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How to book your session 

You can either book directly with DogFit or be referred by your Veterinary Practice.

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All new Clients will have an assessment session first, which includes any recommended therapies & introduction to Hydrotherapy for your dog if suitable.

All bookings are made via our online booking system. 

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DogFit Conditioning & Performance is located in West Gosford. All details about your session including what to expect, what to bring etc are provided prior to your booking.

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Hydrotherapy Underwater Treadmill

Hydrotherapy underwater treadmill helps canine patients to enable early return to mobility and improve muscle strength following limb, neck, back surgery or injury. Hydrotherapy is a low impact therapy in a reduced gravity environment that helps to improve range of motion in compromised joints. Hydro-treadmill therapy is also great for active and sports dogs to build and maintain athletic conditioning and weight management. Senior dogs with mobility conditions such as arthritis, and dogs who need to manage their weight also benefit from the outcomes of Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy.

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Hydrotherapy has great benefits for dogs from all walks of life. We know that most post-operation and neurologic patients have some degree of muscle atrophy or loss of strength due to their condition. Muscle atrophy also occurs secondary to osteoarthritis and, to a smaller degree, as a result of normal aging in senior dogs.

 

Walking on an underwater treadmill once a week or more can help patients with muscle atrophy improve strength and mobility because of the increased resistance to forward motion. More frequent sessions, as often as every other day, can help build strength even faster.

Hydrotherapy is great for:

  • Post surgical recovery - limb, back, neck, & more

  • Increases muscle mass

  • Improves recovery times 

  • Prevents muscular atrophy

  • Improves range of motion

  • Reduces swelling post injury

  • Improves circulation

  • Improves proprioception

  • Improves torsal & postural strength

  • Reduces stiffness in arthritic conditions

  • Prolongs mobility in senior pets and those with mobility challenges

  • Helps weight management and weight loss

  • Improves speed and endurance performance for canine athletes

Hydrotherapy is not great for:

  • Dogs with open or weeping wounds

  • Chlorine allergy

  • Dogs who are unwell - including vomiting, diarrhoea and any contagious respiratory symptoms such as kennel cough

  • Heart, liver, kidney or any other major conditions

  • Advanced debilitation conditions

  • Dogs who are undergoing chemotherapy - not within 48 hours of application

  • Bitches in season

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In any case, please check with us whether hydrotherapy is suitable for your dog.

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Why Hydrotherapy?

Hydroptherapy for dogs is applied for rehabilitation from injury and accident, surgery, and is also used to build and maintain fitness for dogs who are active or competing in sports.

 

There are several properties of water that contribute to the many benefits to be had by the canine patient.

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Buoyancy

The buoyant force supports the dog’s weight reducing weight bearing

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Viscosity

Movement in water is much slower on land- meaning if dogs have poor balance, they can be well supported in the water and even work on improving balance.

This viscosity also causes resistance which is very beneficial for strengthening as the dog’s limbs push through the resistance of the water

The warmth of the water (32 degrees) helps the muscles to relax, so comfort increases, joints loosen and movement is overall much easier than on land

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