Canine Swimming and Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can have significant benefits in aiding your dogs healing and recovery rate after surgery or injury, increasing the chance of a successful return to full fitness.

During recovery, exercise becomes limited and muscles lose strength and tone due to inactivity. Once the rest period or confinement is over it is important to rebuild muscle. Deep water swimming (the pool) is a non-impact form of exercise that your dog can safely engage in to rebuild muscle without exerting any force on the joints. Swimming is the only exercise where there is no impact on joints and soft tissue.

Our therapists have had extensive training with a USA certified Canine Hydrotherapist, ensuring that they are up to date with the latest techniques in hydrotherapy. They are also trained in Canine Massage and hold a certificate in Animal Management specialising in Canine Behaviour and Training.

As well as improving muscle strength and endurance additional benefits of Canine hydrotherapy are:

• Pre and post operative conditioning
• Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
• Increased range of motion in joints
• Improved mobility
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Overall general fitness and conditioning
• Weight reduction and toning
• Mental wellbeing
• Relaxation

Conditions benefited from hydrotherapy:

• Arthritis
• Hip/elbow Dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament injuries
• Recovery from injury
• Obesity
• Spinal injuries
• CDRM
• OCD
• Neurological disorders
• Amputation of a limb
  

Why we chose deep water swimming (Pool) as our preferred method of hydrotherapy:

The large 8m x 4m heated, indoor pool at Club K9, allows a hydrotherapist to enter into the water with your dog. Hydrotherapy is so much more than just swimming laps in a pool. By being in the water with your dog, the therapist is able to combine gentle warm water massage with swimming and ensure full range of motion is achieved.

The hydrotherapist is also on hand to help your dog to gain their confidence in the pool environment and to offer reassurance if necessary. Being in the water also allows us to connect with your dog and they quickly learn to trust and relax aiding in the rehabilitation process.

Many dogs continue to visit Club K9 after their initial rehabilitative swims for enjoyment, maintenance and as a fun alternative to regular exercise. We find that most non-swimming dogs are beginning to relax and enjoy their hydrotherapy session by the 2nd – 3rd visit. Of course there are those dogs that just can’t wait to get started on the 1st visit.

Our large pool allows your dog to swim naturally – there is no artificial current to swim against. Your dog is able to enter and exit the water via a wide non-slip ramp. We don’t employ the use of a hoist/harness system.
A greater range of motion is achieved with deep water swimming, as swimming in a pool is non-weight bearing, compared to underwater treadmills where there is still contact with a surface. Using the injured limb in the pool helps dogs to regain the confidence to use the limb on land.

Club K9’s Swim Programmes

Your dog will fit into one of the following programmes. Please contact us to discuss your dog’s requirements.

• Rehabilitation - A series of combined swim/massage sessions for dogs recovering from recent surgery or injury. These sessions allow for a gentle return to exercise after a period of inactivity, helping to rebuild and strengthen muscle, reduce joint stiffness, drain toxins from the limbs and increasing blood circulation (oxygen) to the limbs, aiding to hasten recovery time.
  
• Mobility - Relief from inflammation, pain and stiffness. For those dogs who have ongoing mobility issues such as hip dysplasia, arthritis etc.
  
• Senior fitness - Relief from the stiffness, pain and strain of old age. Swimming, being non-weight bearing provides pain-free exercise. Full range of motion is acheived in the pool environment, allowing joints to move freely and muscles to strengthen. Additionally swimming helps to keep the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in good condition.
  
• Conditioning - Swimming provides one of the best total body conditioners a dog can engage in. Maximise the benefits that swimming can offer your dog with a controlled workout in the pool. This programme is perfect for show dogs, agility dogs and working dogs to keep them in peak condition.
  
• Weight loss/management - Help with weight loss, weight management and fitness. Excess weight is hard on joints and ligaments. Start your dog with a safe, aerobic exercise that burns calories and combined with a controlled diet can greatly enhance their quality of life.
  
• Puppy Swimming - Make your puppy’s first introductions to water a positive experience. A non-weight bearing form of exercise perfect for growing pups, no stress on developing joints and bones. Great for confidence and socialisation. Teach your pup to swim!
  
• Swimming Lessons - Not all dogs are confident swimmers and some dogs may have had a traumatic experience around water. Let us introduce/reintroduce your dog to the water at a pace they are comfortable with. Most dogs do eventually learn that swimming can be a lot of fun!
  
• Energy Burner - Maximise the workout for your dog with a controlled swim. We have found that controlled swimming will burn up energy more efficiently than when a ball is thrown from the pool deck. Using toys to motivate your dog and keep them moving around the pool, this programme is great fun for water loving dogs or those dogs with abundant energy. The benefits of having a tired, contented dog go without saying!

All swim programmes also greatly enhance your dog’s mental wellbeing!