Structured hydrotherapy and swimming sessions can support injury recovery and improve overall health and wellness in dogs.
Image: Supplied
Hydrotherapy for dogs is making waves in South Africa, and not just for pets recovering from surgery.
From underwater treadmills to regular swimming sessions, water-based rehabilitation is helping dogs recover from injuries, manage arthritis, build strength, lose weight, and stay active well into their senior years. For many pet parents, it’s also changing the way they think about proactive pet care.
The Healing Power of Water
Hydrotherapy works because water supports the body while still providing gentle resistance. This allows dogs to move more freely without putting too much pressure on painful joints or healing injuries.
According to Bianca Duthie, Veterinary Physiotherapist at Pets in Balance, hydrotherapy can help improve muscle strength, mobility, posture, balance, and cardiovascular fitness, all in a low-impact environment.
“Hydrotherapy allows us to start controlled exercise much sooner than we could on solid ground,” says Duthie. “It also helps restore confidence and encourages a more natural gait pattern during recovery.”
The temperature and depth of the water can also be adjusted to target specific rehabilitation goals, making it a highly personalised form of treatment.
Hydrotherapy played a key role in Brinjal’s recovery, helping rebuild strength and mobility safely.
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Recovery, Strength, and Confidence
For one small dog named Mr. Miyagee, hydrotherapy became a lifelong part of his care.
After first starting treatment for a knee sprain as a puppy, he later suffered ruptured cruciate ligaments in both hind legs. Since surgery wasn’t a suitable option for him, hydrotherapy became essential for helping him maintain muscle strength and mobility.
His pet mom says seeing him move freely in water after struggling to stand on land was remarkable. “It didn’t just help him heal,” Lindi Pieterse explains. “It gave him the tools to stay strong and continue living a happy, mobile life.”
Veterinary physiotherapist Bianca Duthie highlights the benefits of swimming for dogs in rehabilitation and wellness.
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Swimming Into Senior Pet Years
Then there’s Brinjal, a nearly 13-year-old Dachshund-cross-Boston Terrier who still swims laps regularly and competes in annual swimming galas.
After knee surgery, Brinjal was back in the pool just one week later when his vet gave the go ahead as part of his rehabilitation. “The water allowed him to stay active without stressing his healing knee,” says his pet mom, Ancheri Luus. “Swimming kept him physically strong and mentally happy during recovery.”
Today, swimming remains part of his daily routine and plays a major role in keeping him healthy and active.
Mr. Miyagee during one of his routine hydrotherapy sessions at Pets in Balance as part of his long-term care to maintain mobility and manage joint health.
Image: Supplied
Why Proactive Pet Care Matters
Experts say one of the biggest misconceptions about hydrotherapy is that it’s only for injured pets. In reality, it can also play an important role in preventative care.
From supporting joint health in active dogs to helping senior pets maintain mobility for longer, proactive rehabilitation can improve quality of life before major problems develop.
As more advanced veterinary treatments become available, many pet parents are also recognising the importance of having pet insurance that can help support ongoing care and rehabilitation. South Africa’s favourite pet insurer, dotsure.co.za, helps pet parents access more comprehensive care options for their pets throughout every stage of life.
Because sometimes, staying healthy starts long before recovery does.
Ts & Cs and possible exclusions may apply and can be obtained by emailing u2us@dotsure.co.za. Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.