Water therapy is a simple way to ensure that your disabled pet gets exercise. It also stimulates his circulation and keeps him clean. Dogs will instinctively start paddling their legs when placed in water. This reaction, plus the soothing warmth of the water and the frictionless movement, makes water therapy beneficial for your pet.

How often should I do water therapy?

If you can, try to devote approximately 20 minutes each day for giving your dog water therapy. A minimum of three times a week is recommended.

How do I start?

Giving your pet water therapy is easy. Fill your bathtub with warm water, just high enough to cover your dog’s shoulders and low enough to avoid having his face in the water. Place your dog in the tub while holding his head above water with one hand and supporting his rear and belly area with the other. You may use a towel or “walk about” harness to assist you with this. Some find that if they get in the tub, it makes holding and steadying the pet much easier. Never let go of your dog while in the tub. This can be dangerous and make the dog afraid of the water. Slowly walk your dog from one end of the tub to the other. Repeat this for approximately five to ten minutes. After you have given your dog this type of therapy several times, increase the time in the tub until you have worked up to 20 minutes. If you have a whirlpool tub, activating the jets is beneficial because the bubbles help massage your pet. You can purchase a portable whirlpool at places like Wal-Mart and K-Mart, but it is not necessary for effective therapy.
 

My dog is afraid of water. What can I do?

There are two things you can do. First, you can place the dog in an empty tub and then slowly add a couple of inches of warm water. Let your dog play in it until he feels sure that nothing bad will happen to him. Increase the water level by two inches, and again let him play in it. Keep repeating this until your dog does not mind having the water reach his shoulders. Second, you can use a hand-held shower massage head that can be attached to the faucet. Spray a low-pressure stream of warm water up and down his back and legs. As your dog gets used to this, increase the amount of water pressure.

What if I don’t have a tub?

Water therapy can still be given even if you only have a shower. Attach a hand-held shower massage head and use it to spray a low pressure stream of warm water up and down his back and legs. As your dog gets used to the feeling, increase the pressure.