What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is derived from the Greek word meaning water healing. It is much more that just swimming at the beach or in a lake. It is a non weight bearing exercise which helps reduce stress on the dogs’ joints, encouraging a full range of joint motion. It involves practised therapeutic techniques, massage, as well as gentle exercise that promotes healthy joint movement, fitness and weight loss, if required. The heated water coupled with the pressure and buoyancy of the water, provide a very therapeutic effect on the dog.

Following injury, animals can become reluctant to put weight on certain joints. Hydrotherapy gives them the confidence to move again. This can lift their mood, increase their rate of healing and dramatically improve their path to recovery.  In addition to rehabilitation, hydrotherapy can be used for general fitness also. It is a very intensive treatment.  Dogs have to work harder when swimming;

15 minute swimming is equivalent to 1 hour running on land but without the hard impact on your pets joints.