Veterinarians
Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and Massage therapy are very effective forms of treatment that can help many dogs with a variety of disease, disorder or injury. However, none of these treatments should be considered as a replacement for Veterinary Services or Treatments. All of HydroPaws treatments are compliments to the specific health and well-being instruction detailed by a Veterinarian. HydroPaws will only begin to treat a dog if it is cleared and/or recommended by a Veterinarian. It is critical to have this permission and oversight to be able to provide a safe effective treatment that is monitored on all levels.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has been used to help people in the healing process for over a hundred years but is relatively new as a treatment for dogs. This section will help illustrate how hydrotherapy can help Veterinarians obtain optimal health conditions for their Clients and maximize success of the operations and treatments that have already been applied. Together hydrotherapy and veterinarian medical practice work in conjunction to obtain optimal health and mental well-being for dogs.
Listed in our directory is a list of local Veterinarians that support the use of Hydrotherapy and encourage their clients to seek the benefits of this treatment when warranted. HydroPaws would like to invite any local Veterinarians to come and experience our facility. Bring your dogs and have a complimentary swim. If you wish to have your practice added to this list or book a tour and swim, please contact us at hydropawstherapy@gmail.com.
Our Certified Canine Hydrotherapists have received their certificate from Greyfriars located in the UK. Please check out their website www.greyfriarsrehab.co.uk. Greyfriars are accredited by the BVNA (British Veterinary Nursing Association) as part of their CPD Partners Scheme, accredited to provided qualifications by ABC Awards and an approved training provider for NARCH (National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists). The BVNA is the only regulatory association for hydrotherapy in the world. When seeking a hydrotherapist, please ensure that they have these credentials.
Customized Treatment Plans
HydroPaws is a service that compliments veterinary treatments. Our correspondence with the Vet is an essential part of formulating a customized plan. HydroPaws does not treat any clients without a Veterinarians approval.Once we have an understanding of your dog’s physical and mental condition, we are able to put together a customized plan. The formulation of a customized plan ensures Client’s dogs will reach their physical and mental goals.
Each and every dog has its own specific needs to obtain optimum physical and mental wellbeing. The only way to meet these needs is to have a customized treatment plan.
Building a Customized Treatment Plan
An interviewing process with the Owners, to obtain any important information and details about the client and their condition. This helps us understand how the condition happened and any other concerns that may be present or reveal themselves at a later date.
A full body assessment to feel any injuries or affected areas. This also gives us an opportunity to check the dogs gait and general movements. The goal of the plan is to get the Client back to as close to normal function as possible. With this information we can see what areas need improvement.
Correspondence with the Veterinarian to receive permission to commence with treatment and records regarding the Clients history and condition.
Building a Customized Treatment Plan
An interviewing process with the Owners, to obtain any important information and details about the client and their condition. This helps us understand how the condition happened and any other concerns that may be present or reveal themselves at a later date.
A full body assessment to feel any injuries or affected areas. This also gives us an opportunity to check the dogs gait and general movements. The goal of the plan is to get the Client back to as close to normal function as possible. With this information we can see what areas need improvement.
Correspondence with the Veterinarian to receive permission to commence with treatment and records regarding the Clients history and condition.
HydroPaws is a service that compliments veterinary treatments. Our correspondence with the Vet is an essential part of formulating a customized plan. HydroPaws does not treat any clients without a Veterinarians approval.
Once we have an understanding of your dog’s physical and mental condition, we are able to put together a customized plan. The formulation of a customized plan ensures Clients will reach their physical and mental goals.
What makes Hydrotherapy beneficial for dogs?
A Hydrotherapy pool is kept a very specific temperature of 29 degrees. Having the pool at this temperature, brings white blood cells and oxygen directly to injured areas promoting faster healing and recovery times. Hydrotherapy allows a dog to exercise without the pull of gravity putting pressure on injuries, or joints. When a dog does not have to deal with pain that comes with exercise on land it is free to build muscle and regain maneuverability. Hydrostatic pressure keeps even pressure on all parts of the dog’s body when immersed in water. This is beneficial for swollen joints and tissue. Many dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis can move with greatly reduced pain in the water. Every dog wants to be active but some cannot due to injury or disorder, this can cause anxiousness and irritability. When a dog is free of the constraints of pain, their mental wellbeing will also improve.
Types of Conditions Commonly Treated by Hydrotherapy
- Orthopedic – Injuries and disorders to the skeletal system, muscles, joints and ligaments
- Neurological – Disorders of the nervous system – brain and spinal cord
- Soft Tissue – Tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, fibrous tissue, muscle nerves and blood vessels
- Degenerative Muscle Conditions
- Conditions related to Age
- Conditions related to Weight
The Positive Effects of Hydrotherapy
Short Term Effects
- Decreased pain perception
- Increased sensory perception to injured areas
- Relaxation of muscle tension and/or spasm
- Decreased heart rate at rest
- Possible reduction in blood pressure
- Reduction of edema (swelling of tissue)
- Non-weight bearing –easier to move and less joint concussion
- Support for weakened spinal injury dogs in neutral spinal position – increased core stability
- Increased active range of motion
- Feeling or well being due to a release of endorphins
- Reduction of frustration, anxiety and restlessness for dogs on cage rest or reduced exercise
Long Term Effects
- Increased joint range of movement
- Increased muscle strength
- Promotes proper musculature to areas that have neglected to develop due to injury or disease.
- Prevention of secondary complications
- Improved cardiovascular improvement
- Decreased pain and inflammation
- Potential earlier return to normal function
- Slowing the progression of degenerative disease processes
- Improved quality of life
Questions?
If there are any questions regarding Hydrotherapy or Our facility, please call. We look forward to having to helping as many dogs as we can achieve their optimal physical and mental well-being.CALL US!
We look forward to hearing from you.604-123-4567