Below is a selection of commonly asked questions from our clients regarding hydrotherapy.
What is hydrotherapy?
The word hydrotherapy originates from the Greek words for "water healing”. It is a controlled, non-weight bearing, non-invasive aquatic exercise that’s a whole-body treatment within heated, sanitized water.
How long before I see improvement with my dog?
Every client’s progression is individual and is affected by several contributing factors. These include issues such as current medical condition, age, diet, breed and finally the initial reason for attending hydrotherapy.
How long does my dog need to do hydrotherapy for?
Ultimately it is the owner’s preference as to how long their dog attends. However, we do usually advise a period of 10 sessions as this allows the full beneficial effects to be seen. Many clients see an improvement before or by this time and continue with the hydrotherapy.
What are the main benefits of hydrotherapy?
Below is a summary of the main benefits your dog would receive whilst attending hydrotherapy sessions:
- Non-weight bearing exercise
- Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
- Promotion of relaxation
- Joint mobilisation
- Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)
- Muscle strengthening, maintenance & restoration
- Increase in range of movement of affected joints
- Improved circulation
- Mental stimulation
Are there any additional therapies my dog can have in conjunction with hydrotherapy?
A lot of our clients combine their hydrotherapy sessions with our laser treatment that is here on site, performed by our fully qualified RVN nurses. Some of the main benefits of laser include:
- Pain reduction
- Inflammation reduction
- Accelerated tissue repair
- Increased blood circulation
Owners could also perform skin rolling techniques at home which will also help increase blood circulation. Our staff members will demonstrate how to perform this technique so you can apply it at home.
How safe is the water?
There are many ways in which we keep your dog safe whilst in the water. These include:
- The water temperature is kept between the recommended temperatures of 28°c - 32°c. This prevents the muscle from seizing and promotes relaxation whilst in the water. In addition, every dog has a shower before and after being in the water, this also helps reduce any bacteria being transferred whilst in the hydrotherapy room.
- The pool is treated three times a day which is in line which CHA regulations. We use a combination of Chlorine, PH and Alkalinity granules to ensure the pool is clean and free of any harmful bacteria at all times.
- All dogs are fitted with a buoyancy aid before entering the pool. Along with always having a qualified hydrotherapist in the water, the buoyancy aid ensures their safety whilst in the pool.
How long is a typical session?
An initial assessment lasts an hour (this only applies to our rehab and maintenance tariffs. After the initial assessment, a typical session lasts for 30 minutes).
What do I need to bring?
We ask that on the cooler days, you bring a coat or towel for your dog to leave the pool room in. This is to help prevent the muscles from seizing up and reversing all their hard work from the session. Although we spend time drying your dog off as much as we can by using two types of towel and even a hair drier if needed, it is impossible for us to get your dog completely dry. We also recommend that owners dress in suitable clothing such as clothes that they don’t mind getting wet (as you more than likely will) and shoes with a good grip as our floor can become slippery when wet.
Can this go through my insurance?
Yes! Hydrotherapy is classed as complimentary therapy for most insurance companies which means they do cover for hydrotherapy, depending on the condition and individual insurance company. It is always best to speak to your insurance company before attending your first hydrotherapy session.
Does my vet need to recommend this or can I just book an appointment with yourselves?
It is required by law for your vet to give you permission to attend a hydrotherapy session – just ask your vet to fill out the vet referral form on the first page. Once we have received this, we will then contact you about booking your first session with us.
My dog doesn’t like water so would hydrotherapy be suitable?
It is very normal for all dogs (water babies or not) to be apprehensive when first entering the pool. However, they soon realise they can trust our hydrotherapists and relax in the water. Our access ramp makes it easy to enter and our resting ramp gives them the opportunity to relax on their breaks during their swimming sessions. An electronic hoist is also available for those who are less capable of making the ramp.
If my dog is unable to stand/walk, how will they get into the pool?
We have a couple of different methods to ensure your pet enters the pool safely and within their capabilities. They can use the ramp if able, however, if they require additional support, we can either lift them in or they can use the hoist, which lifts them and lowers them in safely and securely.
Please note, hydrotherapy sessions cannot proceed without a signed referral form from your pet’s vet prior to their first appointment. This applies to all reasons for hydrotherapy.