Canine Hydrotherapy: What is it, and how does it help my dog?

The term Hydrotherapy comes from the Greek term meaning "water cure." 

Humans have known how beneficial water exercise is for centuries, but it’s only recently become popular in canine physical therapy, despite our dogs constantly dunking themselves in lakes or paddling out to sea! 

Canine hydrotherapy is one of the most effective, gentle, and scientifically proven rehabilitation therapies available in modern veterinary care.

If you’ve heard other pet parents raving about hydrotherapy for dogs, or seen videos of dogs happily walking on water-filled treadmills, you might be wondering how it works, whether it’s safe, and if your own dog could benefit. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about dog hydrotherapy, from the science behind canine hydrotherapy, to how it can benefit your dog and what to expect during a session.

What is canine hydrotherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy is a non-invasive, low-impact medical treatment that uses water properties, specifically buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, and temperature, to aid physical rehabilitation, conditioning, and pain relief.

While human hydrotherapy has existed for centuries, specialised dog hydrotherapy has advanced significantly over the last two decades. It is far more than just letting your dog swim in a local pond or lake. Professional hydrotherapy takes place in controlled, warm-water environments managed by certified canine hydrotherapists or veterinary physiotherapists.

The science behind water-based healing

Water possesses four key physical characteristics that make canine hydrotherapy uniquely powerful for dogs with joint or mobility challenges:

1. Buoyancy

When a dog is submerged in water up to their chest, the water supports their body weight. This can take pressure off sore joints, allowing dogs to move freely without pain.

2. Hydrostatic pressure

The water provides equal, gentle pressure on all areas of the dog's body while submerged. This pressure helps reduce fluid retention and swelling in inflamed joints and can improve blood circulation. 

3. Strength and resistance

Moving through water creates natural resistance, encouraging a dog to engage core muscles in an alternative way to traditional exercise, which is often more concussive. 

4. Thermal comfort

Hydrotherapy pools and underwater treadmills are kept at warm temperatures - typically between 28°C and 32°C. Warm water increases blood flow, and acts as a natural comforter before movement even begins.

What are the benefits of canine hydrotherapy?

By removing pressure from the joints, hydrotherapy enables dogs to move their bodies more freely than they could on land, while building strength at the same time.

Hydrotherapy can:

• Relieve discomfort

• Reduce inflammation and swelling

• Increase muscle strength

• Improve proprioception

• Increase joint range of motion

• Release muscle tension and relax spasms

• Improve cardiovascular fitness

• Increase circulation and support tissue healing

• Support pre-operative muscle conditioning before joint surgery

• Improve mental wellbeing and quality of life

Which dogs can benefit from hydrotherapy?

A common misconception is that dog hydrotherapy is only for water-loving breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers. In reality, it can benefit dogs of almost every age, breed, and physical condition.

Veterinary surgeons often recommend hydrotherapy after surgery, particularly joint surgery. It is also widely used for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative conditions, and neurological conditions.

Can all dogs have hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy suits most dogs, but it is not appropriate for every dog in every circumstance. A reputable centre will screen for this before your first session, and your vet will advise on whether it is suitable for your individual dog.

Hydrotherapy is generally not recommended for dogs with:

• Open wounds or recent surgical incisions that have not fully healed

• Active skin infections or contagious skin conditions

• Certain heart conditions, as the hydrostatic pressure affects circulation

• Some respiratory conditions

• Uncontrolled epilepsy

• Infectious illness, including kennel cough or gastrointestinal upset

Severe water anxiety is also worth flagging in advance. A good hydrotherapist will work slowly with a nervous dog, but forcing the issue is counterproductive.

This is exactly why the veterinary referral process matters. Always speak to your vet before booking.

Types of canine hydrotherapy 

Depending on your dog’s condition and rehabilitation goals, a qualified hydrotherapist will recommend one (or a combination) of the following modalities:

1. Underwater treadmill

The underwater treadmill is the gold standard for gait re-education and targeted joint rehabilitation.

• How it works: Your dog walks into a dry, clear, chamber. The doors seal, and warm water fills the chamber from below to a depth tailored to your dog’s size and condition. The belt then moves at a controlled speed.

• Why it helps: Because the water depth can be adjusted down to the millimeter, therapists can precisely control the environment for your dogs specific condition. 

2. Hydrotherapy pools

Hydrotherapy pools are large, heated swimming pools equipped with ramps, hoists, and jets.

• How it works: Equipped with a buoyant life jacket or harness, your dog swims in open water while controlled by a hydrotherapist, who is often in the water with your dog. 

• Why it helps: Swimming encourages complete non-weight-bearing movement. The limb extension required benefits range of movement and suppleness, in a non-concussive way. 

What to expect during your dog's first hydrotherapy session

If you are booking hydrotherapy for your dog for the first time, it's natural to feel a little anxious about how your pet will handle the experience - especially if your dog isn't a fan of bath time!

Here is a step-by-step walk-through of what a typical professional hydrotherapy session looks like:

1. Veterinary referral and physical assessment:

Before your dog even makes their first splash, a reputable hydrotherapy center will always require checking your veterinary consent before beginning. On your first visit, the therapist will also evaluate your dog's movement, medical history and observe their gait on land. 

2. Staying safe 

Your dog will be fitted with a specialised hydrotherapy floatation jacket or harness with sturdy handles. 

3. Introducing the water 

For the treadmill, water fills slowly around the dog while the therapist offers positive reinforcement. For the pool, the therapist will likely enter the water with your dog, guiding them down a non-slip ramp. 

4.  Rest intervals 

The therapist will closely monitor your dog’s reactions to the hydrotherapy, looking out for any physical or behavioural changes. They may also encourage regular rest breaks for your dog, particularly in the first session. 

5. Post hydrotherapy care

After exiting the water, your dog may receive a warm shower to rinse off the water treatment, followed by a thorough towel dry off to make sure your dog is cosy. 

How much does canine hydrotherapy cost in the UK?

Prices vary by location, and the facilities and expertise available will also affect the cost. A recent study of UK centres found that prices range from around £30 to £50 per 30-minute session.

Many centres offer block booking discounts, which is worth asking about if your dog is starting a longer rehabilitation programme.

How many sessions will my dog need?

This depends entirely on why your dog is having hydrotherapy, and it is something your hydrotherapist and vet will determine together.

Dogs recovering from surgery often start with more frequent sessions, sometimes weekly, tapering as strength returns. Dogs using hydrotherapy for ongoing joint comfort or general conditioning may settle into a longer-term routine at a lower frequency.

Your therapist will reassess progress regularly and adjust the programme accordingly. Expect the plan to evolve rather than being fixed from the outset.

Do I need a vet referral, and will pet insurance cover it?

It depends on why your dog is going.

If you are taking them for a "fitness swim" to help keep them healthy and active, you probably will not need a veterinary referral. However, if the sessions are to support any medical condition, you will need to speak to your vet and liaise with your hydrotherapist to make sure a proper referral is in place.

Many pet insurance companies do cover hydrotherapy under their complementary therapy cover. Check with your provider to see whether your policy includes it, and whether there is an annual limit.

How to choose the right canine hydrotherapy center

When searching for canine hydrotherapy near you, look for the following quality indicators to ensure your dog is in safe, professional hands:

• Veterinary approval: The center must require a referral or clearance form signed by your primary veterinarian.

• Certified therapists: Ensure staff hold recognised qualifications and have experience in canine hydrotherapy. 

• Controlled water temperature: Water should be regularly changed and maintained at therapeutic temperatures (28°C–32°C).

• In-water assistance: Hydrotherapists should be in the water or directly inside/beside the treadmill chamber supporting your dog at all times.

Canine hydrotherapy is a scientifically backed therapy that benefits dogs to move in a non-concussive environment, encouraging an improvement in range of motion, stamina and strength. 

Whether your dog is recovering from knee surgery, battling stiff joints in their senior years, or working toward a healthy target weight, combining regular dog hydrotherapy with a high-quality daily joint supplement and regular mobility exercises gives your best friend a great multi-modal management plan. 

How joint supplements and hydrotherapy work together

So, you’ve enrolled your dog on a canine hydrotherapy programme, but how else can you help your dogs joints?

While canine hydrotherapy offers significant benefits for a range of dogs in different conditions, it works best as part of a multimodal management plan. It is also important to consider a dogs diet, daily exercise regime and supplements. 

Dog joint supplements such as Antinol Joint Care Pro, are packed with highly concentrated omega-3s and fatty acids. Antinol's key active ingredient is Green Lipped Mussel Oil, 20x more powerful than powder alternatives. Antinol offers daily joint support for your dog, to support their fitness training, rehabilitation plan or general comfort every day. 

With the combination of powerful joint supplements like Antinol, and regular dog hydrotherapy, you could have a real impact on your dogs comfort, and can encourage regular mobility for years to come.

Check the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists or the Canine Hydrotherapy Association to find a therapist near you.

As proud sponsors of Battersea Hydrotherapy Centre, we’re helping raise awareness of the important role hydrotherapy plays in canine health. You can learn more about their work here.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is hydrotherapy safe for dogs?
Yes, when carried out by a qualified hydrotherapist in a properly managed facility. Dogs wear a flotation jacket, a therapist supervises throughout, and water temperature is controlled. Your vet will confirm whether it is suitable for your dog before you start.

How much does dog hydrotherapy cost in the UK?
Around £30 to £50 for a 30-minute session, depending on location and facilities. Many centres offer discounts for block bookings.

Do I need a vet referral for canine hydrotherapy?
For general fitness swimming, usually not. For any medical condition, yes. Reputable centres will not treat a dog for a medical reason without veterinary clearance.

Will my pet insurance cover hydrotherapy?
Many policies cover it under complementary therapy, though limits vary. Check directly with your provider.

How many hydrotherapy sessions does a dog need?
It varies by case. Post-surgical dogs often start weekly and taper as they improve, while dogs using hydrotherapy for ongoing comfort may continue at a lower frequency long term. Your therapist will reassess regularly.

Can puppies have hydrotherapy?
Generally hydrotherapy is used from around six months, once vaccinations are complete, and usually only where there is a specific clinical reason. Your vet will advise.

What is the difference between hydrotherapy and letting my dog swim?
Hydrotherapy uses controlled water depth, temperature, and speed, supervised by a trained professional, with the exercise tailored to your dog. Open-water swimming has none of those controls.