Hydrotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get in with my dog?
No, we don’t expect or allow you to get in the pool or treadmill. Our experienced therapists will be close to your dog at all times and use gentle handling techniques to ensure they are safe and effective treatments. Your presence during the session is encouraged and often is good motivation for the dog
My dog has never swam, will they know how to?
We treat many non-swimmers and the owners are often surprised how quickly they take to it. The technique may take some time to acquire but all dogs can swim, it’s a natural instinct. It may be that we start with the treadmill to help acclimatise them to water first.
How do you dry them?
The dog will be rinsed off after the session and towel dried with out absorptive EasiDri towels. You are asked to bring your own towel to help dry them. We also have high velocity driers we can use and encourage owners to invest in a Ruff & Tumble Drying Coat to help keep them warm after the session and speed up the drying time. It is important your dog gets dry and warm quickly after the session, especially if it is cold weather.
I have two dogs, can they go in together?
We do not allow multi-dog swimming for health and safety reasons.
Will my pet insurance company cover the costs?
It’s very likely your pet insurance will cover hydrotherapy and laser therapy but please check your policy details to confirm the level of cover and that there isn’t exclusions on your policy that would deny a claim. We cannot do direct insurance claims.
When will I start seeing results?
In some cases results can be seen within 1-2 sessions but most likely it will be 4-6 sessions. Think of it like going to the gym, you don’t expect muscle growth immediately. Your dog will be continually monitored throughout the treatment course and a re-assessment will take place after 10 or so sessions and the results relayed to your vet.
Does my dog need to come indefinitely?
Our normal treatment block is 10 sessions, at this point we will reassess and discuss with yourselves and your vet to decide the best way forward. It may be that continuing the sessions but at reduced frequency may be enough to maintain the results we have achieved.
My dog is fit and well, do I still need a veterinary referral?
Even if your dog is swimming for fitness and conditioning we still require veterinary consent. This is because we adhere to a strict code of conduct laid out by the Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP).
https://www.irvap.org.uk/code-of-practice/
Do I need to agree to anything?
Please read our Terms and Conditions here;
