Assessments
All dogs are given an assessment before hydrotherapy sessions and this can be continued throughout the sessions so that progress can be monitored. An assessment consists of a 10-20 minute program of muscle assessment to record a level at which that dog appears at that particular period in time. This will take in to account muscle wastage, scar tissue in the muscle, adhesions in the underlying tissues, and tightness of skin or fascia, discomfort or pain and muscle spasms. Range of limb movement can also be assessed.
Canine Massage Treatments
These sessions last from about 10 minutes to around an hour and involved a full or part massage to the dog, plus stretching and other treatments. Massage is a very effective therapy and can work either alone, or alongside hydrotherapy for good progress of the dogs health and well being.
Canine Hydrotherapy
Canine hydrotherapy is becoming more popular as veterinary surgeons and owners have started to see the benefits of this form of holistic treatment. Simply standing in warm water will take pressure off injured limbs, help to improve the cardio and respiratory systems by encouraging them to work more efficiently, and warm and stimulate soft tissue to start to repair and heal.
Muscle wastage will occur in any animal once lameness has developed and if the lameness is long term, such as in the case of muscle/skeletal disorders, the muscle wastage can be severe and if left, non repairable. Structured hydrotherapy is an ideal way to start to rebuild and improve the muscle tone and can be used either before or after a major operation.
Where the dogs feels in pain from normal exercise, hydrotherapy is no-impact and fully supportive therapy which allows the dog to exercise with less pain, and can then improve and quicken the rehabilitation period. Hydrotherapy is beneficial for many disorders such as: Hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, muscle wastage, back and neck disorders, cruciate weaknesses and many more. It can also be used to speed up the return to health after whelping and is very popular with sporting and working dogs to improve fitness and repair working/agility/flyball injuries.
Hydrotherapy also helps the dog to focus and concentrate and can reduce the risk of injury during competition. The length of your dogs swim will increase over time as it is very hard work initially. Even a few seconds will have a positive effect on your dog. A minute’s swim is the same as 1 miles good walk to a dog! You and your dog will be able to see and feel the benefits straight after the first session.
How to book an assessment or treatment for your dog
If you would like to book either an assessment or treatment please email me.
For treatments, please click to download a copy of the referral form and simply take the form to your vet to sign.
Treatments can be booked to take place at my home in Derby or in Sheffield. Alternatively check which shows I will be at on the news page.
Click for detailed information about massage techniques.
Click for detailed information about how massage can help your dog.
home about me therapies my dogs our friends dilly's page news links site map