Pet water therapy has become the standard of supportive care in a wide variety of circumstances. Has your dog just had hip or knee surgery? Are they getting older and having some trouble with their gait? Is your cat terribly overweight?
The underwater treadmill is a versatile, complimentary modality for the rehabilitation of many conditions and as a stand-alone treatment for fitness and weight loss. It uses the therapeutic properties of water to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance—while reducing the risk of injury.
For an excellent, in-depth discussion, read The Benefits of Underwater Treadmills in Pet Rehabilitation.
Our thanks to Jean Pavlakos of Our Hearts Canine Rehab, and Stacey Moenter of Bigger Road Veterinary Center for Pet Health & Enrichment, for their contributions to this article.