During the winter months, the drop in temperature can cause serious inflammatory flare-ups in arthritic joints causing more pain and stiffness. Hydrotherapy is a great way of helping dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis over the winter months. It can help build and maintain muscle mass and improve the range of motion of joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy also increases cardiovascular fitness of the heart and lungs.
The buoyancy of the water gives your dog more support whilst reducing the load and impact on painful joints during exercise, meaning your dog is likely to feel more comfortable exercising in the aquatic environment.
When being immersed in water, the hydrostatic pressure has been shown to increase lymphatic return within the body and therefore leads to a reduction in swelling and associated pain and stiffness. When receiving treatment in our heated underwater treadmill, blood circulation is increased which can aid tissue healing and release natural endorphins boosting your dog’s mood and demeanour during the colder months.
If you would like to try hydrotherapy for your dog, then please contact our highly qualified hydrotherapists Katie and Christina at our L’Islet branch on 01481 241056.
Katie Ozard has the ABC Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy as well as extensive qualifications in animal behaviour and welfare. Katie has vast experience of canine hydrotherapy gained both in Guernsey at Isabelle Vets and for a spell with super vet Noel Fitzpatrick’s team.
Christina Palmer has the OCNLR Level 3 in Canine Hydrotherapy and the OCNLR Level 4 award in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Contact us to book an appointment.