Hydrotherapy

Now dogs are also training in the gym

The underwater treadmill gently strengthens the muscles.(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

Ramona Grabner from Schattendorf in Burgenland is a big dog lover. In her practice "Goldene Pfote", she offers therapy for four-legged friends to keep them fit and healthy for a long time. 

Ramona (35) and Bernd Grabner (50) from Schattendorf may not have any children, but they have plenty of dogs that look like lions. Because their nine Chow Chows, who go by the names "Bärli", "Maya", "Minnie", "Mickey", "Daisy", "Tweety", "Cindy", "Snow" and "Spike", attracted the attention of passers-by from an early age and made many people want a puppy of their own, the couple became professional breeders and have been successfully producing offspring for five years. After all, the Chinese dog breed recognized by the FCI is considered to be extremely alert, calm, self-confident and loyal - and therefore an ideal companion for humans.

Expensive purchase
When "Bärli", their oldest protégé, became somewhat parterre and began to limp, the Grabners stopped breeding again and devoted themselves entirely to the welfare of their eleven-year-old male dog. No expense or effort was spared to give him the best therapy. "We bought an underwater treadmill for him for 25,000 euros so that he could train his muscles. The investment has paid off. His gait has improved enormously. He no longer needs painkillers either," enthuses Ramona Grabner.

Added value for others
In order to enable other dogs to live as long and pain-free a life as possible, she and her husband also make the fitness equipment available to them if required. Hydrotherapy is used for rehabilitation and prevention. This allows the Verbeiner to reduce weight and train their balance and stamina. 

Seniors also benefit because the cardiovascular system is strengthened and stabilized. "When the dogs enter the pool from the side for the first time and the 29-degree water flows in from below, they are naturally excited. But by the second time at the latest, they enjoy wading in. After a few sessions, everyone's love of exercise is back."