At The Veterinary Wellness Centre, we are proud to offer an advanced therapeutic modality known as the water treadmill. This specialised equipment provides a unique and effective approach to rehabilitation and fitness for your beloved pets. We mostly use the water treadmill for dogs, but the occasional cat has been known to enjoy it too!
How the Water Treadmill Works:
The water treadmill is a specially designed treadmill that incorporates the benefits of hydrotherapy into your pet’s exercise routine. It consists of a treadmill enclosed in a chamber or tank filled with warm water. As your pet walks or exercises on the treadmill, the water provides buoyancy and resistance, creating a low-impact workout environment.
Benefits of the Water Treadmill:
1. Low-Impact Exercise: The buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on your pet’s joints, making it an ideal exercise option for pets recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or experiencing joint pain. The low-impact nature of the water treadmill helps minimise stress on joints while providing effective cardiovascular and muscular workouts.
2. Enhanced Rehabilitation: The water treadmill is a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of pets with musculoskeletal injuries or undergoing post-operative recovery. The controlled water environment allows for gentle range of motion exercises, strengthening of muscles, and improved joint flexibility. It aids in promoting proper gait patterns, retraining muscles, and accelerating the overall healing process.
3. Improved Fitness and Weight Management: Regular exercise on the water treadmill can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall endurance in pets. It also helps with weight management, as the resistance provided by the water helps burn calories more efficiently. The water treadmill can be particularly beneficial for overweight or obese pets, providing a safe and effective means of exercise.
4. Enhanced Balance and Coordination: The water’s buoyancy and resistance challenge your pet’s balance and coordination, helping to improve their motor skills and proprioception. This is especially beneficial for pets recovering from neurological conditions or those with balance-related issues.
Our Approach:
At our practice, our trained professionals closely monitor your pet’s progress during water treadmill sessions. We tailor the exercise program to their specific needs, whether it’s post-operative recovery, rehabilitation, or general fitness. Each session is carefully designed to provide maximum benefit while ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort.
Benefits Beyond the Water Treadmill:
In addition to the water treadmill, our practice offers a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services to support your pet’s overall well-being. Our veterinary surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses and physiotherapist can incorporate additional modalities such as acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, laser therapy, and more to provide a well-rounded rehabilitation program for your pet.
If you believe that the water treadmill could benefit your pet’s rehabilitation, fitness, or weight management goals, we encourage you to contact our practice. Our team will assess your pet’s needs and create a tailored treatment plan that incorporates the advantages of the water treadmill and other appropriate therapies.
Discover how the water treadmill can play a vital role in your pet’s recovery, fitness, and overall well-being. Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help your beloved pet thrive.