hydrotherapy for cooper

cooper has been diagnosed with early onset osteoarthritis.

low point: finding out we couldn't go rambling for days with him, or go on bike rides with him trotting alongside like we had hoped. we basically have to decrease the activity we do with him, to save his joints/"wrists" from degenerating faster. : (

poor thing. he doesn't understand why we don't go to the beach anymore... or go walking everyday. but he's on chontrotin therapy... and is taking supplements, which he loves because he thinks the capsules are treats. and is taking cod liver oil. ugh. that smell brings back horrible memories...

but on a small upside, we have found a hydrotherapy place close to us that's specifically for dogs. it basically works on the idea that he's still getting exercised (a short swim is equivalent to miles of walking daw) while having no impact on his joints. bonus: we can swim with him in a heated pool as well! another bonus: he gets shampoo-ed and dried so we come home with a v clean dog.