Aqua Therapy - Vet in Avon Lake | Up & Running Canine Rehabilitation

Why Aqua Therapy

At Up & Running Canine Rehabilitation, dog water therapy is offered both in our underwater treadmills for dogs and our seasonal outdoor pool. Aqua therapy is a low impact, high resistance activity used to encourage limb use and function while decreasing pain and minimizing stress on the joints. Patients that are favoring or not using a limb will often improve when treated in the water. The gentle pressure and warmth of the water decreases swelling and edema allowing for soothing and relaxation of sore joints and muscles.

Water therapy is beneficial in the treatment of many conditions such as post-operative recovery, osteoarthritis, and neurologic disease that limits mobility. It can be used for muscle strengthening, gait-patterning, and proprioceptive (balance/body awareness) training. Aqua therapy also promotes weight loss, is valuable for conditioning of sporting and agility dogs, and improves mobility of the senior pet leading to a better quality of life.

Our Underwater Treadmills for Dogs

We utilize a pair of state-of-the-art underwater treadmills in our water therapy program. The underwater treadmills have the ability to vary water depths and walking speeds to tailor therapy specific to each patient. This allows us to modify the intensity of the sessions as the patient progresses through therapy. Our treadmills have jets that turn on and off as needed and they can be used as a swim tank for some patients. The underwater treadmills can accommodate patients of all sizes, and we have even treated a few cats!

Our Outdoor Pool

Weather permitting, your pet’s water therapy program may incorporate our outdoor pool. The 50’ x 30’ lazy river heated pool is ideal for conditioning agility and sporting pets, improving the mobility of our senior pets, or can be used to complement our water treadmills for the post-operative or neurologic patient. There is a slow moving current that provides resistance and we have an island for pets to rest if they tire. Your pet will be fitted with a life vest and will be monitored closely during each session.

At Up & Running Canine Rehabilitation, our CCRPs will recommend a water therapy program that is right for your pet. We are committed to improving your pet’s quality of life.