Underwater treadmill therapy, a form of hydrotherapy, is an innovative rehabilitation and conditioning technique where pets are placed on a treadmill submerged in water and the water’s buoyancy and resistance help improve strength and mobility. The technique can target specific joints and conditions with varying water levels and treadmill speeds. The Central Houston Animal Hospital team highlights underwater treadmill therapy’s uses and benefits for pets. 

What is underwater treadmill therapy for pets?

Underwater treadmill therapy involves placing a treadmill in a water tank that pets walk on at varying speeds and water depths. The water’s buoyancy supports the pet, reduces joint stress, and allows for more comfortable movement and extended range of motion. The water’s resistance helps strengthen muscles and improves mobility for injured pets or those who need sports conditioning. 

Underwater treadmill therapy benefits for pets

Underwater treadmill therapy’s benefits are an advantage over other exercise types in certain situations. Benefits include:

  • Reduced impact — During a water treadmill session, the water’s buoyancy reduces the load on a pet’s joints and provides stability, which is excellent for pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint injuries. Warm water also helps alleviate pain and increase circulation, so exercise is more comfortable. For overweight pets, underwater treadmill therapy safely burns calories without excess impact.
  • Improved mobility and strength — Water provides resistance, which can help pets improve muscle strength, range of motion, coordination, and mobility. Pets recovering from surgery, injury, or neurological conditions may improve faster with underwater treadmill rather than land therapy. 
  • Cardiovascular conditioning — Water exercise can improve overall cardiovascular conditions and boost stamina in canine athletes. Additionally, hydrotherapy can be an outlet for high energy pets’ exercise requirements.

Pet conditions treated with underwater treadmill therapy

Underwater treadmill therapy can benefit pets with various conditions, as the water level and treadmill speed can adjust resistance based on the target area and complaint. Common uses include:

  • Joint disease — Pets with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, benefit from reduced joint stress because underwater treadmill sessions allow them to rebuild muscle safely.
  • Post-surgical recovery — Pets recovering from surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repair or hip replacement, can regain strength and mobility.
  • Neurological conditions — Pets with spinal injuries or degenerative neurological disorders will improve their overall mobility and coordination.
  • Obesity — Underwater treadmill therapy can help pets lose weight by providing a safe, low-impact exercise modality with an adjustable intensity level to accommodate gradual improvement.
  • Age — Older pets may lose muscle and strength over time, but hydrotherapy can help keep them mobile.

What happens during an underwater treadmill therapy session for pets

Before starting therapy, our rehabilitation veterinarian will assess your pet’s condition and create a customized treatment plan. Our team members are specially trained to introduce pets to the equipment and keep them stress-free. Your pet’s first session may last only a few minutes, depending on their initial condition. At each subsequent session, the water levels and treadmill speed are adjusted according to your pet’s condition and to encourage gradual improvement. After the session, pets are thoroughly dried off and may complete other rehabilitation exercises or treatments in their individual plan.

Getting the most out of underwater treadmill therapy for pets

Consistency will help your pet see the best results from underwater treadmill hydrotherapy. Our veterinary team will recommend a session frequency and timeline based on your pet’s rehabilitation goals and their progress at each visit. We may also recommend combining underwater treadmill therapy with other treatments, such as acupuncture, manual therapy, or laser therapy, for synergistic benefits.

Underwater treadmill therapy is a versatile tool to help your pet recover from surgery, injury, obesity, or a chronic disease diagnosis. Contact our Central Houston Animal Hospital team to learn more about our hydrotherapy programs and other rehabilitation services, or to schedule an initial rehab consultation.