About Hydrotherapy

 

We’ve turned to water for its healing properties, from soaking in a hot tub to swimming for low impact fitness. This age-old therapy applies to animals too, both small like dogs and cats, and large like horses.

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Hydrotherapy is gaining recognition as a supplementary treatment for animals recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or simply improving mobility and overall well-being.

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Here's how water supports an animal recovery:

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Buoyancy

Buoyancy lifts much of the animal’s bodyweight, which reduces pressure on joints and muscles, making it easier and less painful to move. For animals with arthritis or healing from surgery, this can help them move instead of staying stiff.

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Hydrostatic pressure

That squeeze you feel when you’re underwater is hydrostatic pressure in action. This pressure helps stimulate and improve blood circulation. And this pressure also helps push liquids out of swollen tissues, reducing swelling. 

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​​Resistance

Moving in water provides natural resistance from the water's viscosity. This helps to strengthen muscles, especially for animals recovering from an injury or surgery.

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Temperature

Warm water, typically kept around 29 to 30 degrees Celsius (84–86°F), relaxes muscles and eases pain. Just like a warm bath eases a sore back, the same warmth can bring comfort and relief to animals.