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    Whoever came up with the term "dog paddle" was pretty narrow-minded. According to People Pets, Heidi the rabbit is an excellent swimmer and is using the skill to help ease her arthritis. 

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    Heidi is the first bunny to undergo hydrotherapy for arthritis in Great Britain. Usually this treatment is reserved for horses and dogs. 

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    Before this bunny can hit the water, the proper precautions must be put into place. Heidi is dressed in a specially designed life jacket and given a scrunchie to keep her ears from getting wet. 

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    After Heidi is all buckled up and her ears are tied back, she is ready for a swim in the 4-foot-deep heated pool at an hydrotherapy facility in Hampshire, England. 

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    The rabbit isn't into long distance swims, and keeps her watery wanderings to about 7 minutes before hopping out of the pool. 

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    Many, including the hydrotherapy pool's owner Linda Prove, were skeptical that the treatment would work for Heidi. But tests show that pawing a few laps has done wonders for Heidi's health. 

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    Heidi, a Continental giant rabbit, suffers from arthritis in her hips and knees, and was advised by a vet to try swimming. The bunny's owner, Amanda Williams, was happy to see Heidi instantly take to the aquatic activity.

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    Hydrotherapy helps those dealing with arthritis because the water makes it easier for the joints to move, which also prevents problem areas from stiffening up.

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    Rabbits have been known to swim in the wild, but to keep Heidi safe, she is given special treatment. After every swim session, she is thoroughly dried to prevent hypothermia. 

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    Next: Fat Cat Swims to Lose Weight

    "None of us thought she would tolerate even one minute in water," Williams shared. "She is certainly a lot more lively and is obviously benefiting from this treatment."