What If My Dog Doesn’t Like Water?

While some dogs might object to cold or open water where they can’t touch the ground and everything feels uncomfortable, the Hydrotherapy process is quite different. We introduce dogs calmly and slowly to the water, increasing the level of challenge for them as their confidence grows. Part of the skill of a therapist is helping dogs to rise to this new challenge and owners are often amazed at how their dogs grow in confidence during therapy sessions.

No previous swimming expertise or doggy paddle prowess is necessary. We assist dogs in getting comfortable in the water and their feet need never leave the ground.

My dog swims in the lake all the time. How is Hydrotherapy better for them?

Hydrotherapy is different to free swimming in lakes, ponds and rivers. This is a controlled aquatic exercise in therapeutic warm water, which allows the muscles to work more efficiently and without risk of sudden cramps. For dogs suffering from arthritis or any other joint problems, the cold water in a lake or ocean is counter-productive, as muscles contract and further damage can occur. Further, if the dog has a weak area they will not move correctly in the water without the professional help of a therapist. This causes the weak area to become weaker and the strong areas stronger. Swimming in this manner will not lead to a full recovery and there is a risk of further damage to weakened muscles and joints through compensation.

Are there any conditions you would not recommend hydrotherapy for?

Dogs with infectious or contagious conditions, including eye, ear or skin infections, vomiting, diarrhea, kennel cough and open wounds will not be able to receive Hydrotherapy treatments. If your dog has cardiac or respiratory conditions or epilepsy any form of exercise may cause a serious problem so we must be informed so we can discuss the problem with your vet. We do not treat bitches while they are in heat.

All patients for Hydrotherapy must have a written veterinarian referral before Hydrotherapy treatments.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Up to date vaccination or titre testing certificates of core vaccines (canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, rabies and leptospirosis) must be in place in order to receive treatments.

Should you wish to use alternative medication for these conditions, it does not stop you having treatments, but you will be required to sign additional documents.

Do I need to see my vet first?

If your dog’s condition has been under the care of a trusted veterinarian we always like to consult with them before we recommend a treatment plan.

For hydrotherapy we only work with vet referrals so please get in touch with your vet or with us to see how we can set that up.

For other treatments there is no need to check in with your vet. As part of setting up your first appointment we will agree on whether it is necessary to see your vet before we begin and as we continue treatment.

What if my dog is shy of strangers?

This is a great question and some dogs definitely take longer to warm up to their treatments than others. All staff members hold a certificate in Low Stress Handling. This course teaches us to understand the body language of fear and anxiety in dogs & cats and more importantly it teaches us how to resolve the fears an animal has. We make time to work with you and your dog to help them adapt to the new environment and use a range of motivators such as treats, toys and owner involvement to encourage your dog. In addition, the release of tension that happens naturally through treatments helps even the most timid dogs open up.

My dog does not like people and needs to wear a muzzle. Is that OK?

We understand that some dogs feel much more comfortable when wearing a muzzle, for example, former Greyhound racers. A well-fitted muzzle will not interfere with any breathing activity and therefore we have no concerns when the dog is wearing a muzzle during the hydrotherapy sessions.

Hydrotherapy can be as much hands-on and as much hands-off as the dog is comfortable and happy with. If your dog is not comfortable with being touched, hydrotherapy might be an excellent way to help them overcome this fear.

If you have any concerns about your dogs’ behaviour, please contact us on 0278264323 and please advise when arranging your appointment with us.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your hydrotherapist directly.

Can I bring other dogs to the hydrotherapy session?

We would recommend leaving dogs at home that are not undergoing treatments. But we totally understand if this can be difficult to be arranged, and even sometimes the dog needs the support of their siblings. If you wish to bring in another dog as a support crew, please advise us when arranging appointments.

Does my dog need a life jacket?

Some dogs do better with the help of a little flotation while others don’t need it at all. We have life jackets here for your dog but if you prefer to bring your own, that’s fine too.

How long is a hydrotherapy session?

Each hydrotherapy session is 45 minutes long broken into intervals of working on the treadmill and resting. Your dog will not swim for the whole session. Remember that around 10 minutes of swimming is equivalent of 1 hour running, but without the impact on joints.

How long will it take for these treatments to work?

Many people see an immediate change in the behaviour of their dog after an acupuncture session, with subsequent sessions creating a longer lasting improvement. The number of treatments required depends upon the condition we are treating and the treatment is reviewed each time we meet to ensure that we continue on the best path for your dog.

How will the recovery progress be monitored?

At each session we will take notes to carefully monitor improvements and changes in your dog’s movement and condition. Every tenth session we re-measure the body and muscle mass to keep track on progress towards our goal. We also send a written report for the initial assessment and then after every tenth session to your veterinarian surgeon and everyone involved in your dog’s rehabilitation programme.

Are there any conditions you would not recommend hydrotherapy for?

Dogs with infectious or contagious conditions, including eye, ear or skin infections, vomiting, diarrhea, kennel cough and open wounds will not be able to receive Hydrotherapy treatments. If your dog has cardiac or respiratory conditions or epilepsy any form of exercise may cause a serious problem so we must be informed so we can discuss the problem with your vet. We do not treat bitches while they are in heat.

All patients for Hydrotherapy must have a written veterinarian referral before Hydrotherapy treatments.

My dog swims in the lake all the time. How is this better for them?

Hydrotherapy is different to free swimming in lakes, ponds and rivers. This is a controlled aquatic exercise in therapeutic warm water, which allows the muscles to work more efficiently and without risk of sudden cramps. For dogs suffering from arthritis or any other joint problems, the cold water in a lake or ocean is counter-productive, as muscles contract and further damage can occur. Further, if the dog has a weak area they will not move correctly in the water without the professional help of a therapist. This causes the weak area to become weaker and the strong areas stronger. Swimming in this manner will not lead to a full recovery and there is a risk of further damage to weakened muscles and joints through compensation.

What if my dog and I don’t like needles?

It’s uncommon for dogs to have a human-like fear of needles and we encourage people to not bring their own fears to the treatment room. Some animals experience minor discomfort when the needles are being inserted however the needles used in our treatments are so fine that most tolerate them very well. Due to the relaxing effect of acupuncture in some cases dogs fall asleep or enter deep relaxation during the treatment.

How much do treatments cost?

Initial consultation session is up to 90 minutes, $120.

Follow up appointments for hydrotherapy are $80. The session is 45 minutes long.

Follow up treatments for massage and acupuncture are $100. The session is up to 60 minutes long.

Can I claim treatments on my pet insurance policy?

Check with your insurance provider. As an accredited practitioner I can provide the necessary documents to assist in filing a claim should your policy and provider allow for this.

How hygienic is the treatment?

We do not use any chemicals in the underwater treadmill. Water that has been used during a treatment session, is pumped through a filter system to clean it from large and small foreign particles like hair, dirt, skin and urine.

Used water is replaced between sessions.

At the end of the treatment day, the water is completely drained and all machinery including the water tank is cleaned and disinfected. The tank is refilled with fresh tap water, which is undergoing regular readings and testing under the Queenstown City Council law regulation.

Are there any risks involved?

Whilst all due care is taken there are some underlying conditions that create additional risk in Hydrotherapy. Physical exercise together with the pressure of water on the chest and abdomen can put more stress on your dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

• If your dog has an undiagnosed spinal condition, there is a possibility their condition could be worsened by Hydrotherapy

• If there is an undiagnosed cardiac or respiratory condition your dog might be at greater risk during Hydrotherapy

This is why we insist that all patients for Hydrotherapy must have a written veterinarian referral before treatment begins.

Can my dog can get water intoxication from hydrotherapy?

Water intoxication, known as hyponatremia can occur when a dog swallows excessive amounts of water. Typically this occurs when a dog is diving in and out of water or playing with sprinklers or hose pipes in the garden etc. The excess of water washes out the body’s natural reserves of sodium causing problems with blood pressure, muscle and nerve function and ultimately brain swelling. It is quite rare but can be fatal when it occurs.

Because our treatment is so carefully monitored we mediate this risk but we remain vigilant in asking owners to be aware of any signs of water intoxication. These include:

• Bloating, vomiting, excessive salivation,

• Glazed eyes,

• Loss of coordination and pale gums.

• If the condition is severe a the dog may start to show difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, coma and very sadly death.

If you think your pet has drunk too much and is showing any of the initial symptoms, it is essential you visit your vet immediately. This condition can progress rapidly and medical intervention is crucial for recovery.

How can I be involved in the session?

We encourage owners to stay involved by motivating and encouraging their dog during the session. For example, in the treadmill we often have you stand in front so they walk towards you as you encourage them.

Can I take pictures during the session?

You have our permission to take pictures only during the session for your personal enjoyment. If posting these on social media, we respectfully require you to tag our page on Facebook and Instagram, @Mates4LifeNZ.

Can I leave my dog with you for the session?

This might be a possibility after a few Hydrotherapy sessions once we know your dog is comfortable with the therapist and process. Before allowing this we need to see that your dog is very comfortable and happy in performing in the underwater treadmill and the procedure while you are there.

When and where are your remote clinics?

We travel to Dunedin on every third Thursday of the month, and to Invercargill on every third Friday of the month.

Dunedin clinics are at Aqua Paws, 218 Balmacewen Road, Waikari.

Invercargill clinics are at The Southland Kennel Association Hall, 126 Kennington Road, Invercargill.

If you have any questions that we’ve not answered here, please contact me with your concerns for a personal reply.