Hydrotherapy for Dogs

The Joint-Saving Exercise More Pet Parents Should Know About

Hydrotherapy sounds fancy, but it’s really just a smarter way to help dogs move better. At its core, it’s an underwater treadmill, and I was a believer in it long before it became trendy. 

Years ago, I started hearing about a veterinarian who had one of these underwater treadmills. I never personally went to that particular veterinarian’s clinic, but being in the pet industry, I heard the stories. Dogs were going for injury recovery, post-surgical rehab, and even fitness conditioning. And honestly, it made perfect sense.

Think about it, when we humans get older or deal with injuries, swimming is one of the best things we can do. It’s low impact, gentle on the joints, and builds muscle without overdoing it. The same exact logic applies to dogs.

What Hydrotherapy Actually Does

Hydrotherapy provides resistance without strain. The water supports the dog’s body weight, which means less pressure on joints while still engaging muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

This kind of controlled movement increases blood flow to the joints, which helps reduce inflammation and supports healing. Blood flow is everything. It helps joints feel better and function better, especially in aging dogs or dogs with mobility issues.

How Hydrotherapy Became More Accessible

As word spread, more clinics started offering hydrotherapy. Eventually, even our emergency clinic had an underwater treadmill. They later decided not to run the therapy in-house and instead referred all hydrotherapy cases in Pittsburgh to Steel City K9 & Rehab.

That’s how I got to know the owner and really saw the impact firsthand. And if you know me, you know I practice what I preach.

I move my body every day. I believe movement matters. So naturally, I brought that same mindset to my dogs.

Why I Take My Dogs to Hydrotherapy

I currently take Layla and Bo to hydrotherapy, and Greyson, our puppy, is slowly being introduced to the treadmill.

Bo: Aging Gracefully

Bo is 14 years old and has arthritic hips. Hydrotherapy has helped keep him moving comfortably by improving circulation and maintaining muscle without stressing his joints. It’s been huge for his quality of life.

Layla: Prevention Is Everything

Layla is a Great Dane who was spayed at just eight weeks old. Hormones, believe it or not, play a major role in ligament, tendon, muscle, and even bladder development. Take that away early, add in a giant breed body, and joint issues become a real concern.

Great Danes are already prone to hip dysplasia and joint challenges. Layla weighs around 110 pounds, and managing a dog that size if they get injured is no small task.

I started her on the underwater treadmill at six months old. She goes about once a month. The goal was never rehab. It was stability, coordination, and strength. Better footing means fewer injuries. Stronger supporting muscles protect joints, ligaments, and tendons.

For a Great Dane, Layla is incredibly agile. These dogs can be a bit goofy and clumsy by nature, but hydrotherapy has helped her move with confidence. My girl LOVES to run!

Who Benefits from Hydrotherapy

When I’m at sessions, I see all kinds of dogs: tripods, dogs with partial paralysis, dogs recovering from ACL or meniscus tears, dogs rebuilding strength after surgery, and dogs just trying to stay mobile as they age.

Hydrotherapy isn’t just for extreme cases. It’s for dogs who need support, strength, and safe movement.

Cost and Accessibility

Hydrotherapy is also more affordable than people expect. A session typically costs around $85 and lasts about 30-40 minutes. At Steel City K9 and Rehab, the owner has a stellar background and credentials that make me feel like my dogs are getting the best care possible. The owner is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, as well as a Licensed Veterinary Technician! You may also notice some with a Canine Hydrotherapy certification. While that doesn’t automatically mean a rehab background, it’s a good sign of a fast-growing specialty in the pet industry.

Most cities now have hydrotherapy options, even if they’re not inside veterinary clinics. Some facilities offer pools. You might even stumble upon dock diving programs. They’re out there if you start looking.

This really started gaining traction about 10–15 years ago, and I’m glad it’s finally becoming mainstream.

Support the Body From the Inside Too

Hydrotherapy is amazing, but it can’t work alone.

You have to support joints nutritionally, reduce inflammation through diet, minimize excess carbohydrates, and manage weight. Joint supplements matter too. I consistently recommend In Clover Connect-IN because it supports joint health at a meaningful level.

Movement plus proper nutrition plus targeted supplementation is where real progress happens.

Hydrotherapy is one of the best tools we have for helping dogs move better, feel better, and stay active longer. And sometimes, doing things a little differently is exactly what our dogs need. If you’re intrigued, I encourage you to listen to my podcast on this topic here.

For smart, engaging conversations about pet wellness, listen to the Toni Unleashed podcast on Apple and Spotify.