What Is Hydrotherapy?
Canine hydrotherapy is the use of exercise in water for the treatment of various conditions. These include orthopaedic and neurological problems, increasing fitness and for building confidence in water. It can also aid rehabilitation following surgery.
Extensive research in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy improves joint range of motion, muscle tone and promotes tissue repair in a non-weight bearing environment.
Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild through safe exercise which hydrotherapy provides.
The health and safety of the dogs is paramount at all times. By law, we have to seek veterinary approval for your dog to undergo hydrotherapy treatment. We will send a consent form to be signed by your vet. Referring vets are then given regular feedback on your dogs progress.
We encourage owners to get involved and you will enjoy watching your dogs swim in a pleasant & warm environment. Most dogs will enter the pool via an external ramp. Where necessary, the dog can be lifted into the pool. All dogs wear either a harness or buoyancy aid for safety and control and swim alone with one of our hydrotherapists.
Dogs are showered and dried following the hydrotherapy session.
