Hydrotherapy is exercise in warm water, guided by a trained therapist. The water supports your dog's weight, so they can move and build strength with less strain on sore joints or healing tissue. If your vet has mentioned it, or you're wondering whether it might help your dog, here's what to know.
Pool or underwater treadmill
- Hydrotherapy pool: your dog swims, usually wearing a buoyancy jacket, with the therapist in or beside the water. Good for building overall strength and fitness.
- Underwater treadmill: your dog walks on a treadmill in a tank that fills with water to the right height. It allows careful control of speed and how much weight each leg takes, which suits many dogs early in rehabilitation.
The hydrotherapist and your vet will decide which is right for your dog.
What dogs is it often used for?
Vets commonly refer dogs for hydrotherapy:
- to help recovery after orthopaedic surgery, for example on a knee ligament
- with stiff or painful joints, including arthritis and hip or elbow problems, as part of wider care
- after some nerve or spinal problems, to rebuild movement and strength
- who need to lose weight but find land exercise hard
- to build fitness in older dogs or working and sporting dogs
It isn't suitable for every dog. Some heart, breathing and skin conditions, open wounds and infections can rule it out, at least for a while. That's why your vet needs to examine your dog and agree first.
Vet referral comes first
In the UK, treatments like hydrotherapy should only be given to a dog with a health problem after a vet has examined the dog and agreed to it. In practice, a qualified hydrotherapist will:
- ask for a referral or consent form signed by your vet before the first session
- ask about your dog's history, medication and any restrictions your vet has set
- assess your dog at the first session before planning treatment
- keep notes and send progress reports to your vet
If you're interested, ask your vet whether hydrotherapy could help and whether they can recommend a local centre. Many vets work regularly with particular hydrotherapists.
How to check a hydrotherapist's qualifications
Anyone can open a pool and call it hydrotherapy, so it's worth asking a few questions before you book.
- What qualification do you hold? Look for a recognised, accredited qualification in canine hydrotherapy, typically at Level 3 (a Level 3 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy is the usual one). Ask who awarded it, and ask about the other staff who'll handle your dog.
- Are you a member of a professional body? UK bodies include the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH). Members usually agree to standards on training, hygiene and working with vets. Ask which body, and check with that body directly.
- Do you have professional insurance? Ask what it covers.
- Will you need my vet's referral and send them reports? The answer should be yes.
- How do you look after the water? Good centres test and record water quality and temperature regularly, and are happy to tell you how.
- What happens at the first session? Expect a health and movement assessment, a gentle introduction to the water, and a plan for future sessions.
We don't list hydrotherapists at the moment. Our listings are for dog behaviourists and trainers registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). Your vet is the best place to start.
When behaviour is part of the picture
Pain can change how a dog behaves. Some dogs become grumpy, withdrawn or reactive when they're sore, and improve as they recover. If behaviour problems continue, your vet can refer you to a behaviourist. Our guide to who should you see? explains the options.