You will be asked why you have contacted the clinic.
Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's medical history.
A signed vet referral is required by law, before your pet can swim. This is to ensure your vet is happy for your dog to swim. Your vet can give valuable information about your pet, helping the hydrotherapist provide the best possible treatment. You can download a vet form here.
Once the hydrotherapist has received the completed forms, an initial appointment can be arranged.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time so your pet can walk around and empty their bowels and bladder before their session. Please keep your dog on a lead. You should allow 45 minutes to one hour for the initial consultation and swim.
DO NOT come into the building.
For the first session, the hydrotherapist will spend a few minutes outside with you and your dog, going through your pet's medical history, and getting to know the dog before taking them inside.
For second and subsequent sessions, your dog will be collected from you, outside at the "Dog Parking Hook" beside the front steps.
If you wish to watch your dog's hydrotherapy session, please follow instructions from the hydrotherapist. Risk Assessments for health and safety change constantly, so you may be asked to maintain social distancing or to wear a face covering.
During your dog's hydrotherapy session the hydrotherapist will be by their side throughout. They will be fitted with a bouyancy jacket or harness and the hydrotherapist gets into the pool with the dog for the session. Only one dog is allowed in the pool at any time.
Depending on the dog's condition, the first session may only consist of a few short swims, with long rest periods between. This is so we do not over exercise a vulnerable area, and so we can assess the dog, get them used to the water and the pool environment.
After your dog's hydrotherapy session, they will be showered and towel dried. When they are returned to you, make sure they are as dry as possible. Bring your own towel and a warm dog coat or blanket to wrap your pet in for the journey home, especially in inclement weather, so the benefits gained from hydotherapy are retained.
You should allow 30 to 45 minutes for second and subsequent sessions. Weekly or fortnighly sessions may be required initially, and you should expect to see an improvement within 6 weeks. Some patients may respond quicker or others may take longer. Once your pet's condition has improved, sessions may become less frequent as a maintenance programme is established.
Sessions can be booked individually, or there are discounts for a block of sessions purchased up front. You should check with your pet insurer as they will often cover the cost of hydrotherapy, which is now recognised as a beneficial course of treatment in your dog's recovery. If you are hoping to use your pet insurance, please note that West Wales Canine Hydrotherapy will need you to pay for sessions directly, and then you should recoup the costs subsequently from your insurance company.
Hydrotherapy sessions are designed to be fun for your pet, motivated by play, toys and praise. We will take cues from your dog, and allow them to progress at their own pace. We want your pet to enjoy their hydrotherapy sessions, and to look forward to coming again.
