What is Hydrotherapy with an
Underwater Treadmill?

Hydrotherapy is defined as structured exercise(s) done in water under the direct supervision of a professional. By utilizing the physical properties of water, i.e. buoyancy, resistance, and heat, hydrotherapy minimizes stress on joints while promoting motion and engaging muscles.
In the case of an underwater treadmill, your pet will enter a completely enclosed unit while it is completely dry.

Water is then slowly added to the enclosed unit until it reaches the height desired to meet your pet’s specific needs. After the unit has reached the correct height, the unit will begin its operation as a treadmill. Your pet can walk at a controlled speed while you watch them closely. All aspects of this include speed, water depth and incline.

Help Your Pet Move
Better With Hydrotherapy

Book An Appointment Call : 800-82

Benefits of the Underwater
Treadmill

Using an underwater treadmill for hydrotherapy provides animals a unique combination of buoyancy, resistance, and heat in which they may safely recover.

Low Impact Movement and Reduced Pain

Buoyancy provided by the water reduces weight-bearing load on your pet’s body by up to approximately 80%. This results in reduced pain when your pet moves while being rehabilitated due to surgery, injury or has degenerative joint disease (arthritis).

Increased Muscle Strength and General Conditioning

Resistance in the water naturally builds Muscle Strength without causing excessive strain on the joints. Additionally, this type of exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system while improving overall endurance.

Better Mobility and Improved Walking Pattern

The consistent motion of the underwater treadmill promotes a more natural gait pattern and assists in improving joint mobility. As such, it can assist in eliminating limpness and promote normal locomotion.

Promoting Recovery through Warm Water Therapy

Warm water causes relaxation of muscles, improves blood flow and decreases stiffness. Together, these elements create a conducive environment that will enhance your pet’s overall rate of recovery.

Stimulating Nerve Function and Sensation

Through gentle pressure in the water, nerve function and stimulation are promoted which provide valuable feedback for pets that have been affected by a neurological condition or spinal cord damage.

Pet Friendly & Safe

Each treatment is designed specifically for your pet. The depth of the water, speed and angle of the incline may be adjusted based upon what your veterinarian recommends. Your pet enters the unit dry and remains grounded at all times during each treatment.

Underwater Treadmill vs. Swimming: What’s More Effective?

The water treadmills and pool Swimming have their own unique uses as forms of non-weight bearing exercise. Both types of activities will help improve cardiovascular function, however swimming does not provide controlled gait training or may require additional time to rehabilitate a particular injury.

A water treadmill provides a much more exacting and controllable environment. Therapists are able to guide the pet through movement patterns while promoting a normal gait. In addition, patients can begin to bear weight again without putting excessive stress on joints. The speed, resistance and range of motion of the joints can also be altered to meet the needs of each patient. This makes the water treadmill ideal for orthopedic and neurological recovery.

In general, we recommend beginning rehabilitation with the use of the water treadmill. Once the pet has regained some level of strength and endurance, Swimming can be added as another form of exercise which many pets enjoy.

Conditions That Benefit from Underwater
Treadmill Hydrotherapy

Water treadmill therapy can aid in improving and maintaining health and fitness in pets with numerous conditions:

Arthritis and degenerative joint disease

Post surgical recovery (ligaments, hips, spine)

Neurological disorders (coordination or mobility issues)

Orthopedic injuries (fractures or dislocations)

Muscle atrophy due to lack of exercise

Obesity control

Conditioning for working, sport or agility breeds

General fitness and injury prevention for active breeds

How an underwater treadmill works for pets at Modern Vet

When you first start taking your dog through an underwater treadmill at Modern Vet, the experience will generally follow this pattern:

Pre-session review and goal setting

First, the hydrotherapist reviews your dog’s medical history along with their current mobility and gait. This helps to create specific and measurable goals for each session that align with your veterinarian’s findings and recommendations.

Pet’s comfortable introduction to the water

After reviewing your dog’s information, he/she will enter the treadmill while it is still dry. Once inside, warm water will be slowly introduced into the unit until your dog is comfortable and able to move around safely and comfortably.

Initial gradual introduction to movement

Once in the water, the treadmill will begin moving at a slow pace. As the treadmill moves, your dog will be allowed to acclimate to the movement of the treadmill as well as the surrounding environment.

Therapeutic work on the treadmill

As the session progresses the Speed, water temperature and elevation of the treadmill will be modified to fit your dogs changing needs. All modifications will be made with the goal of making sure your dog has a safe and productive experience.

Constantly attentive therapy and support

During every part of the session, one of our certified therapists will remain at your dogs side for support, encouragement and if necessary, assistance during exercises. If needed, we can provide physical support to help with balance or offer distractions (such as food or toys) to encourage participation.

Post session safety and reassurance

Once the session has ended, the water will be pumped out and your dog will be gently guided off of the treadmill. He/she will then be completely dried and closely monitored for a short time after to make sure he/she is resting safely and comfortably.

Learn More About “Hydrotherapy for Pets”

Support Your Pet’s
Recovery Through Hydrotherapy

Book An Appointment Call : 800-82

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens During an Underwater Treadmill Session?

The first step is for your pet to enter the treadmill in its dry state; subsequently, warm water will be progressively introduced. While your pet is working out, the therapist will continuously adjust both the rate of speed and the depth of the treadmill as your pet will be guided and encouraged throughout.

How long does each session normally last?

Each session lasts typically from fifteen (15) to thirty (30) minutes. The frequency of sessions will depend upon the particular needs and goals of your pet’s health and/or physical condition.

What if my Pet Hates Swimming or Water?

Since your pet remains grounded, most pets adapt well to hydrotherapy because the water temperature is raised at a slow rate allowing for a sense of security with their surroundings.

What Should I Bring to Each Session?

You should bring towels or a drying jacket, along with some treats or toys that you know your pet enjoys. Do not feed your pet two hours prior to coming to the appointment. Also allow your pet to go outside to urinate before arriving at the appointment location.

Can Hydrotherapy help my overweight pet lose weight?

Yes. Hydrotherapy can support your pet’s ability to safely lose weight by increasing caloric burn during exercise, increasing muscle mass, and decreasing strain on joints.

How Quickly Will I see Results?

While improvements may be noticed over a couple of weeks for many pets, depending on your pet’s condition and severity of issues, it may take longer. Based on your pet’s progress, adjustments will continually be made to the number of sessions and duration of each session.

Meet the Team and Schedule your Appoinment

Modern Veterinary Clinic is the UAE’s only 24-hour multi-specialty vet hospital. What truly sets us apart is our team of highly qualified specialists, all dedicated to one goal, keeping your pets healthy. With a multinational team, years of experience, and many successful treatments, you can trust that your pet is in safe hands with us.

Dr. Rocio Mena

DVM

Dr. Moustafa Hafez

DVM

Dr. Roy Hassoun

DVM, MVSC, BVSc, DISAMS, DSAS

What our customers say

4.9 Rating from 1800 Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kaoutar T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many thanks to all the staff at the clinic, especially Emy for her professionalism and kindness, she always receives us with a big smile!
  
 
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   LBK Agency Infini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good
  
 
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   Fatima zahra Lemrabet 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at the vet clinic. The receptionist  emmy was very helpful, kind, and efficient. They made the check-in process smooth and answered all my questions patiently. It really helped reduce the stress of the visit. Thank you for the excellent service!
  
 
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   Irene Enriquez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience at Modern Vet! Joan was welcoming and efficient, and Nurse Paul was so gentle and patient with my cat. They made the whole visit stress-free — highly recommend! Thank you for an excellent service 👍
  
 
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   Darwin Enriquez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good service and all the staff are approachable specially JM and nurse Paul