Lets talk weight...

63% of all dogs are overweight, and 90% of owners aren't aware that their dog is overweight!

FAT is not just extra load and force through your dog’s painful joints, it is also releasing chemicals and hormones that exacerbate the inflammation of arthritis, as well as silently affecting vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and the brain.

There are many ways to help your dog lose weight including reducing or swapping treats for healthier ones, giving them the correct meal size for their body frame and the correct amount of exercise.

Every dog is different, there is huge variation within a breed which is why body condition scoring is used. It's a simple hands on assessment of your dog and takes your dogs own body frame into account. It helps gauge the dog’s body fat percentage.

How Hydrotherapy can help overweight pets

Reduce inflammation -
The hydrostatic pressure of water can reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. A reduction in inflammation can reduce pain and improve joint range of motion, making exercise easier in the underwater treadmill but also on land.

Builds muscle -
Dog's work harder in the water than on land due to the natural resistance of the water. The resistance helps to build muscle and improve muscle strength.

Low impact -
The water provides buoyancy which reduces the amount of weight bearing through the joints. Obese pets are more likely to suffer from joint problems, so being in water will take weight off their joints whilst exercising safely.
Improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina -
Introducing inclines (hill work) and changing water level heights can challenge and improve fitness.
It is fun -
Hydrotherapy provides a completely different environment, mental stimulation and a play in water can be an incredibly fun way to exercise.

It is so important your dog is at the idea weight. If you are unsure about your dogs weight please contact and ask at your veterinary practice. I am also very happy to help advise during your hydrotherapy session.

The Canine Arthritis Management website has great information and resources on weight management and also offers a free online body condition score assessment for your dog https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/weight-loss-support/

Sources:
Canine Arthritis Management
PDSA
Body condition score image provided by of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Available at the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee Nutritional Toolkit website.

Lets talk weight...

Every dog is different, there is huge variation within a breed which is why body condition scoring is used. It's a simple hands on assessment of your dog and takes your dogs own body frame into account. It helps gauge the dog’s body fat percentage. How Hydrotherapy can help overweight pets

Reduce inflammation - The hydrostatic pressure of water can reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. A reduction in inflammation can reduce pain and improve joint range of motion, making exercise easier in the underwater treadmill but also on land.

​

Builds muscle -​ Dog's work harder in the water than on land due to the natural resistance of the water. The resistance helps to build muscle and improve muscle strength.

​

Low impact - The water provides buoyancy which reduces the amount of weight bearing through the joints. Obese pets are more likely to suffer from joint problems, so being in water will take weight off their joints whilst exercising safely. ​

Improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina - Introducing inclines (hill work) and changing water level heights can challenge and improve fitness.

It is fun - Hydrotherapy provides a completely different environment, mental stimulation and a play in water can be an incredibly fun way to exercise.

Sources: Canine Arthritis Management PDSA Body condition score image provided by of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Available at the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee Nutritional Toolkit website.

Every dog is different, there is huge variation within a breed which is why body condition scoring is used. It's a simple hands on assessment of your dog and takes your dogs own body frame into account. It helps gauge the dog’s body fat percentage.

How Hydrotherapy can help overweight pets

Reduce inflammation -
The hydrostatic pressure of water can reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. A reduction in inflammation can reduce pain and improve joint range of motion, making exercise easier in the underwater treadmill but also on land.

Builds muscle -
Dog's work harder in the water than on land due to the natural resistance of the water. The resistance helps to build muscle and improve muscle strength.

Low impact -
The water provides buoyancy which reduces the amount of weight bearing through the joints. Obese pets are more likely to suffer from joint problems, so being in water will take weight off their joints whilst exercising safely.

Improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina -
Introducing inclines (hill work) and changing water level heights can challenge and improve fitness.

It is fun -
Hydrotherapy provides a completely different environment, mental stimulation and a play in water can be an incredibly fun way to exercise.

Sources:
Canine Arthritis Management
PDSA
Body condition score image provided by of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Available at the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee Nutritional Toolkit website.