Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a water based exercise within a controlled environment. This allows the trained hydrotherapist to alter outcomes and focus on different problems noted in your dog by altering water height, speed of activity and sometimes manual correction of your dog's movement. We use heated underwater treadmills and hydrotherapy pools to achieve these goals.
Hydrotherapy has many benefits. It is excellent for the rehabilitation of dogs following surgery, for weight loss, soft tissue injuries, gentle exercise for arthritic dogs, conditioning of show and sports dogs, or for general fitness.
Hydrotherapy is a water based exercise within a controlled environment. This allows the trained hydrotherapist to alter outcomes and focus on different problems noted in your dog by altering water height, speed of activity and sometimes manual correction of your dog's movement. We use heated underwater treadmills and hydrotherapy pools to achieve these goals.
Hydrotherapy has many benefits. It is excellent for the rehabilitation of dogs following surgery, for weight loss, soft tissue injuries, gentle exercise for arthritic dogs, conditioning of show and sports dogs, or for general fitness.
What should I expect when I visit an accredited hydrotherapy centre?
All of the professional members offering hydrotherapy services have passed a bi-annual audit of their premises and services offered.
This means you can rest assured if they are displaying our logo and are professional members, they are trained in hydrotherapy.
To maintain their membership they must adhere to minimum standards outlined in our code of conduct that can be read by clicking here.
They must also provide our committee with annual continuing professional development records to ensure they are keeping up to date with new information within this field.
All of the professional members offering hydrotherapy services have passed a bi-annual audit of their premises and services offered.
This means you can rest assured if they are displaying our logo and are professional members, they are trained in hydrotherapy.
To maintain their membership they must adhere to minimum standards outlined in our code of conduct that can be read by clicking here.
They must also provide our committee with annual continuing professional development records to ensure they are keeping up to date with new information within this field.
What if my dog doesn't like water?
The hydrotherapist will take time to work with you and your dog to help them adapt to the new environment. Most dogs take well to hydrotherapy sessions, especially in the underwater treadmill, as their feet stay on the ground. We use a range of motivators such as treats, toys and owner involvement to encourage your dog.
If you have any concerns, please speak to your hydrotherapist directly.
The hydrotherapist will take time to work with you and your dog to help them adapt to the new environment. Most dogs take well to hydrotherapy sessions, especially in the underwater treadmill, as their feet stay on the ground. We use a range of motivators such as treats, toys and owner involvement to encourage your dog.
If you have any concerns, please speak to your hydrotherapist directly.
How many sessions will my dog need?
There are no hard and fast rules on this as it will depend on your pet's age, weight, breed, fitness level, how quickly they accept hydrotherapy, injury type and possibly any medical conditions. Please discuss this with your hydrotherapist either before or during your first visit so you know what to expect.
There are no hard and fast rules on this as it will depend on your pet's age, weight, breed, fitness level, how quickly they accept hydrotherapy, injury type and possibly any medical conditions. Please discuss this with your hydrotherapist either before or during your first visit so you know what to expect.
How do I book an appointment?
Please contact your local hydrotherapist directly. All of our members can be found on the following page:
Please contact your local hydrotherapist directly. All of our members can be found on the following page:
What should I bring with me to the first session?
Your dog's veterinary notes pertinent to your dog's injuries or medical disorders. It is ideal if you can send these notes to your hydrotherapist prior to your appointment.
Veterinary medical clearance if required by your facility.
Treats if they have any special dietary requirements.
A towel for trip home - although your dog is towel dried, they will still be damp for the trip home.
Your dog's veterinary notes pertinent to your dog's injuries or medical disorders. It is ideal if you can send these notes to your hydrotherapist prior to your appointment.
Veterinary medical clearance if required by your facility.
Treats if they have any special dietary requirements.
A towel for trip home - although your dog is towel dried, they will still be damp for the trip home.
How do I know if the water is clean and safe?
As part of our professional membership accreditation, each company must have water sanitation and testing protocols in place to provide safe water for dogs to receive their therapy in.
As part of our professional membership accreditation, each company must have water sanitation and testing protocols in place to provide safe water for dogs to receive their therapy in.
I have pet insurance. Can I claim for hydrotherapy?
Please contact your individual insurer as this does vary depending on pet insurance company and the level of policy you have for your dog.
Please contact your individual insurer as this does vary depending on pet insurance company and the level of policy you have for your dog.
Can we play fetch and have multiple dogs in the water?
Only one dog may be in the therapy pool or underwater treadmill at a time to ensure the therapist is able to safely focus on and work with your dog to achieve the best outcome.
We don't allow dogs to fetch items off the water because of the risk of drowning. Also your therapist may use a toy to help motivate your dog to swim. Ask you hydrotherapist if you should bring a toy or not to your session and to discuss the risks of playing with toys in the water if you have any concerns.
Only one dog may be in the therapy pool or underwater treadmill at a time to ensure the therapist is able to safely focus on and work with your dog to achieve the best outcome.
We don't allow dogs to fetch items off the water because of the risk of drowning. Also your therapist may use a toy to help motivate your dog to swim. Ask you hydrotherapist if you should bring a toy or not to your session and to discuss the risks of playing with toys in the water if you have any concerns.
Can I swim with my dog? How am I involved during the session?
Due to OSH regulations within New Zealand we do not recommend swimming with your dog while it is having therapy. We encourage owners to stay involved by motivating and encouraging their dog during the session. Ie; In the treadmill we often have you stand in front so they walk towards you as you encourage them.
Due to OSH regulations within New Zealand we do not recommend swimming with your dog while it is having therapy. We encourage owners to stay involved by motivating and encouraging their dog during the session. Ie; In the treadmill we often have you stand in front so they walk towards you as you encourage them.