Canine Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a water based controlled exercise that is heated with water temperatures of 28-32 degrees Celsius. The warmth of the water helps with pain management as it allows the bodies muscles and tissues to relax as it increases the elasticity and cell metabolism increasing the blood flow to a given area.

It is the perfect way to exercise as it quickly builds muscle through the resistance of the water but has the benefit of partial weight bearing on the joints due to the buoyancy provided by the water. As the dog’s body is supported by the water the normal stresses placed on bones, tendons and joints is greatly reduced therefore preventing further damage occurring to the already damaged or weakened area.

The properties of the water can further help with reduction in swelling and stiffness due to the hydrostatic pressure increasing the lymphatic system movement. Joint mobilization is increased due to the ground reaction forces on the joints in a desired direction as the water helps increase the protraction and retraction to the movement of the limbs.

If you believe your dog is in need of Hydrotherapy, or your Vet has recommended treatment, first thing you need to do is call us on 01635 521915 or send us an email at info@ActNow-Newbury.co.uk

Facilities

• Aquatic Treadmill
• Pool
• Showering
• Drying
• CPD & Training
• Vet Links
• FAQ's
• Terms & Conditions

Aquatic Treadmill

The Aquatic treadmill has all-round glass for optimum viewing and fills from below which is perfect for those dogs who are not keen on water as their feet stay firmly on the floor. This allows the Hydrotherapist to view the patient’s movement during therapy and allows us to easily control and monitor the rehabilitation process. The water level can be increased and decreased, which is useful for making the transition from water to land based exercise by gradually increasing the load on the affected joint and also improves flexion and extension. The speed of the treadmill can be increased and decreased to replicate the normal gait. We are also able to be in the treadmill with the dog where the dog is very small, nervous or where we need neural re-education, proprioceptive training, gait training and improvement in dynamic balance, to ensure a positive rehabilitation outcome.

The Under Water Treadmill Benefits:

• Partial weight bearing (dependent on water levels)
• Neural re-education
• Proprioceptive gait training in neurological conditions
• Improves balance
• Better for hydrophobic patients, brachycephalic or deep chested breeds
• Speed gait retaining
• Increase in cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass

Pool

The pool has easy access entry and exit routes with a ramp and a rest platform for patients to stand on in the swim intervals. We also have the option to introduce jets to increase endurance and cardiovascular fitness, helping to strengthen muscles at a faster rate by increasing resistance through the water. It provides a non-weight bearing low impact environment for dogs to achieve a maximum active range of movement of joint angles. It helps target all muscle groups using a range of different swimming techniques and hydrotherapy aids. The pool can improve core and trunk strength, improve flexion, and helps increase patient’s cardiovascular fitness. It provides a fun and controlled environment for dogs who enjoy swimming or puppies needing to gain confidence in the water in a safe way. Puppies have to be careful when it comes to land-based exercise, as their growth plates are not fully formed until they reach adolescence. Hydrotherapy protects their joints from overloading when exercising, increases their muscle mass to support their joints as they grow and is also a safe way to tire them mentally and physically during the chaotic puppy stage. A Hydrotherapist will always be within the pool when carrying out sessions to ensure safety to your dog.

Pool Benefits:

• Non weight bearing (Zero / Low impact environment)
• Maximum active ROM as better stride lengths can be achieved
• Improvement to core and trunk strength
• Increase in cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass
• Improves joint flexion
• Back strengthening
• Generalised Arthritis for conditioning
• Weight loss

Candidates not suitable for pool:

• Dogs with spinal conditions i.e. IVDD, FCE, DM, Lumbosacral disease due to added pressure to the spine with the added buoyancy of the water.
• Brachycephalic or deep chested breeds (i.e. Pugs, Great Danes, Boxers)

Showering

To ensure any excess hair and dust/dirt is removed before introducing to the treadmill, we shower the dog but this also helps to warm up and stimulate the muscles groups that are about to be exercised in the session.

Post session the dog is again showered to remove any chemicals from the coat. Should you wish for your dog to be shampooed at this point it is possible to pay extra for this service.

Drying

To ensure your dog is warm, dry and comfortable at the end of the hydrotherapy session they will be towelled and blow dried (dependant on the dogs temperament and condition). This is particularly beneficial for older and arthritic dogs. We provide all towels however, in the colder months to ensure your dog remains warm in the car journey home, we recommend you bring a towel or a coat for your dog.

FAQ's

"How can I book a session?"

Call us on 01635 521915 to book during opening hours, or if an existing customer book via our Book tab.

"What do I need to bring?"

Just bring yourself and your dog! Here at ACT Now we have a shower to wash your dog, shampoo if required, and a blaster to dry your dog after the session. We even have tennis balls and treats if we need to make their time with us more enjoyable.

"Where do I park?"

Please park in any available space within the carpark. If it is easier for yourself or your dog, you are welcome to park alongside our shop front. Make sure your dog is securely on its lead and enter our building. If no one is at reception, please just take a seat and we will be with you shortly. Where your dog is not good with other dogs, please wait outside and we will invite you in once it is safe to do so. Please ensure your pet has had time to toilet prior to entry to avoid a fine. There is a grassy verge at the entrance of the business park, please ensure you pick up after your dog and use our dedicated dog waste bin situated at the front of our shop.

"How soon before my dog is back to their old self?"

Recovery time can alter depending on each individual dog. A younger dog is more likely to recover quicker than an elderly dog. However, certain conditions can cause a longer recovery time than others. i.e. a major operation such as Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) can take several months longer to recover than Soft Tissue Injury. Usually, you'll notice a difference in your dog after several sessions, be it an improvement in their gait, or feeling happier in themselves.

"What will happen if I'm running late or miss my apointment?"

Up to 15 minutes late - We can still go ahead with the planned session, however it will be cut short if necessary to prevent running late with client's afterwards.

Over 15 minutes late - Depending on the diary we have that day, we may be able to go ahead with the session, however if there are more dogs booked in, unfortunately we will not be able to carry out the session and you will be charged for the missed appointment.

Missed Appointments - If you fail to inform us that you cannot make the session, full session charges will be made, or a session taken off your block booking.

Cancellations - No charges will be made for legitimate cancellations, so long as we are informed with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

"My dog is very heavy and can't walk on it's own, can anyone help me?"

When we've spoken over the phone, let us know that you will need help getting your dog in and out of the car. When you park at Orchard Business Park, if you make your way to reception leaving your dog in the car briefly and let us know you have arrived. As soon as we are available, we will come and help.

"How come you charge more than other places I've seen?"

There are a lot of Hydrotherapy places around the country, however not all of these places are signed up to the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA). This was set up to help try and regulate the businesses, by setting industry standards. For example, Hydrotherapist are to be qualified to a high standard, be first aid trained and have studied water management to ensure there are no risks to your animal. Insurers will only pay out to practices that are CHA registered, or operating within a Vets. These places may charge less, however the people in charge may not necessarily know entirely what they're doing and could cause more harm to your dog.

"The Vets say I cannot walk my dog for more than 10 minutes, will your sessions affect my dog in any way?"

On the day of your dog's hydrotherapy sessions, we advise that you treat their time in the treadmill as replacement for their walk that day. If your dog walks more than 10 minutes on the treadmill don't worry! Walking on land is completely different to walking in our aquatic treadmill. This is due to the buoyancy of the water supporting them throughout their session, the warmth and hydrostatic pressure of the water reduces any inflammation and causes decrease in pain. On land they don't get the benefits of the water, therefore more pressure is forced onto the joints and more damage can be caused.

Terms & Conditions

Please have a look at our Terms & Conditions HERE.

If you believe your dog is in need of Hydrotherapy, or your Vet has recommended treatment, first thing you need to do is call us on 01635 521915 or send us an email at info@ActNow-Newbury.co.uk