Hydrotherapy – whether swimming or walking in an underwater treadmill – is a very good exercise for dogs with OA (arthritis). The main reason as the water supports the dog and it is therefore a lower impact exercise whereby the joints do not get the full impact of gravity compared to walking on land. In addition the limbs can move freely and movements will often be softer and more exaggerated compared to regular walks, which is good to keeps the joints moving. In addition the water is warmed, which helps against pain and it is a great workout as well. Go to a certified Hydrotherapist and they will be able to advise you. Your dog will not get hurt when supervisor by a certified person as they will know how to gradually build it up. This is not the same as free swimming in some lake outside but really in a nice warm controlled environment. The dog might experience slight muscle soreness, but this should not be worse as us going to the gym and being a bit score as we do an exercises that we are new too. and with time, this will get better. Talking from first hand experience with several clients of mine, this is definitely to be recommended and try it out to see how it goes for your dog!

Fitdog

Hello Kat, It’s great to hear that you are taking steps to manage your dog’s arthritis with the use of supplements. How do you feel these are working? I can understand your reluctance to use tablets, I hear this quite often from other owners too, so you’re not alone. I suspect your vet has suggested anti-inflammatories often referred to as NSAIDs. When vet’s prescribe these they take into consideration the health of your pet and will carefully monitor your dog whilst on them. If you are worried perhaps it is worth another chat with your vet.

With regards to your swimming question, did your vet mean any kind of swimming or specific hydrotherapy treatment?

Whilst swimming outdoors in the sea or a river is good fun and great exercise for young fit dogs, you should do it with caution if your dog is elderly (which yours is) or infirm, there can be currents and tides which will make it much harder for your dog. Pond and lake swimming is slightly safer but there are still risks.

Hydrotherapy pools are heated to a cosy 29-30 degrees, which I’m sure you can appreciate is far nicer on old stiff joints than the sea! The temperature in itself can ease pain and inflammation by increasing blood circulation to the joints. The water also provides buoyancy which means that your dog will be able to exercise in a non-weight bearing environment, which must feel like bliss if your legs are constantly aching!

Moving the joints in a low impact way increases their flexibility and range of movement, by moving them you enable them to keep mobile. These are the basics of why swimming is beneficial, I could go on!

If you do decide to do hydrotherapy make sure the therapists are suitably trained. They should be registered with either NARCH or CHA who have minimum qualification requirements. Your vet may have a list of contacts for therapist which you can choose from.

I hope this helps
CSF
Hydrotherapist and Vet Nurse