Senior Golden Retriever Loves Hydrotherapy So Much He's Practically A Mermaid
Some dogs shy away from getting wet, while other dogs happily splash around like mermaids (merdogs?) whenever they get a chance. Duke the senior golden retriever is one such water-loving fuzzball. In an amusing TikTok video set to the song "Splish Splash" by Bobby Darin, Duke happily paws at and tries to bite the water in his hydrotherapy tank before settling down and calmly walking on the underwater treadmill. The video is captioned, in part: "Duke LOVES the water and I think he is enjoying his hydrotherapy sessions now! We started them for his weight as well as mobility in his senior years. So proud!"
@lifewithduke2025 Duke LOVES the water and I think he is enjoying his hydrotherapy sessions now! We started them for his weight as well as mobility in his senior years. So proud! Thank you, Karen and #vrcc for this wonderful service to help our Dukie boy stay fit! 💕#seniordog #seniordogsoftiktok #caninehydrotherapy #healthydog
Viewers were utterly charmed by the playful pupper. "He looks like he's enjoying the water. What a sweetheart 🥰," one wrote. Another commented, "Awww ... Dukie is a water dog too!! Just when you think he can't be any more perfect ❤️." One person joked, "He'll be dragging a pool noodle or 6 for his bed!" Duke does have a bit of a reputation for stealing items from around the house — everything from lamps to laptops to laundry baskets — and dragging them back to his dog bed, so perhaps pool noodles or water wings will be his next target.
How does hydrotherapy help animals?
Dogs, cats, pigs, small horses, and other animals can all benefit from hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy. It's a low-impact form of exercise that's good for helping an animal lose weight, recover after surgery or an injury, or cope with health issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, paralysis, or the loss of a limb.
The warmth of the water loosens up the animal's muscles and reduces stiffness, while the water's buoyancy relieves pressure from sore limbs and joints. A hydrotherapy treatment may incorporate an underwater treadmill, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool. Senior dogs like Duke can benefit both physically and emotionally, since playing in the water can boost their mood and make tired old dogs feel like spry young puppies again.
Want to see more entertaining videos about dogs who love splashing around in water? Check out these adorable Australian shepherds creating a splash zone with their water bowl, and this Labrador experiencing "immediate regret" after destroying her kiddie pool.