Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn to Swim, Fun/Fitness

If your dog is attending Learn to Swim, Fun/Fitness swims and has no health concerns, you  will need to sign a New Client Learn to Swim Fun/Fitness waiver on our website under forms or at the centre, prior to your first session.

Rehabilitation

Water Walkies will never treat a rehabilitation companion without a signed vet consent form. This serves as a protection for you, your companion and other animals. Your veterinarian will use this to assess your dog’s suitability for hydrotherapy.

​Hydrotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Your vet will know your companions history and take into account any cautions or contraindications that may deem hydrotherapy unsuitable. 

We want to do what is best for your companion. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you have a signed consent form from your vet and a qualified therapist will be in the pool with your companion at all times.

↓ Download Vet Health Clearance Form

This depends on the reason for attending Hydrotherapy. Your vet will inform you when they believe it is the right time, depending on the individual dog’s condition. 

If your dog is attending Fun & Fitness swims and has no health concerns, you  will need to sign a New Client Learn to Swim Fun/Fitness waiver on our website under forms or at the centre prior to your first session.

For Surgeries and Fractures

After some surgeries or fractures, it may be 4-8 weeks before hydrotherapy can commence whereas it might only be a few days after stitches or staples have been removed and the skin has healed that Hydrotherapy can begin.

For Vaccinations

​Puppies can start Hydrotherapy as soon as their vaccinations are complete and they can mix with other dogs. 

Don’t worry if your dog is fearful of water. The therapist will go gently and at your dog’s pace. With some dogs it takes time. Not all dogs are natural swimmers or even like water. Certain breeds have to work harder to stay on top of the water. Some of the breeds that need particular care and close supervision when they swim or attend hydrotherapy include:

Brachycephalic breeds (those with shortened muzzles)

• Boxers
• English Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs 

 It is very important that the first introduction to water is a positive one. With lots of encouragement and praise, your dog will be swimming in no time.

Swimming

→ Swimming at the beach can lead to further injury and soreness as movement can not be controlled. Unstable shifting, sand, and waves can flare up some conditions.

→ Cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near to the skin and to the superficial muscles which restricts the flow of blood, making the muscles less efficient. 

→ Swimming in cold water can be counterproductive as the blood rushes to protect the vital organs to keep them warm leaving the limbs more at risk of injury and cramping.

Hydrotherapy

→ ​Our water temperature is controlled at a temperature of 28-30 degrees and our water quality is checked a minimum of twice a day. 

→ The increased circulation of blood created by the warm water relaxes your pet’s muscles and increases the intake of oxygen and nutrients which reduces pain and stiffness.

→ The swelling around the affected area is also reduced due to the increased circulation, this is particularly helpful for dogs with arthritis.

Hydrotherapy is not about how long your dog swims for. Many factors need to be taken into consideration such as:

• Particular injury 
• Medical Condition
• Breed
• Age
• Level of fitness

Dogs regulate their body temperature differently to humans. While humans sweat to regulate their body temperature, dogs pant to cool down. When swimming in heated water, they may not be able to cool down as effectively through panting. This can lead to overheating and exhaustion.

Some dogs may also have a thick coat of fur that can trap heat and make it harder for them to cool down. 

Swimming in heated water can be more physically demanding  and tiring for even the fittest of dogs. This is why our therapists are in the water to monitor your companions behaviour, heart rate and body temperature closely and ensure there are rest periods for recovery. 

​We want your dog to enjoy and gain the most out of their session. We ease them in slowly to this new form of exercise.

All dogs will initially wear a float coat for buoyancy and to be assessed by our hydrotherapist. This will help build the dog’s confidence in the water. Depending on their reason for attending, they may continue to wear a float coat or be changed to just a harness, and then bare swimming but only at the discretion of the hydrotherapist.

Please DO NOT FEED your dog for at least 3 hrs prior to their session. It is advised that they do not eat 1-2 hrs after any exercise. 

Please take your dog for toileting before entering the centre. Waste bags are located at our counter.

This is essential to ensure there are no toileting or vomiting accidents in our pool or treadmill. An accident will result in the need of shutting down our pool/treadmill and the cancellation of clients  to hygienically clean, refill, balance and reheat the equipment. This results in loss of income and the inconvenience for any clients booked in after you. Please be aware there will be a $100 cleaning fee on top of your session fee if this occurs.