Water Treadmill Rehabilitation

Alamo Heights Pet Clinic acquired a Water Treadmill in 2008 and have been utilizing it in various ways.

Post Operative Therapy

Water Treadmill Therapy Post Operatively helps the pet heal up to 50% faster than other therapeutic methods.  The buoyancy provided by water lessens the weight-bearing load on an animal’s limbs, this helps reduce pain and lets the animal start therapy earlier.   It also increases the pet’s range of movement, thus increasing joint and muscle strength.   By gradually decreasing the water level over a few sessions, the pet recovers its balance they will take on weight-bearing exercise until they reach their original fitness level.

Increasing Agility & Weight Loss

If your pet just needs to shed a few pounds and increase overall agility, Water Treadmill Therapy can be beneficial for your pet.  During the hot South Texas summer months, exercising your pet outside can be dangerous.  To increase muscle mass and stamina, the water level is adjusted to a lower level and the speed of the treadmill is increased.  The increase in speed builds the pet’s cardiovascular strength and the lower level of water creates some resistance so that the pet’s muscles are also building strength.

Water Treadmill Sessions are customized for each pet, and the number of sessions are determined by the veterinarian.  The first session is brief, we place the pet in the treadmill for a minimum of  5 minutes at a slow speed just to see how the pet responds to the initial experience.  Usually most pets enjoy the experience and then we slowly increase speed and adjust the water level.  If it is too stressful for the pet we don’t force treatment.  In those rare cases, alternative methods are chosen.

We require that pets requiring Water Treadmill Therapy are dropped off for a few hours.  We are always happy to video record your pet’s session to show progress.

Food/Prescription Refill Order

Please give us up to 24 hours to respond to your request. Medication
refills are subject to doctor approval. We will contact you when your
refill is ready for pick-up.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m

Tuesday:

7:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m

Wednesday:

7:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m

Thursday:

7:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m

Friday:

7:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m

Saturday:

8:00 a.m.

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Kirby has always gone above and beyond for the care of our family's pets for several years."
    John D. / San Antonio, TX

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