Pet hydrotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses water to aid in the rehabilitation and treatment of various conditions in animals, particularly dogs.

It often involves exercises in a pool or underwater treadmill, which can help improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.

This therapy is commonly used for pets recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, dealing with obesity and other health issues, as well as an opportunity just to have some fun!

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Our hydrotherapists

Our hydrotherapy facilities

Our Bridlington-based veterinary practice includes a large, heated pet hydrotherapy pool, and an underwater treadmill for low-impact exercise.

We have three trained hydrotherapists onsite in Bridlington:

  • Eleanor has been with us for two years and is a level 4 qualified canine hydrotherapist.
  • Ocean has qualified more recently whilst working at Aldgate and also holds a hydrotherapy qualification.
  • Michelle is also qualified in hydrotherapy as well as being a Veterinary Nurse, and she’s been with our practice for over 11 years!
Our hydrotherapists

What to expect in our sessions

All patients that are new to our Rehabilitation Department and are in need of rehabilitation treatment, must have an initial consultation with our team. 

This is a 1.5hr assessment with Rayana, our Vet lead for the Rehab team, specialist in pain management and Veterinary Physiotherapist, and one of our 3 trained hydrotherapists which allows us to carry out a full in-depth health check, thorough gait assessments, limb measurements and an introduction to our hydrotherapy equipment. 

From this initial consultation, a bespoke, tailored plan will be created that is specific to your pet’s specific needs, as well as recommendations regarding frequency of sessions and check-up appointments. 

For those attending for Fitness and Conditioning sessions, this initial assessment is not required.

All follow-up hydrotherapy sessions and fitness and conditioning sessions are 45 minutes long.

After your pet’s hydrotherapy sessions, you will be provided with a report and a follow-up appointment.

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Our hydrotherapists

How can hydrotherapy benefit your pet?

Pet hydrotherapy provides low-impact exercise that helps strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

The buoyancy of water supports body weight, reducing stress on joints and allowing for more comfortable movement in a controlled environment.

The resistance of water also helps build muscle strength and endurance, while the warm water can soothe sore muscles and promote circulation, aiding in recovery from injuries and/or surgery.

Our hydrotherapists

Health conditions that can benefit from hydrotherapy

  • Arthritis and joint pain: A condition causing inflammation and pain in the joints.
  • Hip dysplasia: A genetic disorder where the hip joint is malformed, leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Post-surgical recovery: The healing period following surgery, often requiring rehabilitation.
  • Obesity: Excessive body weight that can strain joints, organs and increase the risk of osteoarthritis from a much younger age.
  • Neurological disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, often impacting movement and coordination.
  • Muscle weakness or atrophy: The loss of muscle mass and strength, often due to inactivity or illness.
  • Ligament injuries (e.g., cruciate ligament tears): Damage to the ligaments, often leading to joint instability and pain.
  • Degenerative myelopathy: A progressive spinal cord disease leading to weakness and paralysis in the hind limbs.
  • Mobility issues in senior pets: Reduced ability to move due to ageing-related conditions.
  • Chronic pain management: Ongoing treatment for persistent pain from various medical conditions.

How much does pet hydrotherapy cost?

The cost of rehabilitative hydrotherapy can vary depending on what kind of treatment we would recommend for your pet due to their condition and its severity. Please contact our Rehabilitation team for more information on hydrotherapy treatment cost for your pet. 

Fitness and conditioning swims start from just £35.

Hydrotherapy sessions are available as pay as you go, or we do offer block bookings where if you pay for 10 upfront, then you’ll get your 11th session free of charge!

Hydrotherapy FAQs

This depends on the policy you have purchased. We recommend checking your policy details and/or checking with your provider.

Unfortunately not, our trained hydro therapists will get into the pool and support your pet through their treatment. Due to health and safety regulations, we do not allow any pet owners to get into our hydrotherapy pool with their pet.

Yes, we only allow vaccinated pets into our hydrotherapy pool, due to the risks associated with your pet becoming ill from cross-contamination, or contaminating the environment. 

No, all our hydrotherapy sessions are 1-1 so your pet receives our hydrotherapist’s full attention. This means they can enjoy their experience without having to share the space.

Our pool and underwater treadmill are both heated to 30 degrees celsius, the optimum temperature to help ease sore and stiff joints and for the muscles to work appropriately, compared to wild swimming temperatures which can reach lows of 6 degrees celsius.

Our hydrotherapists are also always present during treatment to control your pet’s movement to ensure they are benefitting from the session as much as possible.

Some of the main aims of hydrotherapy are to improve muscle mass, in turn stabilising specific joints, improve cardiovascular fitness and improve joint range of movement, which do not happen overnight. However, we suggest setting realistic timeframes with our rehabilitation team to ensure your pet is benefitting from their sessions.

We encourage a check-up with Rayana every 4-6 weeks where some physiological changes should have begun to happen.

Yes, when conducted by a certified professional and under safe conditions.

Most pets can, and will, benefit from hydrotherapy. However, it may not be suitable for those with conditions such as skin infections, any contagious diseases and/or some heart conditions. Please get in touch with the Rehabilitation Team if you have any questions about the suitability of hydrotherapy treatment for your pet. 

Want to know more about pet hydrotherapy?

Complete a referral form or give the Rehabilitation team a call on our Bridlington Practice number 01262 677269.

Want to know more about hydrotherapy?

Complete referral form