Something new and exciting is coming to Bedfordshire…..

Based in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, close to the M1 (10 mins from junction 12) and the A6/A507, House of Hydro is a brand new purpose built canine hydrotherapy pool owned and run by qualified Canine Hydrotherapist, Natasha De Kauwe BA Hons, Cert HSA, RCH.

Natasha is a member of the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH)

1. What does a Hydrotherapy Session include?

An initial assessment of your dog is required, to establish any health issues, along with a discussion of what your expectations are for your furry friend.

Your dog will be observed walking on land, to identify any unusual gait patterns, and they will also have the opportunity to look around the premises to feel as comfortable as possible for the session.

If the therapist is happy that your dog is suitable to enter the pool, they will be given a warm shower before entering the pool.

This will help warm the muscles up and also ensures the quality of the pool water remains high. After the swim session, your dog will have a further shower to remove the chlorinated water and will then be dried off so they don’t get cold.

2. Why would I pay for my dog to swim, when he can swim for free in the local lake?

The cold water in a lake or river 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.

The water in the pool at House of Hydro is between 28-30 degrees and the water quality is checked 3 times a day.

This warm water increases the blood circulation, relaxes the muscles and increases the intake of oxygen and nutrients, which reduces pain and stiffness.

If your dog has any swellings around injured areas, these will reduce due to the increased circulation.

Because your dog is supervised at all times, it avoids the risk of water intoxication – a condition that although rare is potentially fatal, but its commonly seen in dogs that love to retrieve toys from the sea/lakes etc and ingest large amounts of water.

Most importantly, the pool offers a SAFE environment for your dog to swim in.

3. How do I know if my dog CAN swim?

Not all dogs can swim, or even like water, but with the aid of a float coat to help their buoyancy, and the patient encouragement of the qualified therapist, your dog will slowly gain the confidence needed to initially enter the water, and when ready, swim.

Toys will be used to encourage your dog into the water and reward them too.

4. What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can help with many conditions including Arthritis, weight loss, soft tissue injuries, Cruciate ligament, spinal injuries, hip and elbow dysplasia, or for just for fun and general fitness.

5. Do I need to buy any special equipment?

No.  All buoyancy aids, float coats, toys are supplied. You do need to bring your own towel or dog robe though, for the end of the session, although dog robes and various floating toys can be purchased on site.

To find out more or enquire about booking a session, please take a look at www.houseofhydro.co.uk