Pool Therapy for Aging Husky
How far would you go to help your dog? As a devoted dog mom myself, I don’t know the answer to that question. And it’s not because I’m uncertain about making sacrifices for my pups but because I can’t imagine a limit to what I’d do for my two beloved Australian shepherds. I’m definitely not alone as far as dedicated dog parents go. One YouTuber shared a video about giving his senior Husky pool therapy when his back legs were paralyzed. (1)
The YouTuber, KRONC27, shared a 57-second clip that communicated a ton of love for his Husky, Kane. He told viewers that Kane’s two back legs had stopped working a few days before. The dog owner said that Kane was too old for therapy. The pooch was in a lot of pain, and pain medication wasn’t helping enough. So he decided to try pool therapy to give Kane some relief. (1)
In the video, you can see Kane and his dad gliding through the pool together. KRONC27 holds Kane’s upper body in his arms and lets his back legs float through the water. Kane looks absolutely serene and comfortable in his owner’s arms. (1)
In the video, KRONC27 explains, “We found that taking him for a swim is the only thing that really helps. In the pool, he’s weightless, and he has no pressure causing pain on his back legs. It’s such a relief to know that while we’re swimming, Kane feels no pain.” (1)
Healing Power of Water
While Kane getting some respite from his aches and pains was plenty of motivation to continue pool therapy, something incredible kept the pair coming back for more. Just a few days after they started going for swims together, Kane was able to use his back legs again! (1)
Kane is able to go for walks with a harness that supports his back legs. He’s even able to walk around independently sometimes. (1)
“We’re not sure how long will be here,” KRONC27 said in the video, “but as long as he is, I’m gonna make him as comfortable as possible. Every day, he tells me how much he appreciates it.” (1)
Water Therapy for Dogs
KRONC27 isn’t the only dog parent turning to water therapy for his beloved pet. According to the American Kennel Club, canines are beginning to benefit from hydrotherapy, which humans have known about for millennia. (2)
Dogs usually participate in water therapy through swimming or walking in shallow water or on underwater treadmills. (2)
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions in canines, including: (2)
- arthritis
- muscle atrophy or wasting
- ACL injuries
- neurological issues
- weight loss
- orthopedic issues or conditions
- post-surgery recovery
While hydrotherapy is one great option for treating health issues in your dog, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. According to Dr. Tari Kern, DVM, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, “Hydrotherapy is a great tool to use, but it is simply one treatment modality. Water-based exercises can help to rebuild muscle mass, promote cardiovascular output, and improve stamina. (2)
“However,” she continued, “it cannot target specific individual muscles for strengthening or reduce local inflammation or pain. The best rehabilitation plan should be individualized for each pet and incorporate a combination of modalities that best help to address all of the problems that need to be corrected.” (2)
If you’re interested in trying water therapy for your dog, talk to your vet about how it can be incorporated into their overall health plan. Or, like Kane, you can just hop into the pool with your pup for a swim. (1, 2)
