Why Hydrotherapy Can Change Your Dog’s Life for the Better
Not long ago, new client of ours came to us interested in hydrotherapy for her dog. Her 14 year old senior dog was beginning to slow down quite a bit. He was having trouble getting up from lying down and unable to go up steps anymore. He is a Golden Retriever with extra weight, which made walking and mobility even harder for him in his golden years. His owner was also having trouble getting around herself, making her unable to exercise her dog enough to keep his muscles strong, joints flexible and his mood light. She also told us she had noticed some problems in his eating habits and energy levels, resulting in him lounging around majority of the time and just not being his “normal” self. She assumed he may have severe arthritis which motivated her look into ways she could bring some sort of comfort and healing back to him. She discovered Canine hydrotherapy and decided to give it a try. As a responsible dog parent, she also wanted to be proactive in keeping his quality of life good, especially now in his senior years. She was also looking to explore a therapy that strayed away from mainstream treatments (such as pain medication or surgeries). She gave me a call, we set-up an evaluation swim and the rest is history…

To be honest, during the course of a dog’s life going into their senior years, it is almost certain that he or she will develop arthritis at some point in time.
In the past, clients whose dogs had a hard time getting around came to us after they started to notice their dog was having issues. Often, these dogs were older, most of the time overweight and did not get much, if any exercise. These combinations will inevitably make it difficult to see quick results using hydrotherapy and SOMETIMES can be too late.
Fortunately, most of our clients are intuitive dog owners who choose hydrotherapy early, because they intend to be proactive with their dog’s overall health both physically AND mentally before they start to age. Dog owners have to understand that by keeping their dog fit physically and mentally early and at every age, they are in fact adding quality years to their dog’s life and potentially saving thousands of dollars in medical procedures, surgeries and/or medication.
For centuries, even for humans, hydrotherapy has been used starting with the Greek and Roman periods as an integral part of traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. It is still very much used today to help relieve pain from arthritis, rehabilitate from surgery and heal injuries, manage weight-loss and provide a safe & effective low-impact exercise.
What is Canine Hydrotherapy?
It is the use of water to treat different conditions in dogs. Hydrotherapy exercise uses the element of water and it’s principles for benefits:
- Buoyancy, which alters the exercise intensity and reduces stress on weight bearing joints
- Warm temperature and hydrostatic pressure to increase circulation, flexibility, and decrease swelling
- Turbulence and surface area to increase exercise difficulty and increase resistance
Canine Hydrotherapy Versus Swimming
Water in a hydrotherapy pool is warmer than in a traditional pool. For example, the temperature of our pool ranges from 85-92 degrees during our swim season. Hydrotherapy exercises are very specific to the condition being treated, making it different from just swimming. These exercises focus on building muscle, stamina, improving range of motion, building endurance, monitoring vitals, respiratory response and much and more. Putting your dog in the pool and letting it swim around can be fun and safe for non-injured dogs. However, dogs with any orthopedic condition, senior dogs, dogs prone to injury, etc. it can be a serious hazard and health risk.

What Are The Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy?
- Pain relief
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce anxiety
- Increased range of motion
- Strengthening weak muscles
- Improved mood
- Increased endurance and cardiovascular health
- Improved circulation
- Improved balance and coordination
- Retraining of muscles for correct movement.
Holistic Supplements: Pet Hemp Oil (CBD)
Dog owners who inquire about CBD oil have all different types of reasons for doing so. Most of these paw parents are searching for a holistic approach to help and heal their pet. CBD oil is known to be the main ingredient in many treatment options that provide internal as well as external care for pets. It is also available in many different forms such as edibles, tincture, oils or even creams. Here at Dip’n Dogs, we partnered with a local organic company who provides a few different types of CBD Oil for pets and their humans. We offer small, medium and large breed oil tinctures as well as a standard human tincture. It is a 100% THC free organic grade Phytocannabinoid Hemp oil and is organically farmed with a non-GMO formula and is pesticide and residual solvent free. Visit our Pet Hemp oil page here on our website to purchase your pet’s order.
Pet Hemp Oil Uses:
- Arthritis
- Aggressiveness/Temper
- Seizures
- Cancer Symptoms
- Appetite Loss
- General Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Managing Pain
- Depression
- High Stress

Overall, Canine Hydrotherapy and Pet hemp oil are alternative forms of treatment to help with arthritis, disease and injury. Warm water hydrotherapy is a way to exercise a dog in a completely safe environment and 100% non-weight bearing. When dogs start to become older, arthritic or develop a degenerative disease, they begin to experience pain and discomfort. This makes it so that the dog typically doesn’t want to exercise, which begins a downward spiral of muscle loss and increased difficulty getting around. Hydrotherapy helps to keep a dog’s entire body strong, mostly the hind end muscles. These specific muscles weaken and atrophy long before other muscles in the body which is why it is vital to start your dog EARLY ON. Our clients often report that through regular hydrotherapy sessions, their senior or aging dogs often become puppy like again and positively turn around their health and energy levels! By being proactive and starting your dog on their hydrotherapy journey when they’re young, will add quality years to your dog’s life, which is SO worth it, don’t you think?
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019