What are the Benefits of Underwater Treadmill?
There are many benefits to the underwater treadmill! For our senior dogs it can provide the following:
Low-Impact Exercise: The buoyancy of water significantly reduces the stress on joints and bones, making it an optimal choice for dogs suffering from arthritis or other joint issues.
Improved Mobility: Gradual resistance in water helps build strength and improve range of motion, enabling dogs to regain their agility over time.
Weight Management: Underwater treadmill sessions can assist in weight loss by providing a calorie-burning workout that is easy on their bodies.
Increased Strength: As dogs walk against the water’s resistance, they strengthen their muscles, improving tone and function.
Pain Relief: Many senior dogs experience chronic pain; warm water can help soothe stiff muscles and provide relief during rehabilitation.
Mental Stimulation: Engaging in new forms of exercise keeps your dog’s mind sharp and stimulated, which is important as they age.
Improved Neurological Function: Submerging the limbs into water provides tactile feedback that helps improve function of the nervous system’s constant feedback loops between nerves and the muscles they engage.
Our active pets and competition dogs can also benefit from underwater treadmill as well:
Enhanced Cardiovascular Endurance: The resistance provided by water makes the heart work harder while minimizing the pounding that occurs during land-based exercises. This helps to build cardiovascular endurance without excessive strain.
Improved Strength and Flexibility: Aquatic environments promote muscle engagement and flexibility. As dogs move against water resistance, they strengthen major muscle groups, which aids in overall physical performance.
Lower Risk of Injury: The buoyancy of water supports the dog’s body, reducing the impact on joints and lessening the likelihood of injury during high-intensity training. This is especially valuable for dogs in demanding roles.
Faster Recovery Time: Hydrotherapy can facilitate quicker recovery from workouts or injuries by improving circulation and reducing muscle soreness.
Mental Stimulation: The novel environment offered by underwater treadmills engages a dog’s senses, keeping them mentally stimulated and focused during workouts.
If you are looking for the underwater treadmill for rehab purposes (your dog has had surgery or has an injury they are recovering from) we do require a veterinary referral. You can find the form below. Please note: we do not have a full time veterinarian on staff so insurance will not cover our sessions here.
What to Expect
First Session: For the first session we will get your dog acclimated to the underwater treadmill. Some dogs can find it a bit strange the first one or two times so we may not use the whole session in the treadmill initially.
Subsequent Sessions: Once your dog is acclimated to the treadmill, we will tailor your session to your dogs goals. For senior dogs (and rehab clients) we will use a higher water level and a slower pace typically and for our active pets and sporting dogs we will use a lower water level and begin to incorporate interval training in to their sessions to increase the difficulty.
Post Treadmill Dry Time: The session includes time getting into the treadmill as well as time getting out! Please bring your own towels to dry your dog off after their session! We DO NOT have towels here so you must bring your own.
How Much Does it Cost
Initial Session: 30 minutes, $70. This session must take place with April CVT CCFT FP-MT. She will introduce your dog to the treadmill and formulate a plan for your dog’s future sessions.
These appointment is for clients who have already done an Initial Session with April. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. We DO NOT have towels at the facility so you must bring your own towels for your dog. Please bring treats for your dog as well! Your appointment is for the total appointment time, that includes treadmill time, drying time, and checkout/additional booking time.
30 minute session: $50
45 minute session (must be approved by April): $75
60 minute session (includes laser therapy): $100
We do offer 5 appointment packages for a 10% discount.
Underwater Treadmill Rules and Policies
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy.
We DO NOT have towels at the facility so you must bring your own towels for your dog.
Please bring treats for your dog as well! If they like to hold a toy while they walk you can bring a water toy as well!
There is an additional $100 fee if your dog goes to the bathroom in the underwater treadmill, so please walk them thoroughly before bringing them in for their appointment.
If your dog has been vomiting or had diarrhea in the last 48 hours please reach out to us to reschedule.
Dogs with open wounds (including hot spots) are not allowed in the underwater treadmill until fully healed.
