Underwater treadmill therapy is frequently recommended as part of canine fitness, physical therapy/rehabilitation, and weight loss programs. Although recreational swimming gets a lot more attention as a popular activity for dogs, underwater treadmill sessions can be both beneficial and fun!

According to Joanne Parisi, AVA, CSCC, 4 Paws Adrift Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach & Swim/Hydrotherapy Coach, a fitness program that incorporates regular underwater treadmill (UWTM) sessions can improve health for all types and breeds of dog with a wide variety of challenges and goals.

Whether for injury recovery, maintaining peak fitness for the canine athlete, preserving health and mobility for aging dogs, or as part of a larger weight-loss effort, once- or twice-a-week UWTM sessions are effective because

• water’s buoyancy reduces impact to help protect joints;

• working against water's resistance builds muscle faster;

• controlled exercise is a great option for ...