Hydrotherapy is derived from the Greek word meaning water healing.  Hydrotherapy is one of the best forms of exercise as it uses every muscle in the anatomy - without the impact stress that land-based exersise puts on the body.

It's estimated that a five minute swim for a dog is roughly equivalent to a five mile run!

This makes hydrotherapy a fantastic form of exercise for dogs with an injury or medical condition that prevents them from doing much, (if any), land based exercise.  Hydrotherapy is also mentally stimulating, which is especially beneficial if your dog's condition means he has to be cage-bound, or without exercise following an injury, as most dogs in this situation can quickly become depressed.

As a non-weight bearing exercise, hydrotherapy encourages full extension of the limbs, allowing a greater range of movement and easing stiff joints. The warmth of the water helps to increase flexibility, mobility and contractility of muscles by allowing them to relax and promotes circulation, which in turn aids healing.

Hydrostatic forces of the water can help to reduce inflammation of injured joints, therefore providing pain relief. Resistance caused by your dog moving in the water also increases muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness (as in aqua aerobics).

Hydrotherapy is also an excellent way to increase general fitness and aid weight loss.  It improves muscle strength and tone whilst working the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems, without the impact of unsupported exercise and the associated damage that can cause. Remember - a five minute swim for a dog is roughly equivalent to a five mile run, only without the dangers of sudden stops and falls.

 Why can't I just take my dog to swim in the nearest lake?

Lakes, ponds and the sea offer many potential hazards to dogs - poisonous algae, injury from slipping down muddy banks and the danger of them getting out of their depth.

The cold water in lakes and the sea can reduce blood circulation, where as in a controlled environment the warm water of the heated pool combined with the jets has a massaging effect which promotes circulation and helps to reduce swelling.

Could Hydrotherapy Help My Dog?

 Hydrotherapy can help with:

•  Post operative rehabilitation - following orthopaedic surgery such as a fracture or ligament (TPLO cruciate) repair.
•  It can be beneficial pre-operatively to introduce your dog to the water in preparation for post-operative therapy.
• Skeletal and muscular disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia (especially young dogs on restricted exercise) and OCD.
• CDRM (Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy)
• Recovery from neurological conditions following spinal surgery or disease, peripheral nerve injury, or long periods of cage rest.
• Arthritis & old age - increases mobility and flexibility of affected joints and maintains fitness
• Weight reduction - physical exercise in conjunction with a dietary programme prescribed by your dog's vet.
• General fitness and stamina training - working dogs, racing dogs, agility and show dogs can all benefit from hydrotherapy