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If your dog is recovering from surgery, struggling with arthritis, or carrying extra weight, canine hydrotherapy might be the answer. It's a water-based therapy that helps dogs exercise safely under professional supervision, and it's becoming more popular across Kent for good reason.
Here's the thing about hydrotherapy for dogs: it uses the natural properties of water to let your dog move without putting stress on painful joints or healing tissues. Think of it as physiotherapy in a pool. Dogs walk on underwater treadmills or swim with trained therapists guiding them through exercises tailored to their specific needs.
This isn't a replacement for veterinary care. It works alongside it as a complementary treatment. Your vet will typically recommend hydrotherapy for post-operative recovery, managing chronic conditions like hip dysplasia, or helping overweight dogs get fit without joint strain.
In this guide to canine hydrotherapy in Kent, we'll look at what it actually does, how much it costs, which dogs benefit most, the vet referral requirements, and where to find qualified therapists locally.
Medical Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians or qualified medical professionals. This article provides general information about canine hydrotherapy based on published research and industry standards. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment or therapy for your dog, including hydrotherapy. Your vet will assess whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for your dog's specific condition and health status.
No reputable hydrotherapy centre in Kent will treat your dog without a veterinary referral. This isn't red tape for the sake of it. It's a legal requirement that protects your dog.
Under UK law, it's illegal for anyone other than a vet or the dog's owner to treat an animal without veterinary permission. Hydrotherapy centres need to know your dog's full medical history, current medications, and the exact diagnosis before they can create a safe treatment plan.
The process is straightforward. When you contact a hydrotherapy centre, they'll send you a referral form to take to your vet. Your vet fills it in with details about your dog's condition, any restrictions on exercise, and what they're hoping hydrotherapy will achieve.
Centres like Splash Paws in Kent won't book your first session until they have that signed form back. It ensures the hydrotherapist knows exactly what they're working with and can adjust the treatment accordingly.
If you think hydrotherapy might help your dog, start the conversation with your vet. They'll assess whether it's appropriate based on your dog's condition and overall health. Not every dog needs hydrotherapy, and some conditions require different approaches first.
Your vet might suggest hydrotherapy for recovery after orthopaedic surgery, to manage arthritis pain, or to help with weight loss if your dog's joints can't handle regular walks yet. They're the ones who know your dog's medical situation best.
Water has physical properties that make it perfect for rehabilitating injured or arthritic dogs. When your dog moves in water, three things happen that don't occur on dry land.
Water buoyancy reduces how much your dog's body weight presses down on sore joints. A dog standing chest-deep in water only bears about 38% of their normal weight. That means a dog with hip dysplasia can move and exercise without the pain they'd feel on a regular walk.
This is massive for dogs recovering from surgery or those with chronic joint problems. They can rebuild strength and mobility in a safe environment where movement doesn't hurt.
Water is thicker than air, so moving through it requires more effort. This natural resistance forces muscles to work harder without needing extra equipment. Dogs build strength faster in water than they would doing the same exercises on land.
For post-operative recovery, this matters. Your dog can regain muscle mass and condition without risking the healing tissue by overdoing it.
Hydrotherapy pools are kept warm, typically between 28°C and 32°C. The warmth helps relax tight muscles and reduces spasms. The water pressure also helps reduce swelling in joints, which seems to decrease how much pain dogs feel during exercise.
Dogs with arthritis often move more freely in warm water than they do at home. The combination of buoyancy, warmth, and gentle pressure creates conditions where movement becomes possible again.
Hydrotherapy isn't just for dogs recovering from surgery or managing arthritis. It offers broader health benefits that improve quality of life:
For dogs carrying extra weight, hydrotherapy is often the only way to start exercising safely. The water supports their body while they work on fitness, preventing the joint damage that would occur if you tried to walk them into shape.
Vets commonly recommend hydrotherapy for specific orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Here's what it's most often used to treat:
Arthritis is probably the most common reason dogs start hydrotherapy. The warm water and reduced weight-bearing help dogs move more comfortably, which reduces pain and increases mobility over time.
Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia benefit for similar reasons. Young dogs diagnosed with dysplasia often can't exercise properly on lead walks alone, but hydrotherapy gives them a safe way to build the muscle support their joints need. For dogs with severe joint pain, proper rest and comfort between sessions is crucial—orthopedic beds provide essential support for arthritic dogs at home.
Dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery often start hydrotherapy once the initial healing period is over. It's particularly common after cruciate ligament repairs, fracture repairs, or joint operations.
The controlled environment lets them rebuild strength and mobility without risking the surgical site. Your vet will specify when it's safe to start and what level of activity is appropriate.
Dogs with spinal injuries or neurological damage often benefit from hydrotherapy. Conditions like intervertebral disc disease or degenerative myelopathy can limit mobility, but water-based exercise helps maintain what function remains.
For these cases, therapists might need two people in the session to safely support your dog. The good news is that reputable centres like Splash Paws don't charge extra for complicated cases that need additional staff.
Hydrotherapy is regularly used for:
Your vet will know whether your dog's specific condition is likely to respond well to hydrotherapy. Some dogs need it for a set recovery period, while others benefit from ongoing sessions as part of long-term condition management.
Hydrotherapy centres use specialised equipment designed for specific therapeutic goals. The type your dog uses depends on their condition and what your vet recommends.
The underwater treadmill is the most common hydrotherapy tool. Your dog walks on a treadmill inside a clear tank that fills with warm water, usually to hip or chest level.
The therapist controls the water level, treadmill speed, and temperature to match your dog's needs. Deeper water means less weight-bearing. Slower speeds suit dogs just starting recovery, while faster speeds work for fitness and conditioning.
This setup is ideal for gait reeducation, arthritis management, and conditions like degenerative myelopathy where maintaining a walking pattern matters. Dogs can see out of the tank, which helps anxious ones settle better than in a pool.
In a hydrotherapy pool, your dog swims with a therapist who's often in the water with them. This is zero-impact exercise, which makes it perfect for dogs where any weight-bearing causes pain.
Pool temperatures sit between 28°C and 32°C. Some pools have water jets that create resistance, making dogs work harder as they build strength. Swimming engages different muscle groups than walking does, which can be useful for overall conditioning.
Pools work well for dogs recovering from spinal surgery or those with severe arthritis who struggle to bear weight even in water. The therapist guides them through specific exercises while supporting their body.
Some centres have hot spas for dogs, typically heated between 35°C and 40°C. These aren't for exercise. They're for relaxation, reducing muscle spasms, and easing joint stiffness.
Older dogs with degenerative joint disease often benefit from spa sessions. The heat and gentle water movement help loosen stiff muscles and reduce discomfort. It's similar to how a hot bath helps you after a long day.
Your therapist will recommend which equipment suits your dog best. Many dogs use a combination, like treadmill work for strengthening followed by spa time for relaxation.
Hydrotherapy is safe for most dogs, but there are situations where it's not appropriate or needs to wait. Your vet and the hydrotherapist will assess whether it's right for your dog's specific circumstances.
Dogs with severe heart or respiratory problems may not tolerate the physical exertion. Even though hydrotherapy is low-impact, it's still exercise, and the warm water environment can increase strain on compromised cardiovascular systems.
Dogs with serious systemic diseases that affect their overall health also need careful assessment. Your vet will weigh the potential benefits against the risks based on your dog's complete health picture.
Hydrotherapy has to wait if your dog has unstable fractures, severe joint instability, or active spinal cord problems. The movement involved, even in water, could worsen these conditions before they've had a chance to stabilise.
Your vet will specify when it's safe to start. This is why the veterinary referral process matters so much. The therapist needs to know exactly what stage of recovery your dog is at.
Open wounds and severe skin infections need to heal before hydrotherapy can start. Water exposure could introduce infection or prevent proper healing. Once the skin has closed and any infection has cleared, hydrotherapy typically becomes safe again.
Dogs with skin conditions that water makes worse also need special consideration. Your vet will advise whether hydrotherapy is appropriate or if it should wait until the skin problem is managed.
Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs need extra caution with hydrotherapy. Their shortened airways make breathing more difficult, which becomes a bigger issue during exercise in a warm environment.
These dogs often start on an underwater treadmill rather than swimming, with careful monitoring throughout. The therapist will watch for any signs of breathing difficulty and adjust the session accordingly. Not all centres will accept flat-faced breeds, so check when you enquire.
Hydrotherapy sessions in Kent typically cost between £44 and £53 per session, depending on the type of appointment. Initial assessments cost more than follow-up treatments because they take longer and involve detailed evaluation.
Here's what you can expect to pay at Splash Paws Kent (example pricing correct as of November 2025, including VAT):
One thing worth knowing: if your dog needs two hydrotherapists for safety reasons, like after spinal surgery or for complicated neurological cases, you don't pay extra. The session price stays the same regardless of how many staff are needed.
The time your dog spends in the water varies based on their condition and fitness level. First sessions are often shorter while the therapist assesses how your dog copes. As they build stamina, water time increases.
Prices can change and may vary between centres, so always check current rates with individual facilities when booking.
Kent prices sit close to UK averages. Based on published 2022 industry data, the typical costs across the country were:
Prices vary based on location, facilities, and what's included in each session. Some centres bundle additional services like written reports to your vet or structured home exercise programmes. Always check current prices with individual centres, as these industry averages may have changed since 2022.
Many pet insurance policies include cover for complementary treatments like hydrotherapy, but only when your vet recommends it. This is another reason why the veterinary referral process matters.
Coverage varies significantly between insurers and policy types. Some examples of what's available:
Check your policy documents carefully. Look for sections on complementary therapies, alternative treatments, or physiotherapy. If it's not clear whether hydrotherapy is covered, contact your insurer before booking sessions. Some policies also have waiting periods before complementary treatment cover kicks in.
The number of sessions depends entirely on why your dog needs hydrotherapy. Post-operative recovery might need 6-8 weeks of regular sessions. Chronic arthritis management could be ongoing, perhaps monthly or fortnightly.
Your therapist will give you a treatment plan after the initial assessment. This helps you budget and also provides the information your insurance company needs if you're claiming.
Not all hydrotherapy centres meet the same standards, so checking accreditation matters. You want a therapist who's properly qualified and works in a facility that's been independently inspected.
Accreditation tells you that a hydrotherapy centre has met specific quality and safety standards. Staff hold nationally recognised qualifications, facilities are regularly inspected, and the centre follows a professional code of practice.
In the UK, two main organisations regulate canine hydrotherapy:
The CHA is the only inspection-controlled regulating body in the industry. Members must complete at least 25 hours of continuing professional development annually to maintain their registration, which means they stay current with best practices.
When you're researching hydrotherapy centres in Kent, check these things:
Accreditation matters from a UK-regulation perspective because it ensures consistency in qualifications, regular facility inspections, and ongoing professional development. Research has shown variability in staff training across hydrotherapy centres, which is why checking for CHA or NARCH membership is important.
Before booking, take these steps to verify credentials:
Several hydrotherapy centres operate across Kent. Here are CHA-accredited facilities with established track records:
CHA-accredited centre in Staplehurst with two premium underwater treadmills, physiotherapy, and laser therapy. Over 12 years experience with structured treatment programmes and vet feedback reports.
Location: Staplehurst, Kent | Phone: 01580 895308
Specialist canine rehabilitation and physiotherapy centre in Rochester. IRVAP-registered physiotherapist with underwater treadmill facilities for post-injury recovery, orthopaedic conditions, and weight management.
Location: Rochester, Kent | Phone: 07825 661931
On-site hydrotherapy facilities at Meopham Veterinary Hospital in Gravesend. Convenient for dogs already registered at the practice, but accepts referrals from all vets across Kent.
Location: Meopham, Gravesend | Phone: 01474 815333
Your own vet may have centres they regularly refer to. They'll know which facilities their other patients have had good experiences with and which therapists they trust.
Before committing to a centre, it's worth asking a few questions:
A good centre will answer these questions happily. They understand that you're entrusting them with your dog's care and recovery.
Yes, hydrotherapy is generally safe when delivered by qualified therapists working under veterinary referral. Sessions are tailored to each dog's specific condition and monitored closely throughout. Therapists screen for conditions that could make hydrotherapy unsafe, such as heart or respiratory problems, open wounds, and infections. The controlled environment and professional supervision minimise risks while maximising therapeutic benefits.
Dogs with arthritis and joint disease benefit significantly from hydrotherapy. It's also highly effective for dogs recovering from orthopaedic or spinal surgery (once the vet confirms it's safe to start), those with certain neurological conditions, and overweight dogs who can't tolerate long walks. The buoyancy of water reduces joint stress while allowing safe movement and muscle building.
The number of sessions depends on your dog's condition. Post-operative programmes might run weekly over several weeks, whereas chronic conditions like arthritis may need ongoing sessions (fortnightly or monthly). Your therapist will outline a treatment plan after the initial assessment based on your dog's specific needs and response to therapy.
Yes, you should always need a vet referral for hydrotherapy in the UK. Under UK law, it's illegal for anyone other than a vet or the dog's owner to treat an animal without veterinary permission. Be cautious of any centre willing to treat your dog without a vet's referral, as they're not following legal requirements and may not have your dog's safety as their priority.
No, dogs don't need to be confident swimmers for hydrotherapy. Qualified hydrotherapists use buoyancy aids, provide support in the water, and often use underwater treadmills where dogs walk rather than swim. Sessions are carefully supervised and adapted to each dog's comfort level and physical capabilities.
Many pet insurance policies cover hydrotherapy when recommended by your vet. Coverage varies between insurers and policy types. Look for sections on complementary therapies or physiotherapy in your policy documents. Some insurers offer specific limits for complementary treatments (ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds annually), but you'll need to check your individual policy details and ensure you have a vet referral.
Hydrotherapy offers real benefits for dogs recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, dealing with neurological conditions, or struggling with weight. The science behind it is solid. Water's physical properties create conditions where dogs can exercise safely when land-based activity would cause pain or damage.
Dogs who are good candidates for hydrotherapy:
Dogs who may not be suitable for hydrotherapy:
These lists provide general guidance. Your vet will assess whether hydrotherapy is appropriate based on your dog's complete health picture.
The costs in Kent are reasonable, typically £44-£53 per session, and many insurance policies cover it when your vet recommends treatment. That makes it accessible for most dog owners who need it.
If you think hydrotherapy might help your dog, start by talking to your vet. They'll assess whether it's appropriate and provide the referral form you need. They can also recommend local centres they trust.
Once you have the referral, look for a CHA or NARCH accredited centre in Kent. Check their qualifications, ask about their experience with your dog's condition, and make sure you're comfortable with their facilities and approach.
If you have pet insurance, check your policy before booking. Contact your insurer to confirm what's covered and whether you need to follow specific claims procedures. Keep all invoices and treatment reports for your records.
Hydrotherapy won't work for every dog or every condition, but when it's appropriate, it can significantly improve quality of life and speed up recovery. The key is getting proper veterinary guidance and choosing qualified professionals to deliver the treatment.
For dogs with arthritis or mobility issues, maintaining proper paw care is also essential for comfortable movement. After muddy walks to and from hydrotherapy sessions, check your dog's paws thoroughly and remove any debris—our burrs and brambles removal guide covers safe techniques. During winter months, protect paws from salt and ice with the strategies in our winter paw care guide.
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