Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy simply means “therapy in water.” It’s one of the oldest and most effective forms of physical rehabilitation, and it has become increasingly popular for improving mobility, strength, and comfort in dogs recovering from injury, living with chronic conditions, or needing conditioning support.

Our hydrotherapy service is run out of our Stratford clinic by our qualified hydrotherapist and veterinary nurse - Courtney. Hydrotherapy is performed using an underwater treadmill, a highly effective tool that combines controlled movement, buoyancy, and resistance to create safe, targeted rehabilitation sessions for dogs of all ages and abilities.

Ready to Get Started?

Hydrotherapy can make a significant difference in comfort, mobility, and recovery. Keep reading to find out more or if you’d like to book an appointment fill out the correct form below.

>> Client Sign Up for Hydrotherapy

>> Vet Referral for Hydrotherapy - Vets Only

*Bookings are available starting from Mid/End of April for Set Evenings and Saturdays

** Please note the current set up is temporary due to Clinic renovations

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can help your dog with:

Easier, more comfortable movement of painful or healing areas
Improved weight bearing
Gait re-education after spinal or neurological injury
Prevention of muscle atrophy
Accelerated muscle strengthening
Faster return to normal function after injury or surgery
Increased joint range of motion
Balance re-training
Maintaining mobility in senior pets
Conditioning for sport or show dogs
Healthy weight loss

Conditions We Commonly Rehabilitate

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for a wide range of orthopaedic, neurological, and general mobility concerns, including:

Orthopaedic & Surgical Recovery

Cruciate ligament injury or surgery
Medial patella luxation (conservative or post surgical, grades 1–2)
Elbow dysplasia (conservative, post surgical, arthritis management)
Hip dysplasia (conservative, post surgical, arthritis management)
Shoulder instability
Fracture repair
Ligament repairs
Arthrodesis
Limb amputation support

Arthritis & Chronic Conditions

Osteoarthritis
Spondylosis
Polyarthritis
Senior pets with weakness or reduced mobility

Neurological Conditions

(for mild to moderate cases)

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – surgical or conservative
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
Degenerative myelopathy
Polyradiculoneuritis
Polyneuropathy
Wobblers
Degenerative neurological conditions
Brachial plexus injury

Other Uses

Obesity & weight management
General fitness and conditioning

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the first appointment?

Your initial consultation is 60 minutes, during which we will:

Introduce your pet to the hydrotherapy environment
Perform a gait assessment
Complete a full palpation and mobility evaluation
Develop a personalised hydrotherapy rehabilitation plan

Follow up sessions are 45 minutes.

How much does hydrotherapy cost?

Each session: $75
Discounted packages are available for multi session plans.

How many sessions will my pet need?

Every dog is different, but as a general guide:

Post orthopaedic surgery

8–16 weeks, depending on surgery type and progress.

Chronic conditions & senior dogs

6–8 weeks initially, with future “top up” sessions as needed during flare ups.

Neurological conditions

6 weeks and beyond. Progress varies widely depending on the condition.

Weight loss & conditioning

Timeframes vary and are tailored to the dog’s goals and response to the programme.