Treadmill Hydrotherapy for Dogs
AIDS IN REHABILITATION, CONDITIONING & OVERALL HEALTH OF DOGS
Treadmill Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Aim & intended outcomes
Hydrotherapy for dogs provides a controlled and low-impact exercise environment that promotes physical rehabilitation, muscle strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning, and weight management. This underwater therapy is particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from injuries, surgeries, or experiencing mobility issues. Underwater treadmills improve a dog’s overall health, range of motion, and quality of life by reducing pain, increasing mobility and aiding in weight loss or management.
HEAT: increases circulation, promotes healing, helps relax tense muscles and relieves the stress of motion.
HYDROSTATIC (WATER) PRESSURE: reduces swelling of joints and also helps prevent or reduce post exercise pain.
BOUYANCY: supports the body weight, minimising stress on any weight-bearing joints. It also provides stability for dogs with weakness and/or poor balance and co-ordination.
RESISTANCE: promotes maximum muscle movement and range of motion with minimum pain. The increased workout, increases heart rate and oxygen consumption.
Intended audience
Underwater treadmills used in hydrotherapy for dogs can benefit a wide range of dogs, but they are particularly valuable for:
1. Rehabilitation: Dogs recovering from surgeries, injuries, or orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries benefit significantly from underwater treadmill therapy.
2. Weight Management: Overweight or obese dogs can safely exercise and lose weight with reduced stress on their joints.
3. Arthritis and Mobility Issues: Older dogs with arthritis or mobility issues can maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility.
4. Conditioning: Athletic and working dogs can use underwater treadmills for conditioning, especially when weather conditions limit outdoor exercise.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Underwater treadmill sessions can improve a dog’s cardiovascular health and stamina.
6. Pain Management: Dogs in chronic pain or discomfort find relief due to the buoyancy and reduced weight-bearing.
7. Neurological Conditions: Dogs with neurological issues, such as spinal cord injuries, may regain some function and strength through hydrotherapy.
8. Stress Reduction: Nervous or anxious dogs can benefit from the calming effects of water, making it easier for them to exercise.
9. General Fitness: Even healthy dogs can use underwater treadmills to maintain their fitness level.
Suited to
Dogs with specific health, rehabilitation, or fitness goals.
Duration
20-30 minutes
(depends on dogs needs)
From
$60 incl GST
Session fees
• $60 per session
• 10 pack $500
(all prices are including GST)
Meet your hydrotherapist:
Candice Mollier
Animal Osteopath
Before moving to Australia, Candice qualified in Animal Osteopathy in France, where she worked extensively with both horses and dogs. Today, she combines her osteopathic knowledge with hydrotherapy, offering a holistic approach to supporting your dog’s health, mobility and wellbeing.
Candice has worked with TASAA for almost 12 months, helping Nikki train and develop both puppies and mature dogs. Through this work, she’s gained valuable experience supporting dogs of all ages, breeds and abilities — further strengthening her understanding of canine movement, behaviour and overall wellbeing.
What is animal osteopathy?
A gentle, hands-on therapy that looks at how your dog’s whole body is moving and functioning, not just one area.
Candice assesses mobility, posture, muscle tension and movement patterns, identifying any areas where your dog may be compensating for discomfort or restriction.
Dogs are remarkably good at hiding discomfort. Many owners won’t notice anything obvious, but might spot small changes such as:
- Slowing down on walks
- Hesitation jumping into the car
- Sitting unevenly or crooked
- Stiffness when getting up after resting
- Reduced enthusiasm for play or exercise
These small changes can sometimes point to underlying tension, restricted movement, or compensation elsewhere in the body.
The benefits of combining hydrotherapy and osteopathy
Hydrotherapy and osteopathy work exceptionally well together. While hydrotherapy builds strength, fitness, mobility and overall conditioning, osteopathy helps identify what may be limiting your dog’s movement and comfort.
Combining both gives a more complete picture of your dog’s physical wellbeing, and a more tailored approach to their individual needs.
Osteopathy may benefit:
1. Senior dogs: Dogs experiencing stiffness or reduced mobility as they age.
2. Active, Working or Sporting Dogs: Dogs that benefit from extra support to stay conditioned and comfortable.
3. Injury Recovery: Dogs recovering from injury, alongside veterinary care.
4. Puppies and Young Dogs: Support during important growth and development stages.
5. General Comfort: Dogs that simply aren’t moving as freely or comfortably as they once did.
During your hydrotherapy session
As your dog moves through the water, Candice naturally observes how they use their body, watching for any signs of imbalance, restriction or compensation. If she notices anything that may be worth discussing, she will happily share her observations with you after the session.
There is never any pressure or obligation. However, if you would like a more detailed osteopathic assessment for your dog, Candice would be delighted to discuss how this service may help and explain her findings in greater detail.
“After my dog suffered a leg injury, I was referred to Nikki’s hydrotherapy treadmill sessions by my vet. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The gentle aquatic exercise not only helped my dog regain strength and mobility in their injured leg but also improved their overall fitness and wellbeing. The buoyancy of the water reduced the impact on their joints, making it a safe and effective form of rehabilitation. Watching my dog move through the water, I could see the joy in their eyes — knowing they were regaining their freedom. Thanks to the hydrotherapy sessions, my dog’s recovery was expedited, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you have a dog with a leg injury, I highly recommend Nikki’s hydrotherapy treadmill sessions.”
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