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Dog Therapy and Rehabilitation
By: Mark Woodcock
Rehabilitation programs for dogs with cancer is centered on low intensity exercise therapy. Play therapy is included in this program, as proved with children, play therapy can also lessen the effects of radiation and chemotherapy in dogs. the quality of life and general well being of your dog will improve as they respond to this type of treatment. These type of programs not only help dogs recovering from cancer but dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery, dogs with neurological problems, arthritis and some sport dogs. Most dogs tend to enjoy their hospital stay and seem less depressed whilst making use of these rehabilitation programs and show signs of responding much quicker to their main medical treatment. Most of the patients on these programs are dogs with disc disease and spinal tumors who may be paralysed and are unable to move on their own. The programs care is given to improve blood supply to the lmbs via massage and deep healing through ultrasound. Underwater treadmill and swimming for dogs assists the dogs to walk unaided much quicker as the water gives them the buoyancy and therefore enables them to move more easily rather than be encumbered by gravity. Many dogs do not need a stay within the rehabilitation program but can just go along as "day patients". Dogs suffering from arthritis and who experience joint swelling and pain, muscle wasting is also a problem, but through gentle exercise given on the program the dogs begin to increase their movement, pain free, and build muscle strength. The degre of improvement can differ epending upon the initial loss of motion and how much work is done with the dog, exercies also need to be followed up at home. Dogs with heart conditions can benefit from rehabilitation programs. The heart is a muscle and by conditioning this muscle with lead to a longer, healthier life. As with humans, daily exercise and activity for your dog with a heart condition will improve their way of life. Dogs who have become obsese will gain benefit from rehabilitation programs. Obesity is a growing problem in dogs and by re-educating the benefits of exercise not only will your dog see the benefits but you will too! Dog owners needs to be trained and re-educated in keeping your dog lean, fit and healthy, these programs are designed to do just that. By helping the owner to do a range of motion and strength exercies with their dogs, ball playing and other off lead activities can only be beneficial. If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to: http://www.1fleacontrol.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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