Aqua Paws Hydrotherapay

Now at the Wave Veterinary Wellness Center

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Aquatic Rehabilitation Hydrotherapy

Transformative Water-Based Therapy for Dogs

Canine hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill combines the healing power of water with therapeutic exercise to help dogs recover, rebuild, and thrive. This innovative, low-impact treatment harnesses natural buoyancy to reduce joint stress while providing controlled resistance that strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and accelerates recovery.

Whether your dog is healing from surgery, managing chronic pain, or working toward optimal fitness, aquatic rehabilitation offers a safe, effective path to better movement and quality of life.

How Underwater Treadmill Therapy Works

Your dog walks on a specialized treadmill submerged in temperature-controlled water. The water's buoyancy significantly reduces the weight load on joints—up to 62% at chest depth—while the natural resistance builds strength with every step. This unique combination allows dogs to exercise longer and more comfortably than land-based therapy, promoting faster, safer recovery.

Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Accelerate healing after orthopedic surgery including ACL repair, TPLO, hip replacement, and fracture repair. Underwater treadmill therapy helps dogs safely rebuild muscle mass, restore normal gait patterns, and regain confidence in movement without risking re-injury.

  • Provide relief for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative joint disease. The reduced weight-bearing environment eases pain while gentle resistance maintains muscle support around affected joints, improving comfort and extending active years.

  • Support healthy weight management for overweight or obese dogs without placing excessive stress on vulnerable joints. Hydrotherapy burns calories efficiently while building lean muscle, making it ideal for dogs who struggle with traditional exercise due to mobility limitations.

  • Improve joint mobility and flexibility through controlled, full-range movements in water. The resistance encourages proper limb extension and flexion, helping dogs move more freely and comfortably in their daily activities.

  • Aid dogs recovering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, spinal injuries, or stroke. The supportive water environment allows for safer gait retraining, balance improvement, and proprioception rebuilding during neurologic rehabilitation.

  • Keep aging dogs active, mobile, and pain-free longer. Regular hydrotherapy sessions help senior dogs maintain muscle tone, joint function, and cardiovascular health while providing a comfortable, enjoyable form of exercise.

Ideal Candidates for Aquatic Therapy

  • Underwater treadmill therapy benefits dogs experiencing:

  • Post-operative recovery from orthopedic or soft tissue surgery

  • Arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other degenerative joint conditions

  • Obesity or difficulty with weight management

  • Neurological conditions affecting mobility and balance

  • Sports injuries or conditioning needs for performance dogs

  • Age-related muscle loss, weakness, or declining mobility

  • General fitness and wellness maintenance

What to Expect During Your Session

Each hydrotherapy session is tailored to your dog's specific needs, condition, and comfort level. Our trained rehabilitation specialists adjust water depth, treadmill speed, and session duration to optimize therapeutic benefit while ensuring a positive experience. Most dogs quickly learn to enjoy their water therapy sessions as part of their recovery and wellness routine.

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