CANINE hydrotherapy is a rapidly expanding practice within both Ireland and Britain. While this may be known to some, it may sound rather far-fetched to others. It is essentially what it says on the tin - water based therapy for dogs.

Aside from the overwhelming cuteness of seeing your pooch swim in a pool or walk in an underwater treadmill, the uses and benefits extend far beyond snapping some adorable pics.

The use of canine hydro is becoming more commonplace alongside the use of veterinary medicine to treat and manage a wide variety of cases. Some of these include osteoarthrosis management, post operative rehabilitation, conservative management of orthopedic issues, neurological cases and weight loss to name a few.

So why and how is hydrotherapy beneficial for these cases? There are several answers here and to answer this in full an essay would be necessary. But the main points I will try summarising below.

Canine hydrotherapy allows dogs to exercise in a controlled environment with decreased weight bearing through their limbs due to the buoyancy of water. This is particularly beneficial for the management of osteoarthritic cases as it takes the pressure off joints but still allows the dog to exercise - maintaining strength and fitness alongside managing weight.

In the underwater treadmill, gait can be strictly controlled and altered. During post-operative rehabilitation, for example following a hip replacement or fracture repair, this enables the therapist to target movement compensations. This ensures that the gait is re-educated correctly preventing further injury and/or compensation in the future. The ability to control and alter gait also proves very beneficial for neurological cases – where correct movement patterns can be stimulated and retrained.

If you are considering canine hydrotherapy and think it may be of benefit to your dog, there are a few factors to be aware of. While the benefits of hydrotherapy are abundant there are some cases where it is not appropriate. To ensure each dog receives gold standard care, all therapists work in close contact with each cases vet. No dog should present for hydrotherapy without the therapist receiving a full medical history from the cases vet.

Unfortunately, filling your bath at home with water and getting your dog to walk around in it does not yield the same benefits as pool or treadmill-based work... yes, you would be surprised by the number of owners that suggest this!