Water Therapy, which is sometimes also known as aquatic therapy or hydrotherapy, has been swiftly growing in popularity due to its many health benefits for both dogs and cats.
The goal of Water Therapy is to provide your pet with gentle and low-impact exercise which can help your pet find relief from chronic pain, recover from injuries faster and without the risk of causing additional strain, or lose weight while being mindful of comfort and joint health.
There are several varieties of aquatic therapy, but here at Companion Animal Medical Centre, we use a water treadmill to provide Water Therapy for your dogs and cats. We’re excited to be able to offer this treatment to dogs and cats in the Greater Cincinnati area!
The Benefits of Water Therapy for Cats and Dogs
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy or help them recover from injury but if your pet has ever suffered from a serious injury, or has dealt with chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, you know helping your pet get the exercise they need to stay healthy isn’t always as simple as taking them for more walks or playing with them more often.
When your pet is partially submerged in water, the water increases their buoyancy which decreases the weight resting on sore joints or injuries. When combined with an underwater treadmill, the water provides gentle resistance that works to exercise your pet’s muscles while also providing them with an increased range of motion. This exercise can help your pets build muscle and strength, increase endurance, find relief from pain, improve balance, and aid in weight loss in the gentlest way possible.
Water Therapy has also been shown to be beneficial for pets struggling with anxiety by providing a calming outlet for stress.
While hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for senior pets and pets recovering from injuries, it can be used to treat many other ailments such as:
- Obesity and weight issues
- Chronic pain
- Spinal injuries
- Weak muscles and loss of balance
- Poor circulation
- Sprains and dislocated limbs
- Mental health-related issues such as anxiety and depression
- And more!
Can My Cat Receive Water Therapy?
Yes, they can!
We understand many cat owners worry about how their cat will react to being submerged in water.
Cats may have a reputation for hating water, but in our experience, with a little patience and time, many cats come to love Water Therapy and will jump right in.
CAMC is a proud feline-friendly practice and the comfort of your cats is one of our top priorities. During Water Therapy, your cat is closely monitored and we work with your pet to ease them into the treatment and allow them to adjust to the water at their own pace. We never want your pets to feel frightened or stressed by a visit to our animal hospital.
If Water Therapy isn’t the right choice for your cat or dog, we offer other forms of holistic and alternative treatments for injured or aging pets such as Class IV Laser Therapy or Acupressure. We’ll work with your pet’s unique needs and temperament to find the best treatment option for them.
In Conclusion
Water therapy is a great choice for both dogs and cats and if you think your pet could benefit, we’d love to discuss it with you!
Call our Milford Veterinarian hospital today to schedule an appointment for your pet or discuss which treatment options are the best choice for your dog or cat.
