Our Services
The Pool
Our custom-built pool measuring 4.5m x 3.5m x 1.2m has been designed specifically for dogs and has an external and internal ramp enabling easy access into and out of the pool. It is heated to around 28-30 degrees Celsius and comes with a powerful UV Pool Water Steriliser which reduces the amount of chemical usage, thus ensuring a safer environment for both dogs and therapists.
The Swim Session
Please note Hydrotherapy is NOT premitted if your dog has any of the following:
- Open wounds
- Bitches in season
- Infectious or contagious conditions such as gastric upsets (diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours), kennel cough, ear, eye or skin infections
- Heart condition/disease
- Pulmonary/respiratory disease
A health check is carried out at each of your pet's hydrotherapy appointments prior to the swim session.
Your pet will then be given a warm shower to prepare them for the swim.
It is important that your pet feels safe and confident in the water, so all pets are fitted with a buoyancy jacket to provide support. We can supply ear protection if required.
Each swim session is personalised for your pet so sessions will vary in length depending on their fitness levels.
After the swim your pet will again be showered and dried before leaving the centre. We provide shampoo or can use your pet's own specific shampoo if required.
Referral/Rehabilitation Sessions
Pets referred for rehabilitation will undergo a full evaluation on their first appointment. This includes review of the history/problem/surgery from the referring veterinarian, individual examination, where we look at range of motion, gait analysis, pain score, and discussion of any behaviour concerns.
We will create an individualised plan, which will be regularly reviewed and adapted as necessary.
- Initial Consultation – please allow up to 1hour 30mins
- Subsequent Sessions – up to 40 mins
Fitness Swim
Pets requiring a fitness swim will undergo a health check on their first appointment, which also includes review of the veterinary referral form and discussion your pet's history and any issues. A swim session will be included in the first session, unless the hydrotherapist feels this is not appropriate.
- Initial Consultation – please allow up to 45 mins
- Subsequent Sessions – up to 30 mins
Weight Loss and Senior Dogs
Hydrotherapy is a great way of treating obese and senior dogs as it provides a means of exercising in a controlled manner without weight on the limbs and joints. The water provides buoyancy so often dogs are able to increase flexion of joints, thereby improving mobility. The water also provides resistance so strength can also be improved.
Pets referred for weight loss and/or senior dogs will undergo an evaluation on their first vist, including reviewing the veterinary referral, discussion of current exercise and lifestyle routines. During the first visit your pet may have a session in the pool.
Older and obese dogs are more likely to have additional health needs which will be carefully considered when planning an individualised programme for them.
At each subsequent session your pet will be weighed, their exercise protocol reviewed and they will have a session in the hydrotherapy pool.
- Initial Consultation – please allow up to 1 hour
- Subsequent Sessions – up to 40 mins
