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Our Mission:
to improve your dog's quality of life
At Alcester Canine Hydrotherapy, we offer specialized canine hydrotherapy rehabilitation and fitness services in a tranquil rural setting.
What is Canine Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy means simply ‘therapy in water’. Utilizing the unique properties of water to improve mobility, build strength, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.
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Water temperature of 30-32 degrees stimulates blood circulation and relaxes the muscles.
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Buoyancy allows weight to be taken off the joints, allowing partial non-weight bearing exercise.
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Hydrostatic pressure provides sensory and proprioceptive input as well as decreasing hypersensitivity allowing a decrease in pain perception and can aid in reducing inflammation.
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Viscosity of the water creates resistance which increases muscle strength and tone via movement of limbs and can protect unstable injuries due to the slow movement.
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Why the underwater treadmill?
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Allows the water level to be adjusted to suit the needs of the patient.
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Allows more control over the dog’s movements - can alter speeds.
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Increases proprioception from having contact with the treadmill belt
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Helps to re-educate gait
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Increases muscle mass due to a degree of weight going through the limbs.
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Encourages equal weight bearing.
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Dogs often feel more relaxed when they can touch the floor
What is hydrotherapy used for?
Hydrotherapy can be used for conditions including:
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Orthopaedic conditions including hip dysplasia
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Neurological conditions
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Post-operative rehab
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Cruciate ligament injuries/repairs
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Osteoarthritis
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Obesity and weight management
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Muscle wastage
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Fitness and conditioning in healthy dogs, such as agility or working dogs.
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Mental wellbeing
Benefits of hydrotherapy
Short-term
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Muscle relaxation
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Improved circulation
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Pain relief
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Increased joint range of movement
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Enhanced cardiovascular function
Long-term
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Improved muscle strength
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Enhanced joint stability
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Improved posture and gait
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Weight management
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Pain management
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Improved quality of life
About me
Since childhood, I have been passionate about working with animals and earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from Harper Adams University. My journey includes training cats for Mars Petcare and serving as a canine carer at the Dogs Trust, eventually leading to hydrotherapy and rehabilitation.​For the past eight years,
I have worked at a rehabilitation centre caring for dogs and cats of various breeds and behaviours. My commitment lies not only in rehabilitating dogs but also in fostering a strong bond with each one, ensuring they enjoy the best quality of life.​
Outside of work I am a mom to two young girls and share my home with my husband (who I have to thank for building my hydrotherapy unit) and a menagerie of pets, including two dogs and cat. I understand the emotional challenges that come with having pets with health and joint issues, as both of my dogs face similar conditions.
Referral Form
Working alongside veterinary surgeons, physiotherapists and other complementary therapists allows us to create a holistic treatment plan that truly benefits your pet.
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It is a Legal requirement following the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) to gain Veterinary referral prior to hydrotherapy treatment commencing for rehabilitation purposes.
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Click here for your Canine Hydrotherapy Referral Form
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Once completed, please send the form to me via email prior to the initial session.
alcestercaninehydrotherapy@hotmail.com
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