Hydrotherapy
Enhancing Mobility and Recovery Through Water Therapy
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has many ways of helping to heal, rehabilitate and improve your dogs overall quality of life.
® The chlorinated pool water is kept between 30°C and 32°C, this warm water causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing the blood flow to the painful/injured area which helps to speed up recovery.
® The pressure of the warm water on the dog’s body and limbs helps to disperse any inflammation there may be around the affected areas reducing pain.
® This pressure also stimulates the nerve receptors found in the skin helping to improve your dog’s proprioception, their ability to know where and what their limbs are doing at any given time, helping to reduce the likelihood of a recurring injury.
® The buoyancy properties of the water allow your dog to move without the added force of the dog’s weight against the ground, enabling them to move their limbs with an increased range of motion which helps to increase muscle mass and reduce pain.
® The viscosity of the water provides resistance, helping the dogs to improve muscle tone, strength and fitness
® The act of swimming itself will improve your dog’s cardiovascular fitness making them fitter and giving them more energy for day-to-day living which in turn also builds strength.
Hydrotherapy can be effective for:
- Pre-operative muscle toning
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Neurological conditions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Obesity
- Old age and arthritis
- Athletic and working dogs
- General fitness
Frequently Asked Questions
More About Hydrotherapy
Is hydrotherapy safe for all pets?
While hydrotherapy is generally safe for most pets, it may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions such as severe cardiac issues or open wounds. Before starting hydrotherapy, your vet will tell you if it will be suitable for your dog and before your session, our team will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure it is a safe and appropriate treatment for your pet on that day.
How often should my pet attend hydrotherapy sessions?
The frequency of hydrotherapy sessions depends on your pet’s specific condition and treatment goals. Typically, sessions range from two or three times a week up to monthly maintenance sessions. Our therapists will create a tailored treatment plan that outlines the recommended frequency and duration of sessions for optimal results.
How long does a typical hydrotherapy session last?
A typical hydrotherapy session lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition, endurance, and treatment plan. The session includes time for warming up, the hydrotherapy exercise itself, a cool-down period and pre and post-swim showers.
Can hydrotherapy help with weight management for my pet?
Yes, hydrotherapy is an excellent form of exercise for weight management, especially for pets that have difficulty with traditional forms of exercise due to joint pain or mobility issues. The buoyancy of water supports their weight, allowing for effective calorie burning and muscle strengthening without stressing their joints.
I don't see my question listed, how do I get in touch?
Leave us a message on our contact form located on the Contact page or alternatively send us an email. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Your sessions
Your Dog’s Hydrotherapy Session Explained
Each session can last up to 45 minutes, during the first session your dog will be allowed time to get used to the environment and their hydrotherapist. During this time we will discuss with you the reasons for and what is hoped to be achieved following treatment. We will ask questions about your dog’s home environment and lifestyle so we can formulate a treatment plan tailor-made to suit your dog.
A session will generally involve:
Initial Assessment
An initial assessment of your dog’s movement and gait, a static assessment of posture, muscle mass and weight-bearing abilities of each limb.
Warm-up
Your dog will then receive a warm shower for hygiene, to increase the blood flow and also to wake up those sleepy muscles. Your dog will also be fitted with a harness and a collar before entering the water for increased control.
The Pool
The first session in the pool is more about getting your dog used to the pool and the rest area and will generally involve quite a short time in the water, however, we will assess how your dog moves in the water and how we can help improve any problem areas.
Post Exercise
After each session, your dog will be given a warm shower to help soothe those hard-worked muscles paying particular attention to those areas of concern your dog is then thoroughly towelled and blasted dry (if suitable) by the hydrotherapist.
As your dog becomes more confident with each session a more detailed range of therapies can be carried out.
We provide towels to dry your dog in the centre, so no need to bring any into the centre; it would, however, be a good idea to have some towels in your vehicle for the journey home to keep your dog warm or have a drying coat that they can wear until they get home.
It is advisable that your dog has a warm, comfortable and quiet place to rest following treatment to maximise the benefits of their hydrotherapy session.
Accurate records are kept for each session so that we can continually assess how your dog is progressing. After each session, we will ask that you monitor your dog over the following days for signs of improvements or any stiffness they may show and report back to us at their next session.
Contact Us
Get In Touch
We are here to support you and your furry friends every step of the way. For enquiries, appointments, or any more information about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us by email or by filling out the contact form below.