Hydrotherapy for Dogs: Does It Help Arthritis?

Your vet may have already mentioned it: swimming or walking in water as part of the treatment for arthritis. Hydrotherapy for dogs sounds exotic, but more and more clinics in Belgium and the Netherlands now offer it. What it actually involves and what your dog can really get out of it, you'll find out here.

Hydrotherapy for dogs: what it actually involves

Hydrotherapy is movement in water under the guidance of a specialized therapist. The two most common forms are an underwater treadmill and a swimming pool. On the treadmill, your dog walks on a belt while the water level rises gradually. In the pool, he swims freely or in a harness. Both forms use the buoyancy of water to carry part of your dog's weight.

Why water helps with arthritis

Water takes over a large part of the body weight, so the joints carry less load while the muscles still have to work. For a dog with arthritis, that means moving without the full impact on the hips or elbows. Swimming for dogs with arthritis is a common combination in rehabilitation programs, alongside the regular treatment from your vet.

Underwater treadmill for dogs: what a session looks like

With an underwater treadmill, the therapist sets the water level based on which joint needs extra support. Higher water means less strain but also less muscle work, so the level gets adjusted per dog and per phase of the treatment. A session usually lasts ten to twenty minutes and always happens under supervision, never alone.

How to tell if hydrotherapy is working

In the first few weeks, pay attention to how your dog behaves after a session, not just during it. More energy the next day, less stiffness when getting up and a calmer breathing pattern at rest are all good signs. If he seems stiffer or clearly more uncomfortable instead, report that to the therapist right away, so the program can be adjusted to what your dog can actually handle.

What hydrotherapy delivers

• Muscle maintenance without overload. Important for a dog who moves less because of pain and loses muscle mass as a result.
• More freedom of movement in the joints. Regular, controlled movement keeps the joints more supple.
• An outlet without impact. For an active dog who can walk less because of arthritis, this is an outlet that spares the joints.

These are generally recognized effects of movement in water. What it does specifically for your dog depends on the severity of the arthritis and is best assessed by your vet or a specialized therapist.

What hydrotherapy costs and how to find a practice

The price per session in Belgium and the Netherlands usually falls somewhere between 30 and 60 euros, depending on the practice and whether it's an underwater treadmill or a supervised pool session. Ask your vet for a referral. Many practices only work on referral, so the therapist knows the diagnosis and any restrictions in advance. Some pet insurance policies cover part of the cost, so check that before you start.

Who it's less suitable for

Not every dog is a good candidate. Dogs with heart problems, open wounds, infections or a strong fear of water need a conversation with the vet first. Older dogs who tire quickly are also better off building up sessions very gradually. A short first session of just a few minutes tells you more about how your dog reacts than starting a full program right away.

After the session: wet, tired and on a slippery floor

After hydrotherapy your dog is wet and usually more tired than normal. That's exactly the moment when he has less control over his movements, while the floor at home is just as slippery as before. Dry his paws well before he steps onto laminate or tiles. For structural support, take a look at the Dog Socky socks, sized with the size calculator based on the splayed paw print.

Not sure if hydrotherapy is right for your dog? Talk it over with your vet or with a specialized physical therapist for dogs. For more on what you can do at home for arthritis, read arthritis in your dog: everything you can do at home.

Frequently asked questions

How often does a dog with arthritis need hydrotherapy?

This varies a lot per dog and per program, from weekly to monthly in a maintenance phase. The therapist works out the frequency together with your vet based on progress.

Is hydrotherapy a replacement for arthritis medication?

No, it's usually an addition to the treatment your vet prescribes, not a replacement for it. Never stop or change medication without consulting your vet.

Can every dog learn to swim for hydrotherapy?

Most dogs get used to it under guidance, but some breeds and dogs with a strong fear of water need more time or do better with the underwater treadmill instead of free swimming. An experienced therapist builds up that process step by step, without forcing your dog.