Below, Leonberger "Beezer" works out in the Underwater
 Treadmill to lose weight.

Fearing that it was time to have 14-year-old "Demi" euthanized due to her inability to move on her arthritic joints, her caring owners tried natural medicine, like acupuncture and rehabilitation as a last resort.  Little did they realize at the time that they were giving Demi about 3 more years of quality life!  Although she has since passed on, Demi is pictured above at 17 years old.

Big or small, Caring Canine helps them all!

The Underwater Treadmill is a treadmill that is contained in a water tight chamber. This has several advantages for the animal and owner. The water buoyancy helps to support the weight of the animal thus reducing stress on the animal's joints. This means that animals who may not be able to support themselves outside of the tank can walk in the Underwater Treadmill. Due to the resistance factor of water when the animal moves, the animal's muscles can get more of a workout in less time. The animal can relax with the water jets after his workout. Most animals adapt quickly to the Underwater Treadmill and enjoy the activity and attention they receive while in it.

How It Works

The animal enters the topless Underwater Treadmill chamber, usually with a Rehabilitation Practitioner or Technician accompanying them, and the door is closed. Depending on the patient's condition the Therapist determines how much water is put into the chamber, and the chamber is filled. Once the water is in the chamber, the treadmill is started and the animal can have a great workout!

The chamber has clear windows on all 4 sides so your animal can see out and you can see in. You can clearly see how well your animal is moving, and of course, you can reach in and give your animal treats during his workout as well.

The water in the Underwater Treadmill is monitored daily just like pool water.  A heater keeps the water at a comfortable temperature for your pet to work in- usually in the mid to high 80 degree range.  The water is circulated through several filters as it passes between the Underwater Treadmill and the holding tank.  Should an animal have an "accident" in the Underwater Treadmill, the contaminated water is flushed to the sewer system and the Underwater Treadmill cleaned before the next patient is allowed in.

For their own safety, patients with surgical stitches or staples, or those patients with open wounds or an active infection are not allowed in the Underwater Treadmill. 

Conditioning

The Underwater Treadmill is an excellent tool for getting your animal into shape. Fitter animals are less likely to be injured and are at less risk for obesity related diseases and problems.

Athletic pets- those which show in conformation, obedience, agility, herding, hunting, retrieving, flyball, tracking, and the like- can benefit from the cross-training effect of the Underwater Treadmill.  Particularly beneficial in cold weather months when training and exercise may suffer due to the elements, the Underwater Treadmill can be used to improve muscle mass and strength, endurance and core stabilization.

Geriatric patients benefit greatly from working out in our Underwater Treadmill.  Due to the Underwater Treadmill's unique characteristics, older patients can work out with far less strain on arthritic joints while getting a quality muscle workout.  Geriatric patients can usually walk much further in the Underwater Treadmill than they can on land.  The owners of our geriatric patients usually report on their pets' increase in energy, willingness to play and take walks, and resumption of old behaviors like getting on furniture and taking stairs- usually within a few weeks of starting a conditioning program that includes the Underwater Treadmill.

Boarding

Animals who are boarded at Loving Touch Animal Center now have access to using the Underwater Treadmill while boarding. This will help to keep these animals from losing condition while they are boarded.  In addition, Underwater Treadmill exercise sessions can break up the monotony of boarding, thereby doing more for your pet's mental and physical wellbeing.  Call Loving Touch today at 770-498-5956 to find out more about having your pet take advantage of our Underwater Treadmill while being boarded.