23/10/2025
🐾 Canine Hydrotherapy vs. River Swims: What’s Best for Your Dog?
If your pup loves the water, you might be wondering: Should I book a hydrotherapy session or just let them splash around in the river? Both options offer benefits, but they serve very different purposes. Let’s dive in! 🌊
💧 What is Canine Hydrotherapy?
Canine hydrotherapy is a controlled, therapeutic form of exercise in warm sanitised water, often used to:
• Aid recovery from surgery or injury
• Improve mobility in dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia
• Support weight loss and fitness
• Build muscle strength without joint strain
• Can be used to increase performance in the show ring
• Target speed in the Agility Ring
Sessions are typically conducted in a heated pool or underwater treadmill, guided by a trained Hydrotherapist who tailors the activity to your dog’s needs.
✅ Pros:
• Safe and supervised
• Targeted for rehabilitation or fitness
• Ideal for senior dogs or those with mobility issues
⚠️ Considerations:
• Not all dogs are able to do Hydrotherapy. Open wounds, some heart conditions, uncontrolled epilepsy and other conditions may prevent your dog from participating in Hydrotherapy
• Is there a Hydrotherapist in your area? Look in the NZACH website to find a therapist near you. www.nazch.co.nz
🌿 River Swims: Nature’s Playground
Taking your dog for a swim in a river is a fun, natural way to let them cool off and burn energy. It’s great for:
• Mental stimulation
• Bonding time
Dogs love the freedom to explore, splash, and play—especially in summer!
✅ Pros:
• Free and accessible
• Great for energetic dogs
• Encourages natural movement and play
⚠️ Considerations:
• Water quality and currents can be risky. Many rivers are contaminated with algal blooms that pose a big risk to your dogs’ health. Check your local council to find safe rivers in your area before letting your dog swim.
• Not suitable for dogs with injuries or joint issues. Often swimming in cold water can make an injury worse. Even on a hot day. Therapeutic water temperature is 28 to 32 Celsius.
• No therapeutic guidance.
🐶 Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your dog’s age, health.:
• 🐕🦺 Recovering from an injury or senior dogs? Hydrotherapy is the safer, more effective choice.
• 🐕 Healthy, active dogs? River swims are perfect for fun and bonding. Just check that the water is safe first.
💬 Tell us in the comments: Does your dog love Hydrotherapy? Share your experiences below! 🐾💦
