The first appointment is deliberately unhurried. It gives your dog time to become familiar with us and the surroundings and gives us time to discuss the referral, your goals and the treatment plan.
Your first visit
Time to settle
Your dog is allowed time to explore the environment, build confidence and become comfortable with the people and equipment involved.
History and health check
We review the veterinary referral, relevant medication and treatment history and carry out a pre-treatment health check.
Discuss the plan
We explain the proposed hydrotherapy, expected aims and any questions you have before exercise begins.
Gentle first treatment
Initial exercise is intentionally limited so we can assess fitness, confidence, movement and recovery after the session before progressing treatment.
Swimming and underwater treadmill
Dogs are rinsed before treatment to help keep the water clean and are rinsed again afterwards. Our pool and treadmill water is treated and monitored to provide a hygienic exercise environment.
The pool provides supported swimming and can use water jets to increase resistance when appropriate. The underwater treadmill provides controlled walking exercise, with water depth and treadmill speed used to influence the amount of weight-bearing and effort required.
Dogs use appropriate flotation or harness equipment for safety. The hydrotherapist remains close to the dog throughout treatment, providing reassurance and monitoring movement and fatigue.
Warm-up, exercise, rest and cool-down
Sessions are structured rather than continuous exercise. Warm-up and cool-down periods are used, with rest breaks based on the dog’s needs. Respiration, effort and general response are monitored throughout.
After treatment
Dogs are rinsed and towel dried, with further drying used where appropriate and tolerated. Owners are advised to keep dogs warm after treatment, particularly during colder weather.
Veterinary communication
Therapeutic hydrotherapy is accepted on veterinary referral. We can liaise with your veterinary practice and provide progress information during a course of treatment.