A wellness centre for all your pets requirements
When your dog is struggling with mobility, recovering from an operation, or dealing with an ongoing condition, finding the right support can make a real difference. At House of Hydro, we provide professional dog hydrotherapy for Henlow clients, giving dogs a safe and encouraging place to exercise, recover, and build their confidence.
Every dog has different needs. Some may need gentle rehabilitation following surgery, while others benefit from regular hydrotherapy to maintain movement and strength. Our sessions are carefully adapted to your dog, taking into account their condition, ability, temperament, and progress.
Our aim is to make every visit a positive experience, while providing targeted hydrotherapy that supports your dog’s health and quality of life.
House of Hydro is owned and run by Natasha De Kauwe BA (Hons), Cert HSA, RCH, a qualified member of the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH). Natasha is also a certified K-Laser therapist and has extensive experience working with dogs throughout their rehabilitation journeys.
With training in Canine First Aid and years of practical experience, Natasha understands that effective rehabilitation involves more than simply completing an exercise programme. Dogs need to feel secure and comfortable too.
We take the time to get to know every dog that comes through our doors. By understanding their medical history, personality and individual challenges, we can create a hydrotherapy programme that is both appropriate and supportive.
Canine hydrotherapy uses the therapeutic properties of water to provide controlled exercise while reducing the amount of weight placed on the body. This makes it particularly useful for dogs who may find normal exercise difficult or uncomfortable.
At House of Hydro, our water is maintained at approximately 28–32°C, providing a warm and comfortable setting for rehabilitation. The resistance of the water can help dogs work their muscles, while buoyancy reduces the impact placed on joints.
Hydrotherapy may be suitable for dogs with a range of conditions, including:
There is no single hydrotherapy routine that works for every dog. At House of Hydro, each programme is adapted according to your dog’s condition, movement, confidence, and rehabilitation objectives. Sessions might focus on:
Veterinary Consent
Before hydrotherapy can begin, we require a signed veterinary consent form. This provides our hydrotherapists with important information about your dog’s diagnosis, medical history, behaviour, medication, and any factors that need to be considered during treatment.
Your first appointment is also about getting your dog comfortable with the environment. Do not worry if they do not swim or use the treadmill during their initial visit. Some dogs need time to settle, and we will never rush them into the water before they are ready.
For dogs living in and around Henlow, regular movement can be an important part of maintaining good physical and mental wellbeing. Time spent outdoors gives dogs the opportunity to explore, sniff, stretch their legs, and enjoy the stimulation that comes from being in different environments.
However, not every dog can manage the same amount or type of exercise. Dogs recovering from an operation, living with arthritis, or experiencing weakness may need a gentler way to stay active. Too much impact can sometimes place unnecessary strain on already vulnerable joints and tissues.
Hydrotherapy provides controlled exercise in a supportive environment, allowing dogs to work their muscles and practise movement while benefiting from the buoyancy of the water. It can complement their everyday routine and, where appropriate, help them work towards returning to the activities they enjoy.
If you are considering hydrotherapy for your dog, you may have questions about how sessions work and what to expect. Here are some of the enquiries we often hear.
Yes. A completed and signed veterinary consent form is required before treatment begins. This gives our hydrotherapists the information they need to provide safe and suitable care.
That is not unusual. Some dogs are confident around water, while others need plenty of reassurance. We introduce dogs to hydrotherapy gradually and allow them to become familiar with the surroundings before expecting them to swim or walk on the treadmill.
Yes. A hydrotherapy session is a controlled therapeutic activity, rather than simply recreational swimming. Water temperature, exercise intensity and duration can be managed by a trained hydrotherapist, while specialist equipment allows us to support specific rehabilitation goals.
A buoyancy aid provides additional support and helps our therapist manage your dog safely during treatment. Even strong swimmers may benefit from assistance when the aim is controlled therapeutic exercise rather than simply swimming for fun.
There is no universal schedule. The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your dog’s condition, rehabilitation objectives, response to treatment, and progress. We can discuss the most appropriate approach for your dog following their assessment.