27/08/2024
Recreational swimming vs hydrotherapy....what's the difference? 🐾💦🐾
We often get asked by owners if they can take their dog free swimming in places such as swimming pools, the sea or rivers/lakes. Whilst this is something your dog may love doing and can be seen to be beneficial (particularly during the warm summer months it can be tempting to let them have a paddle or swim as well to cool off), it is worth bearing in mind that it may not have the same beneficial, therapeutic effects as hydrotherapy with a qualified hydrotherapist. This is especially important if your dog is recovering from an injury/illness or surgery. Here is a breakdown of the benefits of hydrotherapy vs recreational swimming:
💦recreational swimming does not require the assistance of a qualified hydrotherapist who has been trained in hydrotherapy and who understands the many canine conditions that can be treated and how to get the best from your dog to ensure the best results possible.
💦Hydrotherapists will use certain techniques and guide your dog to make sure they are moving in a controlled, balanced motion which gets better responses and results than free swimming that is not controlled where your dog may not be using proper actions and therefore leaving themselves vulnerable to further injury
💦To swim a dog with known physical/ medical issues without the proper knowledge, training and method may lead to more harm than good for your dog and their condition may worsen. During our hydrotherapy sessions your dog is constantly monitored for any issues or signs of fatigue and their session is adjusted accordingly if needed. Both of our qualified hydrotherapists are also qualified veterinary nurses so have a great knowledge of how to monitor your dog and signs to look out for.
💦hydrotherapy is conducted in a controlled, heated water environment (our water is heated to 30°C) which can have massive benefits to dogs with mobility issues compared to outside water which is generally quite a lot colder and can have a negative effect on conditions such as arthritis and for dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery
💦hydrotherapy pool water is tested daily, maintained and managed to a high standard so that is is safe for your dog. Outside water sources that are not maintained can pose many risks to your dog including leptospirosis, blue-green algae intoxication and water intoxication from ingesting too much water
💦we will always ask for a veterinary referral for any dog starting hydrotherapy sessions (which of course is not needed if your dog is free swimming). This referral ensures that is it safe for your dog to start hydrotherapy and means we are aware of any known medical issues before starting their exercise programme
⭐️⭐️It is without a doubt that exercise in water, in general, is a great way for dogs to exercise from a physical and also mental outlet point of view. It is also a fun and social activity for dogs and owners. The health benefits of water exercise are undeniable. ⭐️⭐️
If you have any questions regarding taking your dog recreational swimming or would like to know more about canine hydrotherapy and its benefits then please do get in touch either via facebook, email: [email protected] or call us on 01227 832322 to speak to Kirsty or Nicola, our qualified hydrotherapists.
