If you are looking to book a cat vaccination, please be aware that there is an ongoing shortage of some cat vaccines affecting all UK Veterinary practices. Find out more here.

Hydrotherapy

Using water to relieve discomfort and promote physical wellbeing

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical wellbeing. Water increases resistance and helps to support the patient, making it ideal for rehabilitation, general fitness, weight loss & training. Our facilities include a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool and water treadmill and we can also offer your pet swimming sessions just for fun or to help improve their water confidence.

Benefits of hydrotherapy

Water-based exercise can be helpful in a variety of ways. Swimming or walking on a treadmill in warm water supports the body and movement and provides many therapeutic benefits including relaxation. Speed and technique are controlled by the hydrotherapist depending on your pet’s needs.

Hydrotherapy can help your pet by enhancing range of movement and flexibility, strengthening muscles, building stamina, and promoting wellbeing. Water amplifies exercise benefits due to the added resistance, making it ideal for pets on a weight-loss or fitness programme.

Read about the overall benefits of hydrotherapy for rehabilitation and the differences between the pool and treadmill

Treatments & Prices

Rehabilitative hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitating many conditions we frequently see in small animals including obesity, arthritis and hip dysplasia. It can also support postoperative recovery and a return to health following illness.

Hydrotherapy can help with:

  • Postoperative orthopaedic rehabilitation
  • Supportive movement for elderly patients
  • Reduction of weight bearing stresses on painful joints
  • Neurological injury recovery
  • Gait and posture correction
  • Psychological wellbeing
  • Pain management
  • Limb amputees
  • Wellness
Learn more about Rehabilitative Canine Hydrotherapy

How hydrotherapy can help

  • Arthritis Management
  • Weight Loss
  • Water Babies & OAPs
  • Other Hydrotherapy Services

Arthritis Management

Hydrotherapy is ideal for managing arthritis as the warm water will support your pet and provide a therapeutic experience, whilst giving them an all-over body workout.

Weight Loss

Hydrotherapy is an excellent option for overweight dogs and cats as the warm water supports the joints and movements, which is ideal if your pet is struggling due to those extra pounds, Coupled with a good nutrition and varied exercise plan, swimming and/or walking on the water treadmill can really help to kickstart your pet’s weight loss.

You may want to book a free weight & diet consultation with our nursing team to understand how much weight your pet needs to lose to improve their health and to help you monitor their progress.

Please note, weight loss swims are classed as rehabilitative hydrotherapy and require a signed vet referral form (see below). In some cases, if your pet is suffering with additional health issues, they may require a physio assessment before undergoing hydrotherapy treatment. Speak to our team for more info.

Water Babies & OAPs

Water provides a great way to exercise young large/giant breed dogs and senior/geriatric pets whose joints are vulnerable to excessive land-based exercise.

Other Hydrotherapy Services

We also offer swimming and treadmill sessions for dogs that are fit and healthy, for fitness, fun and for improving their water confidence.

Plus, we can help you introduce your puppy to water in a safe and professional environment. Find out more.

If your dog requires Sports Medicine services (typically agility dogs), please contact our team to discuss the tailored programmes we can offer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim with my dog?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer client swims due to insurance purposes. All our hydrotherapists are highly trained so that they can offer a safe experience for your pet. You’re welcome to watch your pet from the handy viewing platform.

Can my dog use toys in the pool?

We use toys in the pool for motivation but we do not allow pets to retrieve them as this can lead to secondary drowning.

Can any type of pet use the pool?

Typically, hydrotherapy is used for dogs, but if you have another species that likes water and is recommended hydrotherapy by a vet, we would be happy to work with them.

How to book an appointment

Visits to our Pet Fitness & Rehabilitation Centre are by appointment only.

Before booking, please read & understand our Terms of Service which include information about our 24-hour Cancellation Policy, the health conditions which may prevent your pet from having treatment, and the things you should consider before & after your pet’s appointment.

You can download the appropriate form below for your vet to sign, which we require before your pet’s appointment. For more info or to book, call us on 01527 910516 or fill in the enquiry form below.

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