Mary Allen
Hydrotherapy for dogs is a great way to build and strengthen muscles in a way that is easy on the joints and improves a dog’s gait. An underwater treadmill for dogs is particularly suitable for this. How does the therapy work? Which dogs can use the treadmill and what are the benefits? And another important aspect: What costs do you actually have to reckon with?
How Does Underwater Treadmill Therapy for Dogs Work?
If the veterinarian and dog physiotherapist agree that the four-legged friend can benefit from water therapy with the underwater treadmill, he is slowly introduced to the topic.
During a first visit to the dog physiotherapy practice, the dog can get to know everything in detail. The future treatment will be discussed in detail and calmly. Here, the four-legged friend is allowed on the underwater treadmill, which can be a bit scary for very anxious or cautious dogs. The dog enters via a side ramp that is closed behind him. Of course, while getting to know each other, he will be rewarded with special treats for his courage, so that the whole thing will be an all-around positive experience for him. If the dog remains calm, some water can be slowly let in via a pump. During his first visit, a “complete” therapy unit is usually not carried out at first, but water is let in for a few minutes, maybe the treadmill is switched on briefly, and then the dog is allowed out again.
Even water-shy four-legged friends can make friends with the treadmill in this way since everything is dry when stepping on it and the water only runs in slowly. It is also only filled slightly higher than chest height. The dog can therefore stand at any time and is not forced to swim. However, to ensure that he is not overwhelmed and that the underwater treadmill is a pleasant experience for him, the therapist and owner look together when enough is enough for him.
How is the Underwater Treadmill for Dogs Used?
The underwater treadmill can be used as supportive therapy for dogs with a wide range of problems. The diagnosis is first made by the veterinarian, who discusses the medication and possible forms of treatment with the owner. Water therapy can be used as an additional therapy. Regular underwater treadmill therapy can lead to improvements in the healing process for chronic conditions such as arthrosis, spondylosis, or cauda equina syndrome, but also for acute problems such as a cruciate ligament tear.
There is also an advantage for older animals, which may no longer need to be operated on. These dogs could achieve significant gains by using the treadmill to strengthen their muscles. The treadmill can do a lot, but the health prognosis for each dog and each clinical picture should always be considered individually.
Cost of Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy
The costs for hydrotherapy with the underwater treadmill vary from practice to practice, as there is no uniform fee schedule for non-medical canine physiotherapists. Depending on whether the treatment is in addition to other physiotherapeutic measures, the costs of the other measures are added.
An initial interview or anamnesis will also be necessary before the actual therapy of the dog begins. This call is around €80.00 to €100.00. The pure time on the underwater treadmill costs about 20.00 € for 15 minutes. This is a rough estimate. You will be able to inquire about the exact prices at the practices in your area.
By the way, some health insurance companies for dogs cover the costs or even part of them. This can mean a great relief for the wallet. The best thing to do is find out about your dog’s insurance cover and check whether these costs are also covered by your existing insurance. Or you can think long-term and take out new insurance so that your dog is fully covered in the future should such treatment become necessary. This actually makes sense, since physiotherapy treatment should be regular and often over a longer period of time, which means that the costs can quickly add up.