Treatment Guide
Hydrotherapy for Dogs with Arthritis
Water therapy is one of the most effective treatments for arthritic dogs. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Hydrotherapy Works
Water provides three therapeutic properties that are uniquely beneficial for arthritic joints.
60%
weight reduction
Buoyancy
Water supports your dog's body weight, reducing the load on painful joints. At chest depth, dogs bear only 38% of their land weight — allowing movement that would otherwise be too painful.
12x
more than air
Resistance
Water provides gentle, even resistance in all directions. This builds muscle strength around joints more effectively than land exercise, without the jarring impact that worsens arthritis.
30°C
therapeutic temperature
Warmth
Heated water relaxes muscles, increases blood flow to inflamed joints, and reduces pain perception. The warmth helps dogs move more freely than they can on land.
Types of Canine Hydrotherapy
Underwater Treadmill
Best for: Post-surgery rehabilitation, controlled weight-bearing exercise
Your dog walks on a treadmill inside a glass-sided tank. Water level is adjusted to control how much body weight the joints bear — typically starting at chest height (40-60% weight reduction) and gradually lowering as strength improves.
Frequency
2-3 times per week, 15-30 minutes per session
Typical Cost
$60-$100 per session
Swimming Pool Therapy
Best for: Full non-weight-bearing exercise, building muscle without joint stress
Your dog swims in a heated pool (28-32°C) with a therapist in the water for safety and guidance. The buoyancy eliminates all weight-bearing stress while the swimming motion builds lean muscle mass around joints.
Frequency
1-2 times per week, 10-20 minutes active swimming
Typical Cost
$50-$80 per session
Spa / Warm Water Jets
Best for: Pain relief, improving circulation, relaxation
Warm water jets are directed at arthritic joints while the dog stands or sits in shallow warm water. The heat and massage action reduce pain and improve blood flow to inflamed joints.
Frequency
1-2 times per week, 15-20 minutes
Typical Cost
$40-$60 per session
What to Expect at a Session
Initial Assessment
15-20 minutes (first visit only)The hydrotherapist examines your dog's range of motion, identifies painful joints, and discusses goals with you. They may ask for your vet's diagnosis or X-ray results.
Warm-Up
5-10 minutesYour dog is introduced to the water gradually. For nervous dogs, this might take the entire first session. The water is heated to 28-32°C — warm enough to relax muscles without overheating.
Active Therapy
10-25 minutesThe therapist guides your dog through exercises appropriate for their condition. This might be walking on the underwater treadmill, swimming laps, or targeted resistance exercises.
Cool-Down & Dry
10-15 minutesGentle activity or standing in warm water to cool down. Your dog is then thoroughly dried — this is important for skin health, especially in winter.
Home Care Advice
5 minutesThe therapist provides guidance on exercises to do at home between sessions, activity restrictions, and how to monitor progress. They'll set goals for the next session.
Combining Hydrotherapy with Joint Supplements
Hydrotherapy and joint supplementation work exceptionally well together — they address arthritis from complementary angles. Hydrotherapy provides external mechanical benefits (buoyancy, resistance, warmth), while supplements provide internal biochemical support (anti-inflammatory omega-3s, cartilage building blocks).
Dr John Stewart recommends starting Joint Rejuvenate at least 2 weeks before beginning hydrotherapy. This allows the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to reach therapeutic levels, meaning your dog will be more comfortable during their initial water sessions.
Many hydrotherapists report that dogs on green-lipped mussel supplements show faster progress, better range of motion, and greater willingness to exercise in water compared to dogs receiving hydrotherapy alone.
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Treatment | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Hydrotherapy only (2x/week) | $480-$800 |
| Joint Rejuvenate only (25kg dog) | $45-$75 |
| Both combined (recommended) | $525-$875 |
Many owners reduce hydrotherapy frequency after 8-12 weeks as their dog improves, continuing with supplements for maintenance.
Start Supporting Your Dog's Recovery
Begin Joint Rejuvenate now to prepare your dog for hydrotherapy, or as a standalone treatment for arthritis management.