The Hydrotherapy Pool
The hydrotherapy pool is a recent build and is a top of the range circular pool measuring at 4m diameter. The pool water levels are checked at least three times a day to ensure that the water is of the correct temperature for the dogs, with the correct pH level.
Hydrotherapy can be used in the treatment of arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligaments and many other types of injury. General convalescence, weight management and fitness training can also be helped. Hydrotherapy is a great way for any dogs, of any age, or any weight to be able to avoid the stresses and strains of exercise on hard ground.
The warmth and pressure of the water provides particular value for the dogs and the buoyancy provided.
Benefits afforded by hydrotherapy treatment are:-
- Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
- Promotion of relaxation
- Joint mobilisation
- Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
- Increased range of motion of joint
- Improved circulation
- Cardiovascular fitness
So whether your dog requires fitness training, help with weight management, post-op exercise, help with a long term condition or just a safe clean place to enjoy a fun swim then why not arrange an appointment to view our facilities and arrange a programme to suit your dogs requirements?
We are open 7 days a week and offer discounts on multiple and group bookings.
Please contact us for more details or to book an appointment or view our frequently asked questions.
Please note: Before your dog recieves hydrotherapy treatment with us a health check and referal from your veterinary surgeon will be requested. This is to ensure they are medically fit to undertake an exercise programme of this type.
Please use the links below to obtain a copy of our Vetrinary Referal Form:
vetreferral.pdf (Adobe Acrobat)
vetrefreral.doc (MS Word)
Frequently asked questions about hydrotherapy & hydrotherapists
Are all Hydro therapist's qualified?
What qualifications can a Hydrotherapist gain?
Will the Hydro therapist be offended if I ask to see any qualifications?
What conditions are suitable to treat with Hydrotherapy?
My dog suffers from Arthritis will he be able to attend Hydrotherapy and will it be of benefit to him?
My dog hasn't had an injury or operation but I would like to get him a bit fitter can Hydrotherapy help with this?
My vet has recommended my dog looses some weight, will Hydrotherapy do this?
What temperature should the Hydrotherapy pool be?
Why does the water have to be warm, my dog swims in the river ok and that is freezing cold?
Is it normal for a dog pant all the way home after his Hydrotherapy session?
How long will a session last?
Why do I have to get a vet referral or agreement letter completed before I can attend Hydrotherapy?
Is someone in the pool with my dog?
Do you dry my dog for me?
Why does my dog have to wear a float or harness in the pool when I know he can swim?
What water sanitising chemicals are used in the water at Newborough Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy Centre?
Can my dog play with toys in the pool?
Do I need to bring anything with me to the session?
Should I feed my dog before I come?
Q: Are all Hydro therapist's qualified?
A: No, sadly there are no legal requirements for Hydotherapists to be qualified. However as your dogs health, afety and comfort are your primary concern it is recommended that you use a pool with qualified staff who will be up to date with current therapeutic techniques.
Q: What qualifications can a Hydrotherapist gain?
A:There are now accredited qualifications especially designed for those working in the field of hydrotherapy. The ABC qualification in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals can be achieved at two levels – ‘Level 2 Award’ and ‘Level 3 Certificate’.
Q: Will the Hydro therapist be offended if I ask to see any qualifications?
A: No, in fact the Hydrotherapists will be pleased to should you their certificates as we are very proud to be recognised as professionals. Be sure to check that the qualifications are current and the First Aid certificate, which is renewable after 2 years is still valid.
Wendy Clay, Newborough Dogs Canine Hydtherapy Centres' Hydrotherapist has current Level 2 Award and 3 Certificate.
Q: What conditions are suitable to treat with Hydrotherapy?
A: Hydrotherapy can help rehabilitation the same as in human medicine, physiotherapy following an accident or surgery can play an important role in speeding recovery and helping limbs regain full normal function. Particularly following an operation on a joint or bones in the leg. Hydrotherapy allows the use of the limbs in a weightless environment, encouraging muscles to strengthen and work correctly again. This in turn aides pain relief and reduces stiffness. Hydrotherapy also enables us to help dogs with spinal trauma where the dog may have nerve damage affecting its leg(s) or be unable to walk
Q: My dog suffers from Arthritis will he be able to attend Hydrotherapy and will it be of benefit to him?
A: Swimming or even just a session of floating in the warm water can really help in getting stiff limbs working again and reduces aches and pains.
Q: My dog hasn't had an injury or operation but I would like to get him a bit fitter can Hydrotherapy help with this?
A: Yes, the power jets in the pool simulate various current strengths for the dog to swim against on a progressive basis. A one minute swim equates to one mile of hard exercise, without any possible damage to joint or limbs.
Q: My vet has recommended my dog looses some weight, will Hydrotherapy do this?
A: This non weight bearing form of exercise is a great way of enabling our canine chums to burn off calories and live longer healthier lives.
Q: What temperature should the Hydrotherapy pool be?
A: Between 27 - 30 C. At Newborough Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy Centre the temperature is checked daily.
Q: Why does the water have to be warm, my dog swims in the river ok and that is freezing cold?
A: The warm water is not just for comfort, Newborough Dogs Canine Hydtherapy Centre's pool is maintained at the ideal temperature for the muscles to work efficiently. Swimming in cold water causes the blood vessels close to the skin to constrict, robbing the muscles of the blood and oxygen they need, risking pain and muscle strain.
Q: Is it normal for a dog pant all the way home after his Hydrotherapy session?
A: No, If a dog is very unfit, over weight or has not been able to exercise for a long time he may pant a lot during his session until he becomes fit, however the Hydro therapist should make sure that your dog is properly warmed down before he leaves the centre.
It is also possible that the water in the pool is too hot. Dogs can not sweat like humans and loose their body heat through panting, excessive panting can cause dehydration so care must be taken so make sure this does not happen.
Q: How long will a session last?
A: This will depend on your dogs' reason for visiting the centre. For example a dog who is recovering from an operation or injury may do 3 x 1minute sessions at his first appointment but a fit working dog with no complications may swim for 3 x 4minute sessions. A qualified Hydrotherapist will be able to access your dogs condition and plan a schedule for him.
Q: Why do I have to get a vet referral or agreement letter completed before I can attend Hydrotherapy?
A: Any well run centre will ask for a vets referral form to ensure your dog is in good health and is a good candidate for Hydrotherapy.Your vet should not charge you for this.
Q: Is someone in the pool with my dog?
A: Yes there will be at least one hydrotherapist in the pool at all times with your dog.
Q: Do you dry my dog for me?
A: Yes we have towels and a blaster.
Q: Why does my dog have to wear a float or harness in the pool when I know he can swim?
A: The harness or floatation device is for the safety of your dog. It also helps the Hydrotherapist position your dog if they need to use the antiswim jets. Hydrotherapy is a controlled exercise not a free swim in a lake.
Q: What water sanitising chemicals are used in the water at Newborough Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy Centre?
A: We use Bromine as our water sanitizer as we believe it is kinder on both the dogs and hydrotherapists.
Q: Can my dog play with toys in the pool?
A: The Hydrotherapist can hold a toy to encourage your dog to swim and he can take it from their hand but your dog MUST NOT take the toys off of the water line as this has been known to cause a condition called "secondary drowning" which can be fatal.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me to the session?
A: Yes, the completed vet referral form (if it hasn't been sent beforehand) and a coat to put on your dog after swimming to keep his muscles warm.
Q: Should I feed my dog before I come?
A: Please do not feed him for at least two hours before his session.
Gallery
Here are just a few of the clients from Newborough Dogs Canine Hydrothrapy Pool. Click on the images to view a large slideshow, or just hover for a better view.
