Hydrotherapy Sessions
Low-impact exercise. Powerful results.
Canine hydrotherapy is offered exclusively at our purpose-built Canine Therapy Centre, using both a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill and a custom-designed hydrotherapy pool. This allows us to tailor
every session precisely to your dog’s individual needs, condition and goals.
Hydrotherapy is a specialised form of physical rehabilitation that uses warm water to support
movement, build strength and promote overall health. It is widely used for recovery following injury or
surgery and is equally beneficial for managing long-term conditions and maintaining fitness.
What Is Canine Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy uses the properties of warm water – buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure – to enable effective exercise with reduced impact on joints.
It can support dogs with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Post-operative recovery
- Soft tissue injuries
- Obesity and reduced fitness
- Neurological conditions
We also offer hydrotherapy tailored specifically for sports and working dogs, helping to enhance performance, build strength and reduce the risk of injury.
Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Improved joint mobility and flexibility
- Increased muscle tone, strength and endurance
- Enhanced balance and coordination
- Faster, more effective recovery following injury or surgery
- Improved confidence, comfort and overall quality of life
Our Hydrotherapy Services
Our hydrotherapy facilities include both a custom-built canine pool and an advanced underwater treadmill. Following your dog’s initial assessment, we will recommend the most suitable therapy – or a combination of water-based and land-based physiotherapy — to ensure a holistic, effective treatment approach.
All sessions are professionally supervised, carefully progressed and tailored to your dog’s abilities and
comfort.
Underwater Treadmill Therapy
The underwater treadmill provides a highly controlled environment that supports confident movement while reducing joint strain. It is particularly effective for:
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Arthritis and joint conditions
- Muscle strengthening and gait retraining
- Building confidence following injury
Our advanced underwater treadmill features:
- Computerised control systems
- 360° viewing panels for full visibility
- Automatic incline adjustment
- An extra-wide and long treadmill belt suitable for larger breeds
Water depth, treadmill speed and rest periods are adjusted based on clinical reasoning to optimise
therapeutic outcomes and ensure safety.
Purpose-Built Hydrotherapy Pool
Our spacious hydrotherapy pool allows dogs to swim freely in warm water while being guided by a qualified therapist.
The pool includes:
- Internal ramps for easy access
- Resting platforms for breaks and support
- Space for targeted physiotherapy techniques
Pool sessions focus on improving strength, endurance, range of motion and confidence, while remaining gentle on joints.
Who Is Hydrotherapy Suitable For?
Hydrotherapy is ideal for:
- Sports and working dogs maintaining peak condition
- Dogs recovering from injury or surgery
- Senior dogs needing gentle, supported exercise
- Dogs requiring improved fitness, mobility and wellbeing
Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure safe and effective treatment, please follow these guidelines:
- Avoid feeding your dog 2–3 hours prior to the appointment to reduce the risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
- Allow time for toileting before arrival – accidents may require cancellation of further sessions for water safety
- Ensure your dog’s coat is clean and free from excessive dirt or mud
- Do not attend if your dog has any contagious conditions (e.g. skin, ear or eye infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, kennel cough)
- Your dog should not have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea within the past 48 hours
- Avoid attending with open wounds or cuts unless these are being treated as part of the session
A grass area is available beside the unit for toileting – dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
What to Expect During a Hydrotherapy Session
Hydrotherapy appointments last up to 30 minutes.
Each session begins with a brief reassessment to ensure your dog is well enough to proceed, followed by a warm shower to cleanse the coat and gently prepare muscles for exercise.
Underwater Treadmill Sessions
Your dog will walk in warm water under close supervision. Water depth, treadmill speed and rest breaks are adjusted throughout the session to support safe, effective rehabilitation and strengthening.
Pool Sessions
Your dog will swim in warm water guided by a qualified therapist. Carefully selected exercises help improve strength, endurance and mobility, with built-in rest periods using ramps and platforms.
Additional physiotherapy techniques may be applied during these rest phases.
We understand hydrotherapy may be unfamiliar for some dogs, so we use a calm, positive and trust-building approach, ensuring sessions remain as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
After each session, your dog will be rinsed and towel dried. Please bring a dog robe, jumper or coat, along with a spare towel for the journey home.
The number of sessions required will vary depending on your dog’s diagnosis, progress, age, lifestyle and any underlying conditions. A tailored treatment guide will be discussed during your initial consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
If your dog is recovering from injury, managing a long-term condition, or would benefit from improved fitness and confidence, hydrotherapy may help.