Veterinary Services
Treadmill at Best Friends Veterinary Center in Grafton, WI
Best Friends Veterinary Center in Grafton, WI, offers treadmill therapy to enhance your pet’s flexibility, mobility, and pain relief.
Treadmill in Grafton, WI
At Best Friends Veterinary Center, we are committed to providing effective and innovative therapies to enhance your pet’s health. One valuable tool we offer is our underwater treadmill, designed to support your pet’s rehabilitation and fitness needs. This therapy combines the benefits of controlled exercise with the soothing effects of warm water, making it an excellent option for a variety of conditions.
What is an Underwater Treadmill?
An underwater treadmill is similar to a standard walking treadmill but is enclosed in a tank filled with water. The water level is adjustable, allowing for a customized exercise experience based on your pet’s needs. As your pet walks on the treadmill, the water supports their weight, reducing stress on their joints and muscles. The warm water helps relax their muscles, increase blood flow, and alleviate pain.
Benefits of Underwater Treadmill Therapy
- Enhanced Joint Support: The buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on your pet’s joints, making it an ideal exercise option for pets recovering from surgery or managing arthritis.
- Improved Muscle Strength: Regular use of the treadmill helps maintain muscle strength and cardiovascular health, especially in pets that are unable to walk long distances on dry ground.
- Faster Recovery: Pets using the underwater treadmill often experience quicker recovery following surgery or injury. The water resistance provides a challenging workout while minimizing the risk of further injury.
- Weight Management: This therapy is also beneficial for overweight pets. The resistance of the water aids in weight loss and conditioning, promoting a healthier body weight.
Book appointment to explore the benefits of underwater treadmill therapy.
When to Use the Underwater Treadmill
The underwater treadmill is a versatile tool that can benefit a range of conditions:
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Helps maintain muscle strength and mobility while your pet is restricted from normal physical activities.
- Arthritis Management: Eases joint pain and stiffness, supporting improved movement and comfort.
- Rehabilitation: Assists pets recovering from injuries or surgeries by providing low-impact exercise.
When Not to Use the Underwater Treadmill
While the underwater treadmill offers many benefits, it may only be suitable for some pets. It should be avoided if your pet has:
- Severe heart or lung conditions
- Open or draining wounds
- Infectious skin conditions
Session Details
- Duration and Frequency: Initial sessions are brief, often lasting only a few minutes. The session length gradually increases as your pet becomes more accustomed to the treadmill. Typically, pets benefit from two to three sessions per week, with progress seen after several sessions.
- Speed and Comfort: The treadmill speed is adjusted to ensure your pet walks at a comfortable and controlled pace. For fitness and conditioning, the speed may be increased to allow for trotting or running as your pet progresses.
- Acclimation: If your pet is apprehensive about water, the treadmill sessions will start slowly to help them adjust. With patience and positive reinforcement, most pets become comfortable with the process.
Explore Underwater Treadmill Therapy
At Best Friends Veterinary Center in Grafton, WI, our underwater treadmill therapy is designed to support your pet’s recovery and overall well-being. Whether your pet needs rehabilitation, weight management, or improved joint health, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn more about how underwater treadmill therapy can benefit your pet.