|
|
 |
 |
|
|
HYDROTHERAPY |
|
| |
Can't My Dog Just Swim at the Beach? |
|
Your pet deserves to swim in a pool or walk in a treadmill with water maintained at the highest standards, and care provided by experienced staff. Staff at our facilities are all trained in water quality maintenance, and are experienced in assessment and provision of hydrotherapy programs for dogs with various ailments. It is imperative that programs are devised specifically for your pet's individual needs, to ensure we do not aggravate painful or healing structures, or overwork a dog who may have other health issues.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
SWIMMING |
|
|
Swimming is particularly appropriate for dogs recovering from a variety of conditions including orthopaedic and neurological injuries or surgery, soft tissue or joint injuries, degenerative conditions such as hip dysplasia, as well as for muscle weakness, general deconditioning and is a fantastic form of exercise for overweight dogs. It is also great as an alternative form of exercise for healthy dogs, and is often incorporated into fitness and recovery programs for sporting dogs.
Swimming is a unique form of therapy as it combines joint range of motion, muscle strengthening, improved circulation and cardiovascular conditioning without weight bearing or loading of painful or healing structures. Exercise can still be performed while tissues heal, preventing muscle wasting, joint adhesions and cartilage degeneration.
All dogs can swim by instinct. How much they enjoy it depends on their confidence in the water and any previous 'bad experiences' with water. Their confidence can be improved with gradual acclimitisation and perseverance. All puppies should be introduced to swimming at an early age (after they have received their full vaccinations) to help them gain water confidence.
This needs to be done strictly under the supervision of trained professionals to avoid undue stress to the pups. Most dogs will become confident and enjoy swimming with time. Buoyancy vests are often used to help dogs with swimming when they are first starting out. Floatation devices can be added to limbs also to increase the difficulty of the workout.
An appointment is required for all first time swims to allow for assessment of your dog, introduction to the pool and an individualised swimming program to be devised. Full assistance is provided by our staff to teach your dog what to do in the water. As you and your dog become more confident, you can swim your dog yourself, and we will continue to monitor your dog's progress and alter their program as required. A veterinary referral is required for all first time swims if your dog has had an injury or surgery.
Dogs in good health do not require a veterinary referral.
Swimming is available by appointment only. Many dogs continue to swim after completing their rehabilitation, either for maintenance of their condition or as a fun alternative to regular exercise.
Our indoor heated pool is kept at a comfortable 26° C all year round. Heated water is used for comfort, relaxation and to aid pain relief. The recommended temperature for dog pools is 26° C, similar to lap swimming pools in humans. Dogs are not able to dissipate heat as well as humans while in the pool and may overheat if the temperature is warmer than 26° C. Filtration and sanitisation are maintained at the highest standard and our water is tested several times daily to comply with standards used for human hydrotherapy pools, along with quarterly water analysis performed by an independent water quality testing company
There is a time limit of 30 minutes on swimming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
UNDERWATER TREADMILL |
|
Dogs In Motion Canine Rehabilitation Centre installed the first Underwater Treadmill for dogs in Australia in 2003. This innovative and state of the art Underwater Treadmill revolutionises rehabilitation and fitness in the canine patient. Suitable for dogs recovering from a variety of injuries and surgeries, the Underwater Treadmill allows dogs to walk while the buoyancy of the water greatly reduces loading placed on painful or healing structures, making it ideal for strengthening. Rehabilitation on the underwater treadmill allows a shorter rehabilitation time and faster return to function.
We see muscle mass restored more quickly than with any other form of exercise. The deleterious effects of immobilisation including muscle wasting, cartilage, ligament and bone degeneration can be eliminated or reduced by allowing exercise during periods of restricted activity. Dogs reluctant to use a limb can be encouraged to do so in a semi-weightless environment. Fitness and strength can be maintained or built upon while outdoor or more strenuous exercise is restricted or contra-indicated following orthopaedic injury or surgery. Most dogs referred for physiotherapy following bone or joint injury or surgery will benefit greatly from underwater treadmill exercise.
We also achieve great results in paralysed dogs following spinal injury or surgery, or those with other neurological conditions by using the underwater treadmill to retrain standing, and walking. Many dogs with spinal injuries will walk in the treadmill with minimal or no assistance in no time at all, before they are able to walk independently on land.
Precise control of speed, exercise intensity, water depth and temperature, means exercise can be tailored to suit each individual patient. Progressions can be made easily and gradually through increases in speed, exercise duration and alterations to water depth, or by adding floatation devices.
Activity can be progressed from extremely gentle for older and frailer patients to a super hard workout, making it suitable for dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages.
Sanitation is maintained at the highest level to ensure safety to all dogs.
Appointments are required and a Physiotherapy assessment is necessary prior to the first session.
Underwater treadmill therapy is also available at:
The Southern Animal Referral Centre, 248 Wickham Road, Highett, Vic, Ph 9532 5261.
Treadmill sessions are additional to all physiotherapy consultations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUSTRALIAN CANINE HYDROTHERAPY ASSOCIATION |
|
|
Michelle Monk is the founder of the Australian Canine Hydrotherapy Association. Started in 2006, the association has been set up to provide support and education to canine pool operators, set standards for operation along with guidelines for hydrotherapy for rehabilitation. Training is offered throughout Australia.
It is advised that you check to see that any hydrotherapy facility you visit is a member of the association. For information on membership and training courses, please contact us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
