Good news: Miss Izzy appears to like the water, so we can start adding swimming to her exercise regiment! We took her for her first hydrotherapy session this past Tuesday evening and she did fantastic!
We first experienced hydrotherapy treatment for dogs when our first mastiff, Harley, had tplo surgery on both of her knees. Part of her rehab involved swimming in an endless pool for a period of time ranging from five minutes to twenty-five minutes. Harley loved the water so much that we couldn’t keep her out of the water for long. Harley never had a strong back end, so swimming definitely helped her to get strong and to heal from her knee surgeries. Anyway, we knew when we decided to adopt Izzy that we would incorporate hydrotherapy into her post-amputation recovery.
Not long after the vet slipped on Izzy’s life jacket, Izzy found herself being hoisted into the endless pool. Naturally, when the vet initially placed Izzy in the pool, she splashed and splashed, dog paddling out of control as she tried to get her bearings.
At first, as Izzy flailed in the water, she looked at all of us standing around with a little bit of uncertainty, but then she seemed to realize that we were all there to help her try something that would be good for her. Within a few minutes, Izzy got the swing of things. She relaxed a bit and started to paddle calmly as she focused on working her rear leg and her two front legs.
Izzy’s actual swim session was probably about five minutes, but that five minute period wore her out. We can’t wait to see how much swimming helps her to develop the strength in her lower back and in her rear leg. Hopefully, Izzy will be able to endure a little bit longer of a swim during her next swim session. Whether she swims longer or not, we know for certain that we love this little girl and we can’t wait to see how far her dog paddling adventures take her!
Oh wow, her first swim! That is so cool to see. You’ll have to video it too.
Swimming is great exercise, and so are core-strengthening exercise too. Be sure to check our Tripawds Gear blog for lots of games and exercises you can play at home to help her get strong and stay strong for life.
Go Miss Izzy!
Izzy, you pretty much look like I did the first time I got into a pool when I was a kid!! But, I can guarantee you’re probably a much better swimmer after your 5 minutes than I am all these years later! Good job Izzy!!