Why come to us and what conditions do we treat?
Hydrohounds offers a broad spectrum of different types of treatments for dogs in Stockport, Manchester & Cheshire. This means that we are best placed to offer an outstanding multidisciplinary approach that involves qualified professionals from different fields working together with a shared purpose, clear communication, and mutual respect to achieve the best possible outcome for your dog.
Our treatments can be used individually or combined to support:
Joint conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, hip & elbow dysplasia)
Post-surgical recovery and soft tissue injuries (such as post-TPLO)
Spinal conditions (e.g. IVDD, lumbosacral disease)
Weight Management
Water confidence and safety
Chronic Pain not responding to conventional treatment.
Pain-related behavioural issues
Nerve injuries and associated muscle or bladder function loss
Chronic digestive & urinary conditions (e.g. IBD, FIC)
Effective exercise for dogs with restricted outdoor activity (e.g. banned breeds or reactivity)
To summarise, Hydrohounds can help with…
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Build water confidence in all dogs of all ages. Over a series of sessions we will introduce your dog to swimming and normalise water as something safe and fun! We tap in to your dog’s individual motivations and build up their independence into making them confident swimmers whilst also working on their buoyancy.
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Whether a dog has undergone surgery or suffered an injury, we provide a low-impact environment that promotes muscle strengthening and joint flexibility. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints, allowing dogs to exercise without placing excessive strain on their bodies.
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Obesity is a growing concern among dogs. Water resistance makes every movement more challenging, encourages the heart to work more efficiently, strengthening its muscles and enhancing blood flow. Therefore engaging muscles burning calories. This all helps your dog to maintain a healthy weight while also reducing the risk of obesity-related illnesses.
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Hydrotherapy allows exercise to be conducted in a completely weightless environment. This allows aerobic ability, muscle strength and range of motion to be improved/maintained while reducing the impact on painful joints suffering from arthritis, hip, elbow dysplasia and other orthopaedic conditions.
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Water has a calming effect on many canines, making hydrotherapy an effective stress-relief tool. It can improve a dog's mental well-being by reducing frustration from restricted exercise, releasing pent-up energy in a safe way, and helping them regain confidence. The physical benefits, like improved mobility and muscle strength, often lead to a more positive and less anxious temperament.
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Due to our treatments having effects on endorphin release, improvement in blood flow and alteration of pain signalling pathways, our services (especially acupuncture) is an excellent treatment choice for conditions which result in chronic pain or nerve dysfunction.
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Veterinary Physiotherapy for dogs can be extremely beneficial to keeping your dog functional, comfortable, maintain fitness as well serve as a form of treatment for chronic conditions or post injury. Regular treatments can improve performance and minimise the risk of further injury. We offer an exercise prescription specifically based around your dog’s needs which can be applied in our hydrotherapy and at home.
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The benefits extend beyond immediate improvements, contributing to increased longevity. Dogs that undergo regular treatments within our portfolio not only usually recover from injuries faster but also experience improved health and vitality – allowing them to lead fulfilling lives well into their senior years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Professional canine hydrotherapists undertake specialist training in canine anatomy, physiology, pathology, handling, rehabilitation and hydrotherapy techniques. Qualified hydrotherapists work within their scope of practice to support dogs recovering from injury, surgery and mobility-related conditions, often in collaboration with a veterinary surgeon.
At Hydrohounds Hydrotherapy, all treatments are carried out by qualified hydrotherapists and/or veterinary physiotherapists who are committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of canine care.
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While canine hydrotherapy is not regulated by a single statutory governing body in the UK, reputable hydrotherapy centres demonstrate their commitment to professional standards through recognised qualifications, professional memberships and ongoing training.
At Hydrohounds Hydrotherapy, the centre is registered with the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT), while members of our team also hold memberships with professional organisations including RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) and IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists). These organisations help promote high standards of clinical practice, professional conduct, continuing professional development and animal welfare.
Choosing a hydrotherapy centre with recognised professional registrations can also be important when making a claim through your pet insurance provider. Many insurers require treatment to be carried out by appropriately qualified and professionally registered practitioners, typically following referral or recommendation from your veterinary surgeon.
At Hydrohounds, we work closely with veterinary professionals and maintain the highest standards of safety, professionalism and evidence-based care, giving owners confidence that their dogs are receiving treatment from trusted and appropriately accredited practitioners.
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A canine hydrotherapist should hold recognised hydrotherapy qualifications (ICH - Institute of Chartered Hydrotherapists) that cover canine anatomy, physiology, behaviour, rehabilitation principles, water safety and aquatic therapy techniques. They should also be trained in canine first aid and undertake regular continuing professional development (CPD) to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
When choosing a canine hydrotherapy centre, it is worth asking about:
Professional qualifications
Industry memberships and registrations
Insurance cover
First aid training
Veterinary referral procedures
Continuing professional development (CPD)
These factors help ensure your dog receives treatment from a suitably trained and experienced professional.
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At HydroHounds Hydrotherapy, we pride ourselves on providing the highest standards of canine rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and pain management. Our centre is registered with the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT), and members of our team also hold professional registrations and memberships with organisations including RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) and IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists).
These professional bodies promote excellence in animal healthcare through stringent professional standards, continuing professional development (CPD), clinical accountability and a commitment to animal welfare. Our team regularly undertakes further training to ensure we remain at the forefront of canine rehabilitation and hydrotherapy practice.
In addition to our hydrotherapy team, HydroHounds is proud to work exclusively with Dr Esme Howells BVSc MRCVS Cert (EM&S) WVAG Cert(SCVA) ECAS Cert(WVA&CPM), a specialist rehabilitation and pain management veterinary surgeon serving Stockport and Cheshire. Dr Howells leads our dedicated pain management clinic, bringing advanced expertise in rehabilitation medicine, chronic pain management, veterinary acupuncture and musculoskeletal health. This unique collaboration allows us to offer a truly multidisciplinary approach to your dog's recovery, mobility and long-term wellbeing.
Professional registration and veterinary oversight can also be important when claiming for hydrotherapy or rehabilitation treatment through your pet insurance provider. Many insurers require treatment to be carried out by suitably qualified professionals and often under veterinary referral or recommendation.
By combining qualified hydrotherapists, registered rehabilitation practitioners and specialist veterinary expertise under one roof, HydroHounds offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to helping dogs recover from injury, manage chronic conditions and achieve their best quality of life.