Underwater treadmill therapy is useful for dogs who are recovering from injury or dogs who are working on their conditioning. Being in the water helps the pet to be not 100% weight bearing. This allows them to build strength while not putting as much stress on their joints.
We know a post-operative dog is ready to go in the underwater treadmill when they are no longer painful on land. It is important to remember if they are painful on land, they will be painful in the underwater treadmill.
This is an especially useful tool for our neurologic pets. Surgery or no surgery it helps us to work on their gait patterning, standing, and core strength. It can speed recovery and get them back to walking and running around more quickly!!