19/35 Five Islands Road, Port Kembla New South Wales 2505, Australia
02 4244 4443 Mob: 0401 873 554
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need a signed health clearance form ?
Water Walkies will never swim a companion without a signed health clearance form. This protects you, your companion and other animals. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s suitability for hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Your vet will know your companions history and take into account any cautions or contraindications that may deem hydrotherapy unsuitable.
We want to do what is best for your companion. It will give you piece of mind knowing that you have a signed consent form from your vet and a qualified therapist will be in the pool with your companion at all times.
Below is a list of some cautions and contraindications that we take into account to ensure hydrotherapy is safe. Cautions do not necessarily rule out treatment, it just ensures we are aware and will treat accordingly.
Incontinence- urinary or fecal Diarrhea or Vomiting
Suffering from contagious disease
Open wounds
Surface infections
External fixators or Unstable fracture
Certain spinal conditions- e.g., wobblers- Fine to treadmill if vet advises and had cervical stabilization surgery.
Moderately severe to severe cardiac and respiratory or lung disease
Conditions which compromise blood supply to peripheral areas
Epilepsy- one or more fits in the week proceeding treatment or vestibular syndrome Late-stage myelopathy- no gains however pool is good as long as respiratory is ok
Weak geriatrics treadmill can be too much. Pool can be really beneficial
Severe weight baring discomfort
Severe muscle atrophy (weakness- start in pool first)
If treadmill heightens the tone
Obesity- mindful of poor cardio
Breeds with elongated soft palate Brachycephalic breeds- treadmill over pool in most cases
Amputees- taking away the supportive limb in UWTM can support in pool better Laryngeal paralysis – water ingestion
Cushings and Addisons disease
Diabetes or Epilepsy – what causes seizures?? Excitement??
Heart murmur – depending on severity
Spinal injury-ensure spine is neutral
Extreme laxity of joints – protect joints
Conservative management of cruciate rupture- may be too painful to partial weight bare. Pool- lack of control of limb movement
Undiagnosed forelimb issue- treadmill is resistance due to the turbulence
The form can be downloaded or we can email your Vet direct.
How soon can hydrotherapy start ?
This depends on the reason for attending Hydrotherapy. Your vet will inform you when they believe it is the right time, depending on the individual dog’s condition. If you dog is attending Fun & Fitness swims and has no health concerns the vet will usually sign the form straight away. After some surgeries or fractures, it may be 4-8 weeks before hydrotherapy can commence whereas it might only be a few days after stitches or staples have been removed and the skin has healed that Hydrotherapy can begin.
Puppies can start Hydrotherapy as soon as their vaccinations are complete and they can mix with other dogs.
What if my companion doesn’t like water ?
Not all dogs can swim or even like water. Certain breeds have to work harder to stay on top of the water. Brachycephalic breeds (those with shortened muzzles, like Boxers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs etc) can struggle to get enough breath when working hard. These breeds need particular care and close supervision when they swim or attend hydrotherapy.
Don’t worry if your dog is fearful of water. The therapist will go gently and at your dog’s pace. With some dogs it takes time. However, it is very important that the first introduction to water is a positive one. With lots of encouragement and praise, your dog will be swimming in no time.
What is the difference between taking my dog for a swim at the beach compared to a hydrotherapy?
Swimming at the beach can lead to further injury and soreness as movement can not be controlled. Unstable shifting sand and waves can flare up some conditions.
Cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near to the skin and to the superficial muscles which restricts the flow of blood, making the muscles less efficient. The increased circulation of blood created by the warm water relaxes these muscles and increases the intake of oxygen and nutrients which reduces pain and stiffness. The swelling around the injured area is also reduced due to the increased circulation, this is particularly helpful for dog with arthritis.
Swimming in cold water can be counterproductive as the blood rushes to protect the vital organs to keep them warm leaving the limbs more at risk of injury and cramping.
Our water temperature is always between 28-30 degrees and our water quality is checked a minimum of twice a day. We also have a qualified hydrotherapist who is with your companion at all times.
My dog can swim why does he/she need to wear a float coat ?
All dogs will initially wear a float coat for buoyancy and be assessed by the hydrotherapist. This will help build the dog’s confidence in the water. Depending on their reason for attending they may continue to wear a float coat or be changed to just a harness, but only at the hydrotherapist’s discretion.
My session is 30 mins but my dog only swam for a few minutes ?
Hydrotherapy is not about how long your dog swims for. Many factors need to be taken into consideration eg. the particular injury and/or surgery carried out, the medical condition, breed, age, level of fitness.
Swimming in warm water increases the body temperature and the metabolism. Overdoing the time in the pool can have an adverse effect so we ensure there are rest periods for recovery.
We want your dog to enjoy and gain the most out of their session. We ease them in slowly to this new form of exercise.
Can I feed my dog before/after the session ?
Please DO NOT FEED your dog for at least 3hrs prior to their session.
It is advised that they do not eat 1-2hrs after any exercise.