Hydrotherapy can be a helpful part of a rehabilitation plan for dogs recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, rebuilding strength or working through mobility challenges. At Animal Therapy Center, hydrotherapy may include underwater treadmill work, pool therapy or a customized combination based on your dog’s needs.
Dog hydrotherapy uses water to help make movement more supported and controlled. Because water provides buoyancy, dogs may be able to move with less stress on their joints while still working on strength, balance, coordination and endurance.
At Animal Therapy Center, hydrotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all service. Your dog’s comfort level, diagnosis, age, strength, pain level and goals all matter. That is why we begin with an evaluation before recommending a plan.
Not every dog needs the same type of water therapy. Some dogs may benefit from the underwater treadmill while others may be better suited for pool therapy or a different rehabilitation approach.
Hydrotherapy at ATC may include underwater treadmill sessions, pool therapy or both depending on your dog’s condition and therapy goals.
The underwater treadmill allows controlled walking in water. It may be useful when the goal is to support gait training, strength, balance and purposeful movement while reducing some weight-bearing stress.
Pool therapy may help dogs who need supported movement, confidence in the water, conditioning or low-impact activity. Our Doctor evaluates whether swimming is appropriate because it is not the best fit for every pet.
Learn more about the full range of therapy services at Animal Therapy Center.
Hydrotherapy may be recommended as part of a broader rehabilitation plan when a dog needs safer, lower-impact movement support. It is commonly considered for dogs with orthopedic, neurologic, age-related or conditioning needs.
Water-based movement may support comfort, mobility, and strength goals for dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness. See our page on dog arthritis treatment.
Some dogs recovering from orthopedic or soft tissue procedures may benefit from guided movement as part of a structured rehabilitation plan.
Older dogs may need help maintaining strength, balance and confidence with daily movement such as standing, walking and using stairs.
Dogs who have lost muscle after injury, surgery, illness or reduced activity may need controlled exercise to rebuild gradually.
For some dogs, the underwater treadmill may help support repeated, guided stepping patterns as part of a larger therapy plan.
When appropriate, hydrotherapy may also support fitness, endurance and low-impact conditioning for dogs who need structured activity.
Before beginning hydrotherapy, your dog should be evaluated so the doctor can understand their medical history, mobility challenges, comfort level and therapy goals.
Tell us about your pet’s mobility concerns, diagnosis, surgery history or current challenges.
Your dog’s movement, comfort, joint range of motion, strength and home-life needs are reviewed before therapy recommendations are made.
If hydrotherapy is appropriate, your dog’s plan may include underwater treadmill, pool therapy, land exercises, laser therapy or other supportive services.
Animal Therapy Center is focused on rehabilitation, mobility and integrative support for pets. Hydrotherapy is used thoughtfully as part of a broader care plan not as a generic exercise session.
Your dog’s plan may involve hydrotherapy, land therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, massage or other services depending on what is appropriate for their condition. You can also learn more about Dr. Nixon and the ATC team.
Therapy recommendations are based on your dog’s needs, comfort, goals and progress.
Hydrotherapy can be paired with land therapy, laser, acupuncture, massage or other services when appropriate.
ATC schedules by appointment so each pet receives focused time and support from the team.
These pages may help you better understand whether hydrotherapy, rehabilitation or supportive care could be appropriate for your dog.
Hydrotherapy may be helpful for some dogs with arthritis because water can support movement with less stress on the joints. The best approach depends on your dog’s comfort, diagnosis, strength and overall health.
It depends on the dog. The underwater treadmill can provide controlled walking and gait work, while pool therapy may be better for certain conditioning or supported movement goals. ATC evaluates each dog before recommending the right option(s).
Hydrotherapy may be part of a post-surgical rehabilitation plan when appropriate. Timing and suitability depend on the surgery, healing stage, veterinarian guidance and evaluation findings.
Yes. An evaluation helps the doctor determine whether hydrotherapy is appropriate and what type of therapy plan would be safest and most useful for your dog.
Request an evaluation so our doctor can learn more about your dog’s mobility concerns, recovery needs and comfort goals.
Request an Evaluation