A Better Road to Recovery

Underwater treadmill therapy for recovery and mobility.

Abstract image featuring overlapping shapes reminiscent of a veterinarian's color-coded anatomy charts. A red shape on the left partially overlays a blue shape on the right, both outlined in dark. The red gradient mirrors a vet’s careful diagnosis process with its lighter shades.

A Better Road to Recovery

Underwater treadmill therapy for recovery and mobility.

Abstract geometric design featuring triangular shapes in blue and orange, boldly outlined, akin to a vet's precision in mapping the complex anatomy of animals.

A fluffy corgi is partially submerged in a water tank during a veterinarian-supervised hydrotherapy session. The dog looks forward with its ears perked up, as the water reaches its shoulders.

Underwater treadmill therapy

Underwater treadmill therapy leverages water’s various properties to provide safe, low-impact exercise for pets. The water’s buoyancy creates a relatively weightless environment, relieving stress from aching joints, while the moving treadmill belt encourages motion and healthy resistance. Pets with balance issues can rely on the water’s support to hold them upright, while applying gentle, even pressure to the limbs and trunk.

Conditions that benefit from underwater treadmill therapy

Water’s impressive healing abilities make the underwater treadmill a suitable therapy for pets of all ages. However, some of the most common reasons for recommending this therapy include:

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Arthritis

The water’s warmth and buoyancy make previously restricted movement comfortable and effortless. Arthritic pets can safely build or maintain muscle mass to protect their damaged joints and maintain overall fitness.

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Orthopedic rehabilitation

Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for knee, elbow, and hip surgeries, and can accelerate recovery and return to function.

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Neurological rehabilitation

Pets who have experienced paralysis or weakness because of disc disease or stroke can learn to walk again with underwater treadmill therapy.

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Strength training and conditioning

Canine athletes and working dogs can increase stamina, power, and speed with a more demanding hydrotherapy workout.

Icon of a treadmill in white outline on a red background, reminiscent of the precision a vet applies during health assessments. The treadmill is depicted at a slight angle, showing the belt and handles.

Mobility impairment

The treadmill belt can help mobility challenged pets learn to walk again, or adapt to a new physical condition.

A brown dog with long ears wearing a blue harness stands in water, possibly during a hydrotherapy session. A veterinarian's hands are adjusting the harness, ensuring it's secure. The setting is indoors, with a focus on the dog's attentive face, highlighting its therapy experience.

Underwater treadmill benefits

Underwater treadmill sessions provide a total body workout that includes a wide variety of benefits, including:

  • Improved joint range of motion
  • Increased weight-bearing
  • Weight loss
  • Physical conditioning
  • Gait retraining
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Increased stamina

What to expect from your pet’s first session

The underwater treadmill is a glass-sided chamber with a ramp where pets can enter and exit, although some small pets may prefer to be carried. The entry door is closed, and the chamber is filled to a predetermined depth that is often the pet’s elbow or hip. The warm water helps most pets relax—plus, we use plenty of praise and food or toy reinforcement so that the pet builds a positive association with the treadmill. Most pets are walking by the end of their first session. If your pet requires manual support or assistance, the therapist will remain inside the chamber with your pet.

Your pet’s initial session will focus on acclimation, and most pets walk for only a few minutes, but as they become stronger, the walking intervals are gradually increased.

Would underwater treadmill therapy benefit your pet? Contact Neighborhood Veterinary Centers to schedule a consultation. 

What to expect from your pet’s first session

The underwater treadmill is a glass-sided chamber with a ramp where pets can enter and exit, although some small pets may prefer to be carried. The entry door is closed, and the chamber is filled to a predetermined depth that is often the pet’s elbow or hip. The warm water helps most pets relax—plus, we use plenty of praise and food or toy reinforcement so that the pet builds a positive association with the treadmill. Most pets are walking by the end of their first session. If your pet requires manual support or assistance, the therapist will remain inside the chamber with your pet.

Your pet’s initial session will focus on acclimation, and most pets walk for only a few minutes, but as they become stronger, the walking intervals are gradually increased.

Would underwater treadmill therapy benefit your pet? Contact Neighborhood Veterinary Centers to schedule a consultation. 

Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.
Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.

A better, happier life starts now!

Call us today at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Nederland to request an appointment and get started.

Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.
Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.