Butterwick animal rehab

Butterwick Animal Rehab clinic logo
Menu
Butterwick Animal Rehab clinic logo

Canine Hydrotherapy – Fun, Effective Water-Based Rehab for Dogs

We help people who are worried about their dog’s health and want them to enjoy life again — pain-free, confident, and avoiding unnecessary surgery.

Chocolate labrador in aquatic treadmill at Butterwick animal rehab

So, what is Canine Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy for dogs? Absolutely!

If your dog is struggling with stiffness, weakness, or pain, watching them slow down can be heartbreaking. Hydrotherapy is one of the gentlest yet most powerful ways to help them move more freely again. Using warm water and buoyancy, we can strengthen your dog's muscles, improve movement, and speed up recovery — all without putting extra stress on injured joints or sore muscles.

Veterinary research shows that underwater treadmill therapy improves strength, range of motion, and gait while reducing joint stress — a safe and effective way to help dogs recover faster.

  • The rehabilitation of injured/immobile/stiff muscles and joints without placing unnecessary stress on them.
  • Relieves pain by reducing muscle tension.
  • Increased fitness levels: your dog does monitored resistance training in the water, thereby strengthening his/her body and ensuring that he/she avoids future injuries.
  • Boost’s your pooch’s immune system!
  • Increases energy levels: a potent combination of excitement, novelty, and carefully monitored exercises means that your dog starts feeling young, excited, and inquisitive again. To be honest… this is exactly why we love doing this!
  • Relieves stress. Yup, your dog also suffers from stress, the likelihood of which increases if he/she has been in pain for a long time. Our warm water pools reduce stress and thereby encourage health and healing.

Hydrotherapy for Dogs

Have you ever just floated in the pool and felt the pain in your lower back dissipate, your muscles relax, and a calm state of mind returning? That’s exactly what this is! The specialized movements, exercises, and training provided by our experts in our state-of-the-art facilities means your dog is at home in the water; he/she soon comes to feel as though being there is second nature, and the excitement, energy, and sheer glee you’ll see in your pet will definitely put a smile on your face.

Hydrotherapy is more than a treatment… it’s a way of enhancing the quality of life of your best four-legged friend. With hydrotherapy, you’ll notice a change in your dog really quickly – his/her zest for life will return, they’ll be brighter, happier and we’ll be surprised if a tear doesn’t form in your own eye.

So, really, what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose, and yet, you have so much to gain. We’re really excited to hear from you! If you’d like to know more about how hydrotherapy can improve the quality of life of your dog, click the link below, or call us on 01325 802738. We’re just a phone call or click away!

You’ll notice that not once have we referred to your dog as ‘it’. Why? Because we know he/she isn’t an “it” – they are your family. 

Contact Us

Get a clear rehab plan today that works — friendly, no-jargon guidance that actually helps your dog

Easy to get to clinic, all the team are under one roof — no bouncing between clinics, no conflicting advice, and no repeating your dog’s story. IRVAP/NAVP-registered and results-focused.

  • Joined-up care: physiotherapy + hydrotherapy working together as they should to maximise the best effect.
  • Clear next steps: simple home plan and check-ins, Great Vet Physio and hydrotherapy.
  • Friendly & honest: no jargon, no hard sell — just what’s best for you and your dog.
Call 01325 802738 Book a Free Meet & Greet session to answer your questions

What our customers say about us

Frequently asked questions about Canine Hydrotherapy.

What is canine hydrotherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy is a form of physical rehabilitation that uses water-based exercise to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain in dogs. It’s commonly used before or after surgery, for arthritis, and for conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, or intervertebral disc disease. It's also highly effective for dogs with mobility problems regardless of condition

How does hydrotherapy help my dog recover?

Water supports your dog’s body weight, which reduces stress on joints while still allowing them to exercise. This improves circulation, builds strength, and helps restore movement—often speeding up recovery compared to land-based exercise alone. And because we combine land and water based therapies all under one roof you get the best of both worlds without having to see multiple people with conflicting advice etc.

Will my dog like hydrotherapy if they’re nervous about water?

This is probably one of the top 3 questions we get asked about hydrotherapy. Many dogs who are nervous at first quickly gain confidence with our gentle approach. Sessions are always tailored to your dog’s comfort level, and we never force them. Owners are usually quite surprised how well their dogs take to it and mention how their dogs have started to paddle in water at home too.

Is hydrotherapy safe for all dogs?

Pretty much all dogs benefit from hydrotherapy, but we always perform a full assessment before starting. Some health conditions require vet clearance, and we adapt the program to your dog’s needs. We've been doing this for over 20 years and our success rate is pretty hard to beat.

How many hydrotherapy sessions will my dog need?

This depends on the condition, severity, and your goals really. We can start making a visible difference to your dog's mobility in a few weeks, but we tailor each plan to your dog, your goals and monitor your dog’s progress so we give you the best shot at getting your dog as good as possible for you. Beware of people offering "quick fixes" these rarely last and we believe good steady progress has consistently given our dog owners what they wanted to achieve or more. We also see some dogs for maintenance sessions to keep them active and pain-free after their plan of care. This is particularly common for older dogs who are struggling. Owners of these dogs are often quite surprised how far we can turn back the clock on their dogs quality of life and mobility. Check out our google reviews for how our lovely customers feel.

Do I need a veterinary referral for hydrotherapy?

In most cases, yes—we work closely with your vet to ensure your dog’s treatment is safe and effective. If you don’t have a referral yet, we can help guide you through the process.

Can my dog swim if they’ve never been in water before?

Absolutely. We get this a lot. Our hydrotherapy pool is heated, and our trained therapists will guide your dog every step of the way. Many dogs who start as “non-swimmers” learn to enjoy it and gain huge health benefits.

What should I expect at my dog’s first hydrotherapy session?

Your dog’s first session will start with a full assessment, including mobility checks, discussion of their medical history, and goal setting. We’ll then introduce them to the pool or treadmill at their pace. The aim is to make it a calm, positive experience, so your dog leaves happy and relaxed. We've been doing this for over a decade for Aquatic treadmill and over 20 years for Pool. We're pretty used to judging how to make it the best possible experience for your dog.

What should I bring to a hydrotherapy session?

Please bring your dog, and yes we've had people turn up without their dog before. Please bring them on a lead, a towel, and any treats they love. If your dog normally wears a harness, bring that too. Please be mindful that some dogs are nervous and need some space. If you have a nervous dog please tell us beforehand so we can accommodate them as much as possible.

Should I feed my dog before hydrotherapy?

We recommend not feeding your dog for 3 hours before and 1 hour after their session. This reduces the risk of Bloat or Gastric torsion, discomfort or sickness during exercise in the water. Please ensure they've gone to the loo beforehand too.

How long is a hydrotherapy session?

Sessions typically last around 30 minutes, including preparation and drying time. The actual time in the water is tailored to your dog’s stamina and condition. Just like us, we need to start within your dogs ability level and the build them up. We wouldn't start a new exercise regime by doing a half marathon and that's not good for your dog either. We're pretty good at getting the challenge level right so we make progress without damaging your dog or making them more lame.

How often should my dog have hydrotherapy?

This depends on their condition and your goals. Some dogs need twice-weekly sessions for post-surgical recovery, while others benefit from weekly or fortnightly maintenance to keep joints healthy. sometimes Owners can only manage weekly sessions and that's great, we make lots of progress on that, we believe in giving you options (that are explained in plain English) so you can make the best decision for you and your dog. And no, we don't believe in any guilt trips or hard sell nonsense either, just honest advice.

Will my dog be tired after hydrotherapy?

Yes, usually, particularly in those first couple of sessions. Hydrotherapy is surprisingly tiring because water provides constant resistance. Most dogs are happy and relaxed afterwards, and you might notice they sleep well that night. Most of us have walked in the river/sea/pool, thats a lot harder to move your legs than on land and its the same for dogs.

Can I stay and watch my dog’s session?

Of course. We encourage owners to watch—it helps you understand the process, and your presence can reassure your dog. You get an opportunity to help your dog enjoy it, ask any questions of the team and see how your dog is improving.

Do you work with my vet?

Yes. We keep your vet updated on progress (we believe this is important) and work closely with them to ensure your dog’s rehab is safe, effective, and medically supported.
Scroll to Top