Hydrotherapy
Our hydrotherapy work has been ongoing for over eight months now and has been a great success. We go to a dedicated swimming pool where the dogs can get exercise and have fun in a safe environment.
Nina, expending some of that extra energy
We have a number of dogs at freshfields who have health problems, such as arthritis, hip problems, weak legs etc. Hydro is good exercise for these dogs as like human swimming it takes the weight off the limbs and joints and offers a low impact form of exercise where the dog does not have to support it's own weight.
We have taken quite a number of dogs. Jodie, Paco, Trevor, Aurther, Sabre, Nina, Benson and Spirit. We have had varying levels of success.
Danni, helped by a floatation jacket.
For example, Trevor just didn't have the strength in his legs to be able to do it. For dogs who find it harder to swim, there are floation devices that make it
easier for them to swim.
The first thing to do is to give the dog the confidence to go in the
water. Even dogs who love water, eg Nina, do find the experience a
little unnerving to start off with. Initially two leads are used to guide
the dog in the water, once they are confident, one lead can then be
used. To help stimulate the dogs, toys can be used for them to fetch.
Of all the dogs we've taken, Sabre is the best success story. He is
slightly over weight, and has minor problems with his back legs some
times. So physically this is good exercise for him.
Sabre swimming with a toy
But we feel that
the over riding benefit to the dogs is psychological. We are working to enrich the dogs environment, and this is a wonderful way to do it. Sabre loves water, and is in absolute raptures whilst in the pool. I am sure he must have dreams about it all week. He is completely happy, and my own subjective opinion is that he seems to be happier in kennels.
Paco, during and after a good swim, a happy dog! Paco has been successfully homed.
To view our dogs on youtube swimming follow these links:
"Freshfields is really here to enrich the animals lives and to try to rehome them to the best homes possible. I think Hydro fits into this strategy well." Chris - member of the kennel staff
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