What is Four Paws Hydrotherapy for dogs?

Four Paws Aqua Hydrotherapy pool is a warm water therapy exercise provided by Karen Standen and her volunteers. It consists of swimming each session is tailored to the individual clients needs.
 

What kind of qualifications do your therapists have to do this work?

Karen Standen who is the owner of Four Paws Aqua Hydrotherapy Pool for dogs has been fully trained in first aid for dogs and cats which she received at Sparsholt's College. She has also shadowed many already practising Hydrotherapist across the U.K. Karen has also attended a water management course with Biolab UK limited. Karen was also the winner of the South East region Learndirect award for her work with Four Paws Aqua.

Who is a candidate for Four Paws Aqua?

We consider any client for treatment at Four Paws. We offer a number of different sessions for our clients including a hydrotherapy swim which lasts one hour and a fun swim which lasts half an hour. The Hydrotherapy swim is designed for those animals that need extra care taken on their joints for a varied number of reasons. Some of the most common problems we have seen here include Hip dysplasia, arthritis, overweight dogs and cats and cruciate rupture. The fun swim is just for fun.

What are the benefits of coming to Four Paws Aqua?

The benefits of using Four Paws will change for each customer. However, swimming for any dog or cat can prevent unnecessary pressure and erosion of the joints. Swimming also provides the client a safe environment to exercise and build muscle and so can have a positive impact on their lifestyle and flexibility.

Do you work with my vet?

We only allow animals to swim at Four Paws Aqua if their vet has given them permission. However, Four Paws Aqua will find out all the necessary details from your vets for you. Once we have written confirmation from your vets allowing us to go ahead with the sessions we will contact you to book an appointment. We also send regular updates to your vets to show any progress made.

How long are the appointments?

In total you can expect to be at the pool for about 30minutes.
Your dog will be in the pool for between 10-20minutes depending on physical fitness and capability. We take care to ensure that your dog is not over-worked and remains safe.

After the swim your dog will be receive a shampoo and rough dry. We supply a  high quality canine shampoo however you are more than welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

We are open at Four Paws Aqua six days a week.

What if my dog does not like the water?

Most dogs and cats are unsure of the water on their first visit to Four Paws. This is something we expect and do not worry about and usually settles the more the animal visits us. The most problems usually occur when the animal is getting into the pool. If an animal is particularly resistant we have a hoist that literally lowers them in the pool. This is a last resort and does not harm the animal in any way. We usually find that once they are in the pool their nerves subside. We ask that the owner give as much encourage to their animal as possible.

Tell me about the pool?

Karen searched throughout England to find the best pool to use for Four Paws Aqua. Our facility features a 3.5 metre long pool by 3 metres which is fully heated for both Karen and the clients comfort. The pool features jets which can be turned on to maximise the clients exercise. We test the pool every day for water balance and use low levels of bromine in the pool which along with our filtering system keeps the water sanitary and sparkling clean.

How do you get the animals in and out of the pool?

The pool is equipped with a ramp that runs up the side of the pool. A swimming assistant walks the dogs up the side of the pool to the top deck. Karen will already be in the pool. The dog is then gently persuaded into the pool by both Karen and the swimming assistant. Sometimes we have to lift a reluctant dog into the pool but this is done in the most tenderly fashion. As mentioned above we also have a hoist that may be used in special circumstances. On exit the dog will be guided out of the pool and back down the ramp.

How do I prepare for an appointment?

Before you arrive at Four Paws Aqua we ask that your dog or cat is clean and is brushed to remove any excess hair. We ask that the dog or cat is not fed three hours before their swim and has relieved themselves before entering the facility. This is to reduce the risk of the animal fouling the pool as there is a charge if this happens.

How many sessions do you recommend?

Each client is assessed individually and a recommendation will be made at the end of each session. Factors such as age, condition and recent injuries or illnesses will all play a role in determining what programme is recommended. We offer packages here at Four Paws for those clients who wish to visit on a regular basis.

How soon will it take for me to see improvements in my dog or cat?

This will vary greatly depending on the condition of the dog, frequency and duration of visits. It may only take a couple of weeks, but some may take a couple of months.

Can I bring more than one dog to my appointment?

We allow only one dog in the pool at Four Paws Aqua at any time, but it is up to you if you bring more than one dog to the session. If however having another dog in the facility distracts the dog in the water we would recommend that other arrangements are made. We do however offer packages for two dogs to have fun swims.

What if I want to swim with my dog?

We do allow swimming with your dog but require a couple of sessions alone with them first.

Can I bring my dog or cat in for just exercise?

Of course! We offer fun swims for dogs that simply enjoy swimming.

I have an aggressive dog, are they welcome?

We are a small, friendly, patient and caring team, we don't like to turn anyone away. We have in the past had swimmers with a more aggressive nature and have had little problem.

Depending on your dogs behaviour, we may ask you, for health and safety reasons, to fit a basket type muzzle onto your dog before you enter the premises, which they can safely wear during their swim. We also may ask you to assist the volunteers while they are showering your dog and fitting/removing the life-jacket etc. This will ensure the safety of our volunteers and will help to keep your dog calm.

In rare circumstances we may not be able to accommodate certain pets, but this is always a last resort - We don't want to deny any dog the chance to swim!

I have an older dog, would water therapy be good for him?

We have a variety of ages that Visit Four Paws. One dog called Misty is 12 and enjoys the water every week. Karen’s reason for opening Four Paws was to allow her dog Chum who is 10 a place to exercise after two serious leg injuries. We also check with every clients vet before we allow them into the water. Any concerns will be flagged up before any contact with the water is made.

Do you have weekend and evening appointments?

Yes. Please contact us for details on days and times.
 

How much does it cost?

Do you offer packages or discounts?

We offer a number of packages at Four Paws which are titled Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Is there a way for me to help someone financially that needs therapy?

At Four Paws Aqua we have funding from the Friends of the Animals charity in order to help those who need hydrotherapy and cannot afford the full price. However, this is at Karen’s discretion and we ask that anyone requiring this help speaks to her directly.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We understand at Four Paws that sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled. We ask that 24 hours notice is given in order for us to plan accordingly for the following day.
 
If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you may be responsible for the full balance of that appointment. A £5 deposit is also needed to secure your booking. This will be deducted from the session price of your next visit.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds on our Gold Bronze and Silver packages, but these sessions do not have an expiry date on them and so can be used any time after purchase.