Canine Hydrotherapy for pets
Low-impact water exercise for dogs, in an underwater treadmill or pool, for rehabilitation, conditioning, and mobility.
Canine hydrotherapy uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to let a dog exercise with reduced load on painful or recovering joints, in an underwater treadmill or a heated pool. It is commonly used after orthopedic surgery, for arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia, for controlled weight loss, and to rebuild strength and fitness when land exercise is limited.
What to expect: A session lasts 20–40 minutes including warm-up and drying. The dog wears a flotation aid and is supported into an underwater treadmill or pool; a handler is in or beside the water throughout. Water height and speed are set to the dog's condition. Most centers require a veterinary referral or recent notes. Programs usually run weekly, with the plan adjusted as strength returns.
Good fit for: Your vet has referred the dog or supports hydrotherapy for the case, The dog is medically stable and any surgical site has healed enough, The goal is strength, mobility, or weight rather than diagnosis, The dog can cope with water and handling
Not the right fit if: Open wounds, skin infection, or an unhealed surgical incision, Uncontrolled heart or respiratory disease, Fever, gastrointestinal upset, or infectious illness, Severe water fear that makes the session unsafe or distressing
Complementary care, not veterinary medicine. For an emergency, contact your veterinarian.
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