Every week we go with our puppies and adult dogs who enjoy swimming in the pool to Buinerveen Dogsplash. Here the dogs are exercised. Especially in young dogs we think it is important to start. You make optimal muscle mass and the least possible load on the joints. Below is information intended to get an impression what exactly does water combined with hydroherapy. Eric and mandy Dogsplash’s guide our dogs here completely. Check their website:

Hydro therapy is widely used in the treatment of dogs with orthopedic and neurological disorders. Origin the word hydrotherapy is derived from the Greek word therapeia hydor (water) and (healing/handling). The use of water is for centuries associated with religion, hygiene and recreation. Starting from the 19th century gets the hydrotherapy clear shape and be heat baths used for Orthopedic, neurological and psychiatric diseases. The end of the 20th century you see efforts to practice experiences to substantiate with research. Human you see next to hydro therapy in hospitals and rehabilitation centers also the popular uses of water in the form of thermal baths, aqua jogging and water aerobics.

Hydrostatic features:

 

  • when an object is submerged in water will experience this object a pressure of the water. The pressure depends on the depth at which the object itself in the water and the density of the water. The pressure has affected the circulation and nervous system of the dog.
  • Every body that is dipped in water, are experiencing upward pressure, which depends on the weight of the displaced water. This upward pressure causes the dog depending on the height of the water with less weight or weightless swims. The pressure on the joints in the legs decreases. Also be encouraged while the upward movements in the movements against this pressure be tangled.
  • Any liquid has surface tension. Breaking the water mirror costs extra strength and affects the movement pattern.
Hydrodynamic features:

 

  • By the difference in density between air and water is the forward move in water many times heavier than in air. The density of water is 800 times greater than the density of air. The more surface under water and the faster the movement all the heavier the movement.
  • Depending on the speed of the band there will be a steady resistance through the water and will be delivered at turbulence of the water (e.g. jetstream) swimming and walking are heavier.
  • The principle of ‘ tail suction ‘ is important in dogs with a paralyzed hindquarters. Behind the front hand will by the movement a suction force for the hind legs.
  • Thermodynamic properties: gives primary hot water a dilation of blood vessels and secondary a relaxation of muscle tissue.
Physiotherapeutic treatment plan:

 

  • Hydro therapy has a lot of features. But it must be clear that hydro therapy is more than just a dog or swim in water. At hydro therapy should therapeutic and with application of training principles use the possibilities of water. Hydro therapy will when it is within the rehabilitation of dogs wants to get and retain a place, should be applied by animals physiotherapists. Animals physiotherapists have knowledge and can, in consultation with the referring veterinarian to an optimal treatment plan. Per treatment is the result of each training on the basis of the physiotherapeutic research evaluated. The student has in addition to the hydrotherapy also other possibilities, think of massage, exercise therapy, physical techniques (equipment) and not insignificant instructions and advice to the owner, to restore the dog to promote.
Aqua training versus swimming:

 

  • To hydrotherapy can be shaped in different ways. In addition to training in the aqua trainer there is the possibility to swim in open water with the dog or dogs in a swimming pool. Swimming is not exactly as training stimulus to dose, the speed of the swimming movement is determined by the dog and is not measurable and therefore not repeatable. The only variable that can be sent is the time duration. In addition, the temperature of outdoor water often too cold. The exercise in a aqua trainer is exactly to dose. When swimming the dog will weightless and can be trained without loop function. Especially dogs with severe back problems and dogs that have no staff function, are indicated for swimming. Aqua training requires a loop function and an allowable load of at least 40%. Could possibly be obtained a reduction of the joint tax by using a harness or bottom. This tool can be attached to the rod above the aqua trainer. Swimming is no functional training stimulus for walking the dog: a dog that can swim better and longer, do not need to run better. Swimming does not appeal to the stability of the legs, aqua training though. Research has shown that when walking in water the range of motion of a joint depends on the height of the water. So can be deliberately chose a particular joint and more mobile. Swimming improves the flexion of knee and heel.