K9 SWiM’s Underwater Treadmill for Dogs

​We are excited to share with you that our Canine Underwater Treadmill has been installed at our new K9 SWiM Wellness Centre at North Richmond. Bookings will be available for Wednesdays starting from February, 2017. Dogs can benefit greatly from this form of Hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, fitness and health.

What is a Canine Underwater Treadmill?

The Canine Underwater Treadmill is a walking treadmill enclosed in a tank of water specifically designed for dogs. The resistance and speed can be adjusted along with the depth of water this allows for a progressive therapy program to be tailored for each dog, from the smallest to the largest.

How the Canine Underwater Treadmill Works

The dog walks into the tank and warm water gradually starts to rise to the correct level for their size and condition. The treadmill belt will then move and the dog will walk for a set period of time. The treadmill’s resistance and speed is controlled and adjusted for each dog’s condition. Once the dog has finished their session, the water then drains out of the tank and the dog can easily walk down the ramp. 

Benefits of the Canine Underwater Treadmill

Hydrotherapy sessions with the Canine Underwater Treadmill provide resistance and buoyancy, which alleviates the pressure off your dog’s limbs and joints. The reduced weight-bearing load increases the functional use of their limbs.  The warm water used in the treadmill helps reduce pain and inflammation, which can also make connective tissue more flexible and increase blood and oxygen in muscles. Programs are specifically designed for your dog’s condition to gain the maximum benefits such as:

• conditioning and fitness
• improve blood circulation
• improve cardiovascular system
• improve range of motion 
• improve stability and balance
• increase muscle mass and strength
• post-surgery recovery
• reducing injury recovery time 

Rehabilitation

The Canine Underwater Treadmill is great for rehabilitation in dogs especially for orthopaedic or neurological conditions. It encourages walking or jogging with a more normal gait pattern, which is beneficial to dogs. 
Below are some conditions that dogs that the underwater treadmill can assist with:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery see a lot of dogs post-surgery with limited hock and stifle flexion.
  • The underwater treadmill therapy will assist in recovery as walking in the water exaggerates and corrects the gait pattern of the dog improving joint flexion and extension. 
• Disk Surgery or Neurological Injury often causes abnormalities in mobility and gate patterns. 
  • The dog will relearn the pattern of how to place one foot in front of the other while supported by the water and a therapist in the Underwater Treadmill. The proprioception feedback from the feet to the brain is fired when walking on the belt in the underwater treadmill.
• Femoral Head Ostectomy creates pseudo-joint formation instead of excessive scar tissue, which can lead to limited range of motion. 
  • The underwater treadmill exercise will strengthen tendons and muscles around that limb and pseudo joint giving more stability to the dog.
• Hip Dysplasia or Pelvic Fractures see dogs often become weak in the joints and lose muscle mass. 
  • The moving belt in the Underwater Treadmill encourages greater knee and hip extension with resistance which can be very helpful for your dog in recovery and maintenance.
• Post-Surgery or Arthritic Conditions get some degree of muscle atrophy and loss of strength. 
  • Using an underwater treadmill 1-2 times a week will improve muscle mass and strength giving them more stability and balance with their limbs. 

Conditioning and Training

​Competition, Athletic and Agility dogs will benefit on the underwater treadmill in conditioning, strengthening and cardiovascular fitness from the water’s resistance. It boosts endurance and helps reduce the risk of injury.

Overweight dogs can exercise safely, improve their cardiovascular system and muscle strength quickly without the jarring effects of exercising on land.

Keep in Mind

As with any new form of treatment, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before undergoing hydrotherapy. If your dog has had surgery or is recovering from an injury a Vet Referral Form is required before making your booking with us. If you have any questions please contact us.

Book your consultation and session now