Anyone do hydrotherapy?

Caro

Caro

Moderator
We're taking our annual holiday near a dog hydrotherapy pool in a few weeks. The pool is at a dog kennel so no physios to help or equipment, so I may need to purchase stuff before we leave, hoping not too much though, we don't have a pool here so it won't be used again until we take another holiday near a pool.

For anyone that's done hydrotherapy

- what does the dog wear - a harness or something I can put a lead on, a floatation vest?
- do I have to get in the pool (soooo hoping not get in, I don't own bathers)
- how long a session do you have
- what do you do?
 
I have a friend who did water therapy with her mini dachshund. His back end was paralyzed after being bit by a German Sheperd. That and lots of other therapy, the dachshund can walk again!

When I went to his therapy - it was an underwater treadmill he walked on. I am not sure it thats the same thing you are doing?
 
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Nothing so fancy - it's just a heated pool that can be hired for hydrotherapy. Don't suppose anyone just takes their dogs swimming? I don't know if I can leave Tully in the pool on her own and for how long.
 
I took Romeo and Juliet for hydrotherapy before.

You will need:
1. a life jacket for the dog, and something you can get wet in and look decent!

2. to go in with the dog otherwise the dog will get stuck at the walls struggling to come out or just leave the pool all the time (once they've figured out where the exit is). What you do in the pool is really gently guide the dog up and down the pool so she keeps swimming.

3. You would start with short sessions if the dog has not swum before. Say 3 minute sessions each time, totaling 15 to 20 mins (so 5 or 7 sessions each 3 mins long). The hydrotherapist did 5 min sessions 5 times totaling 25 mins our first time because they have swum before). You increase the duration of each session as the dog builds stamina.

4. You get into the pool with the dog in a life jacket. Bring treats to make the whole thing more pleasant! When the dog starts to paddle, guide the dog using the handle on the life jacket or just touch the sides of the life jacket so she swims straight and down the length of the pool and back (you'll have to follow the dog) and keep the dog from getting out by turning the dog once she nears the end. Keep the dog away from the sides of the pool as they will almost always struggle to get out. Take short breaks in between sessions and of course reward your dog for doing great in the pool!

Unless you're going with doggy friends or Tully loves swimming I doubt she'd swim around on her own. If she loves balls you may be able to get her to throw a ball for her to fetch so you don't have to go all the way to the other end with her.
 
Thanks, that's really useful. Not real keen on getting into water used by lots of dogs at the kennels, but anything for Tully. I'll be taking along a dog dryer and a tub to bathe her afterwards.

I can't imagine her wanting to swim on her own - she's pathetic enough when I fill up the bath.
 
So here it is - video of Tully trying not to drown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpI0fc6-b-Q&feature=c4-overview&list=UUXh_gHI5S5NmvO7cEFsM1EA

Very basic set up. The first assisted swim was done by the manager (no way I could drag Tully around like that). They prefer not using flotation devices so I waited until the next session without them to use it. I think it made a difference to her confidence. I was pleasantly surprised to see Tully still had her girly figure, despite having put on weight. And lucky she still is only little - I had to carry her into later hydro sessions, she hated it that much.
 
Isn't she a trooper !! It is so cool to see her adjust and stop fighting the water. She really looked relaxed and seemed to enjoy swimming by the end. Thanks so much for that. you did a good job with that video by the way. She looks so precious in her floaty.
 
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