In many cases your vet may suggest hydrotherapy for your dog's condition and refer them along to us. As the health and safety of all dogs is paramount, owners must seek their vets approval  before commencing long term  hydrotherapy treatment. This is to ensure that the dog does not have any underlying problems that may make hydrotherapy unsuitable for the dog and also gives the vet an opportunity to bring any other medical problems to the therapist's attention. The aim is to swim your dog safely and beneficially. A referral form is available on request from Vale Hydrotherapy for your vet and yourself to complete. Your vet may also have referral forms available at his surgery. 

We understand here that if your pet has recently had surgery or an injury they may have found the whole experience very stressful and traumatic. Therefore we aim to make their rehabilitation period as stressless as possible and get them back to their normal self as quickly as possible.

All treatment programmes will be carefully designed to aid the dogs recovery. The dog can swim in a variety of controlled  ways, free swimming in still water or with more resistance introduced through powerful, controllable water jets.

Referring vets are given regular feedback on the dogs progression. Owners are welcome to get involved and they will enjoy watching their dog swim in a pleasant and warm environment.

Most dogs will enter the pool via an external ramp. Where necessary the dog can be lifted into the pool  using a hoist and then encouraged to  free swim naturally in the pool. All dogs will wear buoyancy aids for safety and swim alone. Dogs will be showered and dried before going home. (If you would like your dog to be shampooed after their swim then this is possible for a charge of £4.00)

Treatment programmes available include:

• Rehabiliation after injury or surgery.
• Obesity management and control
• Fitness and stamina programm
• Seniors programme to help ease stiff, weak and arthritic joints
• Recreational swimming