HydroPaws Balance and Wellness
Hydrotherapy designed to gently restore your dog’s balance and mobility helping them move better, feel better, and enjoy a healthier life.
Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Harnessing ancient wisdom and modern techniques to support your dog’s health and recovery.
Introduction
Since 2500 BCE, ancient civilisations including the Greeks, Chinese, Romans and Egyptians recognised the healing properties of water for physical recovery. Now, this ancient form of rehabilitation is available to the canine family providing more effective outcomes than land-based exercise alone.
Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Dogs experience pain, decreased mobility, and muscle atrophy for a variety of reasons including degenerative conditions, surgery, or special needs. Hydrotherapy uses water’s natural properties — buoyancy, resistance, hydrostatic pressure, and viscosity — to offer a unique, low to no-impact treatment. It enables dogs to build strength without putting stress on their joints, enhancing muscle, joint, cardiovascular, and brain function.
About Us
At HydroPaws Balance and Wellness, we are well equipped to assist canine patients to heal through hydrotherapy.
HydroPaws Balance and Wellness
We are certified canine hydrotherapists, fully equipped to help dogs recover through water-based rehabilitation.
At HydroPaws Balance and Wellness, we believe in pain-free mobility. Our mission is to support canines on their path to better health, strength, and comfort—helping them live their best lives.
Underwater Treadmill Treatment
Scientifically-proven aquatic therapy that enhances recovery and improves quality of life for dogs with various conditions
"The underwater treadmill helped our Corgi in strengthening both her hips and back legs."
Transformative Rehabilitation Outcomes
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Improved Range of Motion
Gentle water resistance helps restore normal joint movement without painful impact
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Muscle Building & Strength
Water resistance provides optimal conditions for rebuilding atrophied muscles
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Pain Reduction
Warm water and buoyancy significantly decrease joint pain and inflammation
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Neurological Rehabilitation
Assists gait re-education for dogs recovering from neurological conditions
Our Treatment Process
A structured rehabilitation program tailored to your dog's specific needs.
1. Veterinary Referral
We collaborate with your veterinarian to review medical history and establish treatment goals and plans.
- Required for all treatment programs
- Download referral form available
"Our veterinary partners are essential to creating effective rehabilitation plans."
"Comprehensive assessments ensure we understand all mobility challenges."
2. Comprehensive Evaluation
Approx. 40 minutes evaluation includes:
- Identifying mobility limitations, pain level and specific needs
- Assessing your dog’s conformation, posture and gait
- Performing a functional assessment using superficial body and muscle palpation and joints evaluation
- Determining the goals of treatment, the treatment plan and its duration and frequency
3. First Hydrotherapy Treatment
Gentle introduction to hydrotherapy and the environment with close monitoring.
- Water depth and speed adjusted to condition
- Three 1 to 3 minutes sessions with rest periods
- Constant therapist supervision
- Reassessment upon completion
- Home instructions program
"We prioritize making the first session a positive experience for your dog."
"Regular progress assessments ensure optimal outcomes."
4. Follow-up Treatments
- Reassessment and interim evaluation
- Progressive program with adjusted intensity based on reassessments
- Gradual increase in duration
- Introduction of incline when appropriate
- Reassessment upon completion
- Progress reports to your vet upon their request
- Home instructions program integration
5. Preparing For a Hydrotherapy Treatment
- Make Sure Your Dog Has Toileted
- Accidents may result in session cancellation and closing the facility for the remainder of the day
- Special considerations for incontinence
"We prioritize making the first session a positive experience for your dog."
Suitability for Hydrotherapy
Not every dog will be suitable for hydrotherapy. This will be established by your veterinarian.
Medical Conditions
- Dogs with open, infected, or draining wounds
- Active gastrointestinal disease (vomiting and or diarrhea)
- Systemic compromises such as severe cardiac, liver, and kidney disease
- Severe respiratory compromise or distress
- Advanced debility/frailty
- Tracheostomy
- Dogs who are acutely and visibly unwell
- Dogs being in pain
Other Contraindications
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Contagious conditions
- Bromine allergy
- Flea infestation
- Dogs that have had chemotherapy within the last 48 hours
- Bitches in season
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If your dog has any of these conditions, please consult with your veterinarian before considering hydrotherapy. Our team will also conduct a thorough assessment before beginning any treatment program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your pet.
Our Location
HydroPaws - Balance & Wellness
Located in the heart of South Gippsland, just outside the township of Loch, we take patients from across the region and beyond.
Enhance Your Dog’s Mobility
with Hydrotherapy
Empower your dog’s recovery journey through underwater treadmill therapy and personalised wellness plans — all guided by experienced professionals in a calm, caring environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about hydrotherapy for your dog