Clinical Canine Hydrotherapy
*COMING SOON!*
We are delighted to announce that Canine Hydrotherapy will be available at Sidewood Canine Therapy from 1st October 2026.
Our purpose-built hydrotherapy pool will allow safe and effective low-impact therapy that can help to support dogs on their rehabilitation journey, conservatively manage chronic conditions, such as arthritis, improve mobility and build strength and fitness.
Hydrotherapy is a safe, effective and enjoyable form of exercise that harnesses the unique properties of warm water to support rehabilitation, improve mobility and build strength, all while placing significantly less stress on joints than equivalent exercise on land.
Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, maintaining mobility in later life or preparing for competition, every hydrotherapy programme is individually tailored to their specific needs and goals.
As with all our therapies, we work alongside your veterinary surgeon to provide the highest standard of professional care.
What is Pool-Based Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy uses the natural buoyancy and resistance of water to create a controlled exercise environment that reduces the strain on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The buoyancy of the water reduces the amount of weight placed through painful or weakened joints, allowing dogs to move more comfortably and confidently. At the same time, the resistance of the water encourages muscles to work harder, helping to improve strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness without the impact associated with land-based exercise.
Every session is carefully supervised and tailored to your dog's medical condition, fitness level and individual rehabilitation goals.
Conditions That May Benefit from Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for dogs recovering from a wide range of conditions, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Post-operative rehabilitation*
- Weight management
- Muscle atrophy
- Reduced mobility associated with ageing
Every dog is different, which is why each treatment programme is carefully designed around your dog's individual needs.
*Pool hydrotherapy can begin at minimum of 4-6 weeks post operation, providing that the wound has fully healed and the veterinary surgeon has given consent that it is safe to swim your dog.
Supporting Sporting & Performance Dogs
Hydrotherapy isn't just for injured dogs.
It is an excellent conditioning tool for sporting, working and performance dogs, helping to improve:
🐾 Muscle strength
🐾 Core stability
🐾 Cardiovascular fitness
🐾 Endurance
🐾 Flexibility
🐾 Recovery following training or competition
🐾 Overall athletic performance
Many sporting dogs can also benefit from hydrotherapy as part of an injury prevention programme, helping to maintain fitness while reducing repetitive loading through joints and soft tissues.
Combined with our Stance Analysis, Class IV Laser Therapy and Clinical Canine Massage Therapy, hydrotherapy forms part of a comprehensive approach to keeping your dog performing at their very best.
Helping Senior Dogs Stay Active
Growing older doesn't mean your dog has to stop enjoying life.
Many senior dogs experience stiffness, arthritis or reduced mobility, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. Hydrotherapy provides a gentle, supportive environment that encourages movement while reducing pressure on painful joints.
Regular sessions can help:
- Improve mobility
- Increase muscle strength
- Maintain joint flexibility
- Support weight management
- Enhance quality of life
Our goal is to help your dog remain comfortable, active and able to enjoy the things they love for as long as possible.
Fun Swims
Not every visit to the pool needs to be part of a rehabilitation programme!
We will also be offering Fun Swims for dogs who simply love being in the water.
Whether your dog enjoys swimming for fitness, confidence building or just for fun, our safe, heated pool provides an enjoyable environment where they can exercise under professional supervision.
Fun Swims are perfect for:
🐾 Active dogs looking for low-impact exercise
🐾 Dogs that simply love to swim
🐾 Owners wanting to provide safe enrichment and exercise
These sessions are designed for healthy dogs and are not intended to replace clinical hydrotherapy where rehabilitation is required.
What to Expect
On arrival at our centre, your dog will receive a physical health check, before undergoing therapeutic showering and being fitted with the correct size of float coat and harness.
Once they have completed their hydrotherapy session, they will undergo therapeutic showering before being towel dried.
We recommend that you bring a drying robe or blankets for your dog to travel home, to encourage drying of the coat and maintain muscle temperature. A regular session will take approximately 45 minutes, with an initial session taking up to 90 minutes.
VETERINARY CONSENT
It is a legal requirement in the UK that veterinary permission must be attained prior to any hydrotherapy treatment being administered under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Exemptions Order 2015. This legislation was put into place to not only inform Best Practice, but to also ensure the ongoing welfare of your dog, preventing harm from treating conditions that may be contraindicated for hydrotherapy.
**PLEASE NOTE that owners MUST gain approval from their veterinary surgeon BEFORE their dog can receive hydrotherapy.
To gain veterinary approval, simply download or print the Veterinary Consent Form below and ask your vet to complete and sign.
Ready to Help Your Dog Take the Next Step?
Whether your dog is recovering from injury, managing a long-term condition, maintaining mobility in later life or striving for peak performance, we're here to help.
Hydrotherapy appointments available from 1st October 2026.
Contact us today to find out more or to make a booking!
📞 or WhatsApp 07833 937097
📧 therapy@sidewoodcanineservices.co.uk