Canine rehabilitation and conditioning therapies available in Melbourne's East

Welcome to canine hydro

We provide water based therapy & land based therapies for dogs that helps them live happier, pain free and better quality lives.

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Call us on 0491 388 700

About Canine Hydro

All dogs are welcome - big or small, old or young! Whether your companion animal has had a big surgery, arthritis or you are just looking to improve their quality of life, hydrotherapy is a scientifically proven, safe and clean way to help your K9 get back to 100%.

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What Is Hydrotherapy?

Water based therapy using an underwater treadmill to activate muscles in a controlled environment. To find out more about the benefits and conditions that can be treated, click below.

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Does your dog need a little extra support?

Submit your referral and book in today

Book AppointmentVeterinary Referral Form

FAQs

Do I need a referral?

All post surgical or musculoskelatal conditions (hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, cruciate disease etc) require a referral. It is recommended that all other patients are referred by their Veterinarian, however it is not essential as we perform a thorough clinical exam at the initial consultation. If you do not have a referral for a general problem such as arthritis, weight loss or conditioning, please notify us of previous conditions or current medications.

Can I stay with my dog?

Yes, you are welcome to stay. Most dogs prefer to have their owner near by to help build their confidence and reduce anxiety. We will operate as per government regulations due to COVID-19 and as such, only one owner may be allowed to stay if such regulations are in place.

How many sessions does my dog need?

The number of sessions required will depend on the condition being treated. This will be assessed in the initial consultation where a plan will be made and adjusted at each session, for best results. Often post surgical recovery is once to twice weekly for 10-12 weeks. Dogs with arthritis may attend weekly to increase mobility and fitness.

Are there any conditions where hydrotherapy is not recommended?

Yes, A dog with the following conditions cannot attend hydrotherpy: open wounds, bitches in season, infectious or contagious conditions such as gastric upsets, kennel cough, ear, eye or skin infections. If your dog has a heart condition, respiratory condition, vestibular syndrome or moderate to severe epilepsy it may not be safe to commence Hydrotherapy. Please discuss this with us prior to booking. A Veterinary referral will be required for these conditions.

What do we need to bring?

Your dog on a collar/harness and leash. Your dog will keep the harness or collar on during the treatment so don't bring one that you don't want to get wet. Bring some treats or your dogs favourite toys. We do supply some treats, however if your dog has a dietary sensitivity, please supply your own. We recommend bringing a towel for the drive home. We will towel dry your dog after a session but some dogs with long or thick fur may carry extra water.

What do we do prior to a session?

DO NOT feed your dog for 2 hours prior to an appointment. Normal water intake is fine. DO NOT exercise your dog prior. Please toilet your dog prior. Any fouling of the hydrotherapy water will incur an extra cost ($30) On lead policy: when you arrive please have your dog on a leash or harness until directed by Canine Hydro Pty Ltd staff. If your dog is particularly dirty or shedding, please wash and/or brush your dog prior to entering the water.

What is the difference between an underwater treadmill and swimming in the pool or ocean?

At Canine Hydro, we offer an underwater treadmill, rather than a swimming pool. A treadmill allows for controlled movement in order to target specific areas, without exacerbating any problem areas. Compared to swimming in open water, a treadmill offers less bouancy but more targeted resistance which can be altered with jets, inclination and water depth. When using an underwater treadmill, joint extension is more complete than swimming, allowing for greater range of movement. We can also tailer the speed of the treadmill to fit each patient and level of fitness. Canine Hydro also stock an isolation plate so we can chose to work just front limbs or hind limbs if necessary. The water is also safe, clean and the correct temperature to increase blood flow to muscles and relieve joint pain. Another bonus- a treadmill is often less confronting for patients who dislike water when compared to a swimming pool and the ocean.

Trusted & experienced team

Highly recommend Canine Hydro, my dog Kyah attended hydrotherapy after Cruciate surgery, It really helped with muscle strengthening and his movement, he has made a fantastic recovery. Kyah can be an anxious boy and doesn’t even like water! but the lovely team at Canine Hydro Pam, Bettina and Eva gained his trust with their friendly and kind manner and he loved his sessions. Thank you for looking after him so well.

Knowledgeable & caring

One of my dog's favourite places to visit each week! He looks forward to the care, attention and hydrotherapy sessions immensely and the results I have seen are amazing. Caesar would not have recovered as brilliantly as he did from his TPLO surgery if it wasn't for the team @ Canine Hydro. The support I received from them during this daunting time was so appreciated, thank you. Pam, Phil and the staff are so kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

10/10

The Team at Canin Hydro have been amazing with my girl having Hydrotherapy and laser treatment, my girl can be quite unsure and nervous in new places at first, the team especially Pam, Bettina and Sam have been so encouraging with Maple, now she runs in and so happy to see her friends. Starting the hydrotherapy and laser has worked amazingly on my girl it's like she has a new lease on life running around playing and walking a lot better. Thank you again to the team at Canin Hydro. I would highly recommended the wonderful team.

Invested in my dogs progress

Pam, Phil and the team at Canine Hydro are incredible! Our mini dachshund Dennis had grade 4/5 IVDD surgery in Dec 22 and they have gone above and beyond in helping him regain the ability to walk. They are genuinely invested in his rehabilitation and care and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. 10/10!

Best outcome

Our dog was diagnosed with Arthritis by the Vets we usually see and we were directed to Canine Hydro for hydrotherapy. We are really happy that we started taking our dog to Canine Hydro. Pam immediately diagnosed that our dog had cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, which the Vets had missed and subsequently confirmed. Pam recommended surgery, and we are seeing a surgeon soon. The hydrotherapy has really helped our dog, as he is limping much less. But above all this is the care and attention that Pam gives our Pet to make sure he is comfortable. From being hesitant to get into the tank, he now enters quite happily. She has answered all our queries (which are many!) extremely patiently. She is truly exceptional and we are very glad that we have been introduced to this wonderful team. We recommend Canine Hydro in the strongest possible terms!

1a 36-38 Taylors Road, Croydon, Vic, 3136