When your dog has experienced pain through surgery or injury, you want to see a fast recovery. Hydrotherapy offers an established method for a soothing yet efficient and safe recovery. This therapeutic process, performed under the advice and supervision of your veterinarian, should lead to a speedy recovery for your beloved pet.
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Benefits
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There are many benefits to the soothing feel of water and swimming because of the multiple muscles used in this activity, without the stress involved that a body endures when working out on land. Hydrotherapy relieves pain, stiffness, and swelling while strengthening the muscles. Therapy through swimming alleviates muscle spasms, improves circulation, allows for an increased range of motion in your dog's joints, and increases the healing in the tissues, allowing for a speedy recovery time.
Significance
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Hydrotherapy works as a natural anti-inflammatory to help in reducing swelling. Hydrotherapy work in the general convalescence of surgery and injury while your dog swims in heated water. Cold water would cause the blood vessels near the skin and muscles to constrict, making the muscles less efficient. Hydrotherapy also encourages a full range of joint motion while in a weightless condition, which improves muscle tone and promote tissue repair. The process heals the damaged tissue without any stress.
Features
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Hydrotherapy involves a pool of warm salt water, with soothing jets, which gently massage your dog while he is swimming in the water. Sometimes, depending on the extent of his injuries and/or the size of the dog in the water, he may be suspended on a sling to help control his movement. Hydrotherapy, which is used for treating injuries and orthopedic conditions, can also be used before and after surgical procedures to strengthen muscle tone, thereby speeding up recovery time.
Options
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With a vet's assistance, you can treat your pet in your home. It is not necessary to have any special equipment in order to provide the same healing effects. Run a gentle stream of warm water over your dog's affected area, using warm water. Another option is to soak the affected area in a bucket or tub of water, rubbing the limb or paw with a gentle pressure of massage toward the trunk of the body. Be gentle and move slowly as your dog is still recovering from pain. Your vet can work out alternatives if your dog objects to the procedures. Sometimes, working with a warm or cool compress on the affected area, followed by a gentle massage, may work as well. Another alternative is to use a hydrotherapy facility.
Considerations
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If you do use a facility, be sure to verify the cleanliness of the water, the qualifications of the staff, and the specific accommodations of the hydrotherapy facility you wish to use prior to your dog's treatments. The therapy should be started slowly. A good facility will keep accurate records of your dog's progress, which in turn should be communicated to your vet regularly.
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