If your dog or cat is recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a chronic health condition, our caring team at West Park Animal Hospital offers pet rehabilitation services for your furry family members. Our comprehensive animal medical facility is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and serves West Park, Berea, North Olmstead, Lakewood, Rocky River, and Fairview Park. Our innovative hydrotherapy for dogs and cats provides your pets with the relief and rehab they need and deserve.

What Is Pet Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a rehabilitation and exercise technique that uses water to aid in the healing process and weight loss. It is often combined with other treatments, such as laser therapy, to help accelerate healing, decrease pain, and improve overall health. In most cases, veterinarians use an underwater treadmill to provide light muscle resistance while protecting joints from too much pressure, encouraging muscle conditioning and strengthening.

Benefits of Pet Hydrotherapy

As with humans, pet hydrotherapy offers several benefits, including:

• Improved strength
• Muscle endurance
• Cardiorespiratory endurance
• Increased circulation and blood flow
• Increased range of motion

Additionally, when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation techniques, it can reduce pain and inflammation.

Introducing Your Pet to Hydrotherapy/Aqua Therapy

We understand that stepping into an underwater treadmill can be an unfamiliar experience for your pet. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. The AquaPaws system we use at West Park Animal Hospital is designed to provide a warm, calming environment that feels safe and inviting.

For pets who may be hesitant or nervous, our skilled rehabilitation RVT is always by their side during sessions, offering comfort and encouragement. The water rises gently from the bottom of the tank, allowing your pet to adjust gradually. Positive reinforcement and a patient, caring approach helps even the most water-averse pets feel at ease.

We’ve had success introducing a variety of pets to hydrotherapy, including cats! With time, many pets grow to enjoy their underwater treadmill sessions, associating them with relief, mobility, and quality time with our compassionate team. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or building strength, we’re committed to helping them feel comfortable and confident in their hydrotherapy journey.

How We Utilize Hydrotherapy at West Park Animal Hospital

Underwater treadmills are the most common option for pet hydrotherapy as the treatment can be customized to fit your pet’s needs. At West Park Animal Hospital, our team uses the AquaPaws system. During our hydrotherapy sessions, your pet will receive one-on-one care from our skilled rehabilitation Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), who has 6+ years of rehab experience as well as pursuing her advanced certification in rehabilitation. These sessions are designed to support your pet’s unique treatment plan, which is created in collaboration with our veterinarians. Our rehabilitation RVT conducts hands-on hydrotherapy sessions and closely tracks your pet’s progress.

We can customize the treadmill’s speed, water depth, and resistance depending on your pet’s needs. We will tailor the therapy to meet your pet’s specific needs, whether they are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or maintaining mobility. The warm water helps relax muscles and reduce strain on joints, making movement easier and more effective for rehabilitation.

The duration and frequency of hydrotherapy sessions depend on your pet’s individual needs. For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, ongoing sessions may be recommended to maintain mobility and improve their quality of life. Establishing a consistent schedule can be vital to supporting your pet’s long-term health and comfort. For post-operative rehabilitation or pre-operative prevention, four to six sessions may be sufficient to aid recovery or prepare for surgery.

With our dedicated team and advanced equipment, we are here to help your pet move more comfortably and enjoy a healthier, more active life.

Conditions We Treat Using Underwater Treadmills in Cleveland, OH

At West Park Animal Hospital, our team members use hydrotherapy to both treat chronic health conditions and aid in the recovery process after surgery or injury. Pet hydrotherapy is a great treatment option for the following:

• ACL injuries
• Obesity
• Metabolic conditions that cause muscle atrophy such as Diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome
• Hip dysplasia management
• Neurological conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, and more
• Pain relief
• Osteoarthritis
• Other orthopedic issues

Use in Pre- and Post-Op Rehabilitation

Our experienced veterinary team may also recommend hydrotherapy in certain surgical cases. Hydrotherapy has been shown to help pets retain muscle mass and increase lymphatic drainage. Moving after surgery is essential to prevent muscles from becoming stiff, increase flexibility, and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Other Rehabilitation Services

In addition to pet hydrotherapy, we offer other rehabilitation solutions that can be used on their own or with an underwater treadmill, including:

• Massage therapy
• Therapeutic exercise and manual therapy
• Laser therapy
• TENS unit
• Hot and cold therapy

Why Choose West Park Animal Hospital?

West Park Animal Hospital is one of a few animal hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), meaning our procedures, equipment, and state-of-the-art facility meet the highest standards. We offer comprehensive healthcare services using the latest technologies, from emergency critical care to assistance for new pet owners.

Our team employs highly skilled and well-trained professionals who care deeply about pets. Continuity of care and streamlined communication are both important parts of our mission, which is why we have extended hours and offer emergency and general wellness services.

Emergencies can happen at any time, but you can rest assured knowing that your pet receives the best care possible. Our caring team is familiar with your pet, so when an emergency occurs, we don’t have to spend time getting to know them. Instead, we get right to work treating them.

Get Your Pet Started on the Road to Recovery in Cleveland

When your pet needs hydrotherapy treatments in Cleveland, trust us. Our experienced team members are well-versed in this industry-leading treatment. We have the knowledge required to administer innovative rehabilitation services while treating your pet with respect and compassion. Our all-in-one facility includes a full, on-site laboratory for diagnostics and testing, medical and surgical wards, a pet pharmacy, an intensive care unit, and more.

Serving Cleveland and the surrounding areas of West Park, North Olmstead, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, and Fairview Park, the caring team members at West Park Animal Hospital have the cutting-edge techniques and patient-focused mindset required to heal your beloved companions. To learn more about pet hydrotherapy or our other services, contact us today.

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