Water Treadmill
Our Hydro-Physio water treadmill was specially built in the UK. It has a gentle one meter ramp and door at each end to facilitate easy access and exit. This is especially helpful to senior dogs and dogs with mobility challenges.
The water treadmill can be run dry or with water. Water temperature is maintained at 29 to 30 degrees Celsius and treated to ensure safety for both animal and therapist. The water treadmill can accommodate every breed size from Great Dane to Chihuahua! Water levels can be adjusted based on the size of the dog and the condition we are treating.
Water provides resistance to movement which helps to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. The water buoyancy helps to reduce weight bearing on painful joints and gives support for dogs with spinal injuries or discomfort.
The water treadmill also provides a safe and secure environment for dogs that are less confident. The open glass chamber and mirrors allow perfect visibility for the therapist to analyse movement from all angles. The control panel allows individual programming for each treatment session.
Heated Therapy Pool
The pool is 5.5m x 2.4m x 1.2m with a built-in ramp for easy access, especially for larger dogs. The pool is heated to 29 degrees Celsius which helps stimulate better blood flow to stiff joints and painful or weak muscles. Immersion in water helps to reduce swelling and inflammation which aids with better pain management. The powerful jet provides increased resistance when needed.
Swimming is a comfortable non-weight bearing exercise that strengthens the body without stressing it. It helps the body to maintain alignment and it has been estimated that one minute of swimming can equal four minutes of running for a fit dog (ref Dr Arleigh Reynolds, Vet Surgeon & Canine Physiologist). Exercising in water requires more strength than running on land but the buoyancy reduces impact on painful joints and this is particularly useful for dogs with injuries, osteoarthritis, elbow and hip dysplasia.
For geriatric dogs swimming can improve wellbeing and maintain quality of life. With regular exercise in water they are both mentally and physically more active with better agility, balance and co-ordination. Swimming also helps puppies or young dogs to release energy, build confidence and to develop strong muscles, ligaments and bones.
For brachycephalic (flat face) dogs, we take extreme care with handling them during the session because many of these dogs do have breathing difficulties when they are stressed or exercising. All our hydro therapists are qualified and experienced with handling dogs requiring special care.
Ozone Bath
Ozone therapy has been found to be useful in several ways in medicine. When it was first used more than 150 years ago. Ozone therapy is used to disinfect and treat diseases by limiting the effects of bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa. In the advancement of medicine, Ozone is also used for infected wounds, rheumatism, arthritis, circulatory and geriatric disorders
At HPP, we have installed all our shower facilities with the Ozone water therapy system to ensure that your dogs is provided the benefits of Ozone water.