Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is defined as “the controlled use of buoyancy and resistance of water for therapeutic reasons”. Swimming helps to improve general fitness and heart/lung stamina, improves muscle tone and is helpful in recovering from injury or surgery. It improves fitness, reduces pain, relieves pressure on the joints and allows the muscles of the dog to relax.

Ruff Water

“There is nothing more affectionate than a wet dog”

†      ¢

The benefits of swimming and moving in water on the physical body are well known and have been used for centuries.  The buoyancy of water supports and lessons stress on the joints, encourages freer movement and provides a safe environment for exercise.    

Common Conditions That Will Benefit From Hydrotherapy

• Canine weight loss and management
• Sport or working dog conditioning
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Arthritis
• Pre and Post surgery
• Muscle development and retraining
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Soft tissue damage
• Improve joint function and increase range of motion
• Spinal injuries/paralysis
• Improvement of circulation
• Muscle development and retraining
• Geriatric conditions (atrophy, arthritis)

During the initial meeting with you and your dog, I will collect a thorough history of your dog’s medical condition, exercise routine, your concerns and objectives for your dog’s therapy.

I will then develop a treatment plan for your dog and review it with you.  Most cases benefit with hydrotherapy three times a week, but sometimes twice a week will work depending on the condition we are treating.

I will speak with your veterinarian to obtain a medical history and what concerns they have regarding your dog.  I will also discuss the treatment plan I developed for your dog’s hydrotherapy sessions.  Your veterinarian will receive progress reports on a regular basis. 

About Me

I completed my hydrotherapy class in Ottawa, Canada where I combined classroom work with pool therapy. I gained a great deal of experience from unique canine illnesses including a quadriplegic resulting from Wobbler’s Syndrome, and various breeds recuperating from ACL repairs and luxating elbows.  I completed my internship at Dr. Latter’s office in Lakeland, Florida.  

As a flight nurse with Aeromed, my nursing background helps me to  understand the anatomy & physiology of  these dogs’ injuries & conditions.