Canine Hydrotherapy
Here at Nell’s, we offer canine hydrotherapy in our state-of-the-art underwater treadmill—a gentle, non-weight-bearing exercise that’s perfect for dogs of all kinds! Whether your pet needs support with mobility, is recovering from an injury, or just enjoys a fun and unique way to stay fit, our tailored sessions are designed with their individual needs in mind.
With the added expertise of a veterinary physiotherapist, we provide a comprehensive approach to your dog’s health and well-being. From improving mobility and reducing pain to aiding recovery and enhancing overall fitness, our combined care ensures your furry friend gets the best possible support on their journey to better health
initial Hydro only Consultation
1 Hour – £45
Return Visit
Fun & Fitness 20-30 minutes – £30
PHYSIOTHERAPY PRICES SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM.
To discuss claiming the cost of hydrotherapy treatment as part of your pets health insurance please get in touch.
To begin your dog’s hydrotherapy journey with us, we’ll need a signed referral from your vet. Don’t worry—it’s an easy process! you can download a form here or pop into our centre to pick one up. Simply have your vet sign it and drop it back to us. Once that’s done, we’ll get started on your pet’s rehabilitation journey!
Our state-of-the-art underwater treadmill is ideal for canine hydrotherapy. Unlike a hydrotherapy pool, the treadmill’s nonslip rubber floor helps dogs feel more secure and relaxed, making it less likely for them to feel anxious. The warm water, set between 28-32°C, works wonders—it reduces swelling and inflammation, improves blood flow, and encourages muscle relaxation. Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, managing a mobility issue, or just enjoying some low-impact exercise, they’ll feel right at home with us!
Our Expertise: NARCH and NAVP Registered
NARCH stands for the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists, a professional organisation that ensures high standards and quality care in canine hydrotherapy. Being registered with NARCH means that we follow their strict guidelines, ensuring your dog receives the best possible treatment in a safe and effective manner.
In addition to NARCH, we are also registered with the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP), which highlights our commitment to using the latest, evidence-based techniques in veterinary physiotherapy to support your dog’s recovery and well-being.
Amy, our founder, is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, bringing additional expertise and knowledge to every aspect of your pet’s care.
Being registered with both NARCH and NAVP, as well as having a qualified Veterinary Nurse on board, ensures we provide expert, professional care for your pet with the highest standards in both hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
Conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy & physiotherapy
Most dogs can greatly benefit from hydrotherapy as a specialised form of exercise, especially when combined with expert physiotherapy. This therapeutic approach is tailored to improve your dog’s overall well-being, but it’s essential to consult your Veterinary Surgeon first to ensure it’s the right fit for their needs. For your dog’s safety and welfare, we require a completed referral form from your vet before starting therapy—more details below.
Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for dogs needing improvements in:
Core strength and stability
Proprioception (body awareness and balance)
Gait modification (correcting movement patterns)
Joint flexion and extension
Muscle bulk and tone
Cardiovascular fitness
Muscle endurance
It’s a fantastic option for dogs recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply enhancing their physical health. Combined with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy becomes a powerful tool to support rehabilitation and optimise performance.
Developmental Conditions
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – especially beneficial for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Patella Luxation
Hydrotherapy can be incredibly effective in managing these conditions by improving mobility, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain.
Degenerative Conditions
- Osteoarthritis (DJD) – both primary and secondary to developmental conditions
- Spondylosis
These conditions can greatly benefit from hydrotherapy, helping to manage pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for your dog.
Pre and Post Surgical cases
- Total Hip Replacement
- Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
- Arthroscopy
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture – post-surgery recovery (TPLO/TTA/Lateral Suture)
- Patella Luxation
Hydrotherapy can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process after these surgeries, helping to speed up recovery, improve mobility, and build strength.
Neurological Conditions
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Spinal Stenosis
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Fibro-Cartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
- Cervical Vertebral Malformation
- Spinal Injury/Trauma/Shock
- Discospondylitis
- Neuromuscular Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathies
Hydrotherapy can provide significant benefits in managing these conditions, supporting recovery, improving mobility, and alleviating discomfort
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Tendinitis
- Ligament Strain
- Tendinopathies – General term for tendon injuries or disorders, often seen in working or sporting dogs.
- Muscle Strains/Sprains
Hydrotherapy can be incredibly helpful in these cases, promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving mobility and strength as your dog recovers.
Obesity
- Weight Loss (in conjunction with diet)
- Increased Core Strength –
Hydrotherapy is a low-impact, effective exercise that helps obese dogs lose weight, improve muscle tone, and build the strength needed to maintain a healthy weight in the long term. It’s a gentle but powerful way to keep your dog fit and healthy!
Fun & Fitness
Hydrotherapy is not only great for rehabilitation but also a fun and exciting way for your dog to stay fit all year round! It’s a low-impact exercise that provides a unique combination of fun and fitness, allowing your dog to splash, play, and stay active in the water. Whether they’re maintaining fitness, or simply enjoying a new way to exercise, hydrotherapy offers an enjoyable alternative to traditional workouts.
Please Note
All pets will require a signed referral from their own vet before starting hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
This is a simple process – you can download a form here or pop into our centre to request a referral form. Once completed, simply ask your vet to sign it and drop it back to us. We can then begin your pet’s rehabilitation.
Please note, do not book an initial appointment without the referral form and confirmation from us. If you arrive for your initial consultation without the referral, we won’t be able to proceed with the appointment, though the session fee will still apply. Regulations state, we must have the signed referral form in place before starting treatment.
Thank you for your understanding!
Features of our Hydro Underwater Treadmill
Our hydro treadmill features a walk-through design with patented twin opening doors, ensuring minimal stress for your dog. This design eliminates the need to turn patients around, making the process smoother and more comfortable.
With the ability to precisely adjust settings like water depth, speed, and temperature, we can tailor the treadmill to meet your dog’s specific needs throughout their entire hydrotherapy journey. This ensures a highly personalised experience, whether for rehabilitation or fitness.
The 360° viewing angle offers a spacious, open feel for your dog while allowing our therapists to easily monitor and assess their progress.
Side platforms provide our therapists with easy access to work closely with each dog, ensuring the highest level of interaction and care during advanced hydrotherapy sessions. This constant, hands-on support is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
With fast fill and empty times for heated and sanitised water, this system guarantees the cleanest and most comfortable environment for your dog’s therapy sessions. It’s the ideal choice for optimal rehabilitation and fitness!
Canine Physiotherapy
We provide physiotherapy for a wide range of canine patients, from much-loved family pets to working and sporting dogs, addressing a variety of conditions.
Your dog will benefit from our holistic approach, starting with a full assessment before treatment. We use a combination of manual techniques, including massage and stretches, electrotherapies, and remedial exercises, all tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. Each treatment plan is individual and bespoke to ensure the best results.
We base all our treatments on the latest research, using our expertise to select the most effective techniques for each dog.
Regular physiotherapy can greatly benefit dogs with conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, or neurological issues (like degenerative myelopathy).
Performance dogs, including those involved in agility, flyball, or working dogs like gun and sheepdogs, also benefit from regular physiotherapy. Tailored programs designed around their specific sport or work help support performance, enhance longevity, and reduce the risk of injury.
Post-operative physiotherapy is an essential part of your dog’s recovery, promoting healing, minimising complications, and increasing the chances of a successful recovery after surgery.
Initial Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Combined Appointment
Up to 90 mins – £65
Return Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Combined Appointment
Up to 60 mins – £59
Physiotherapy Session
Up to 1 hr – £40
Say hello to our Physio, Ephie
Ephie from NW Vet Physio is our resident physiotherapist, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to every treatment session. Ephie works closely with each pet, ensuring they receive the best possible care for their recovery and rehabilitation.
We offer individual physiotherapy appointments, as well as combined hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. Whether your dog requires support with mobility, injury recovery, or overall fitness, we create a personalised treatment plan that promotes healing, strength, and overall well-being.