay in shape thanks to water exercise.Īnother common reason why dogs are brought in for aquatic therapy is to help them recover following surgery (for something like an ACL tear), or to help arthritic dogs work their joints, maintain muscle mass, and move around comfortably all while minimizing discomfort. When it comes to fitness, strength, and conditioning, aquatic therapy is an exercise that can be done year-round for dogs as young as a year old. It is a great tool to help your dog stay in optimal shape.” “From a preventative perspective, hydrotherapy is good for fitness, body condition, and a great source of aerobic exercise that is low impact on the bones and joints. Jonathan Block, DVM, of Water4Dogs Canine Rehabilitation Center in New York. “Water therapy is beneficial in a variety of different areas,” explains Dr. There are a few reasons why a pet parent may consider taking their dog to an aquatic therapy facility, be it of their own volition, or under the recommendation of their veterinarian. Whether you want to keep your working dog in shape, ease your pup’s arthritic pain, or get him back on his feet after surgery, getting your dog in the water may be just the thing he needs. And it turns out our canine companions may also reap rewards from time spent in the water. Swimming provides humans with plenty of benefits, from cooling off on a hot summer day to staying in shape.
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