Booking in with us

Hydrotherapy isn’t just a 'swim' - it’s a controlled form of treatment, and it can do harm if it’s used in the wrong situation.

We insist on a vet referral for a few practical reasons:

1. Safety first
Hydrotherapy puts stress on joints, muscles, the heart, and lungs. If your dog has an underlying issue (like heart disease, infections, or certain injuries), it could make things worse. The vet checks that your dog is actually fit for it.

2. Correct diagnosis
Hydrotherapy is often used for specific conditions - arthritis, post-surgery rehab, hip dysplasia, etc. Our therapists need a confirmed diagnosis so they’re not guessing what they’re treating.

3. Tailored treatment plan
Different problems need different approaches (water depth, duration, resistance, treadmill vs pool). The vet’s referral gives the hydrotherapist guidance so they don’t overdo it or target the wrong thing.

4. Legal and insurance reasons
In the UK especially, many hydrotherapy centres are regulated and insured under the condition that they only treat animals under veterinary referral. Without it, they could be liable if something goes wrong.

5. Red flags you might not notice
Dogs are good at hiding pain. What looks like “just stiffness” could be something more serious. The vet makes sure you’re not skipping over a bigger problem.