Facilities

At 121 Animal Therapy we have a full range of hydrotherapy equipment specially designed for animals by "Westcoast", one of the United Kingdom's leading suppliers of canine hydrotherapy equipment.

Hydrotherapy Pool

The hydrotherapy pool is 10' x 8' with a depth of 4' 6". It has a wooden entry ramp on the outside and a stainless steel one inside leading into the pool. The temperature is kept between 25 and 30 degrees C.

The water supports the dog's body weight but also provides resistance. Thus the dog's limbs and muscles are exercised even if the dog cannot support its weight while out of the water. To increase the dog's muscular activity we can turn on swim jets which exert even greater resistance than the still water provides. Even without swim jets, one minute of swimming for a dog is the same as one mile of walking. To make sure we don't overdo the treatmennt, the first few sessions will be brief.

Hydrotherapy in the pool also benefits cats in the same way it benefits dogs.

Hydrotherapy Spa

We keep the spa at 36 to 38 degrees C to provide an even heat which relaxes the dog's muscles. The warmth helps dogs who suffer with chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis. It also has water jets to stimulate the skin and promote improved blood circulation.

Water Walker

The water walker is an underwater treadmill. Like the pool, we keep the temperature at 25 to 30 degrees C and the water supports the dog's body weight. We can adjust the water level from the equivalent of dry land to the equivalent of swimming in the sea. The walker speed can be set at rates up to eight miles per hour. So we have fine control over the dog's muscular exertion.

Hoists

We have two hoists. We use one to carry larger dogs from motor vehicles. The other is suspended from the ceiling inside the hydrotherapy centre for lifting dogs into the pool or spa. Both are almost silent so dogs are not upset by any noise.

Shower

We ask that dogs are clean when they arrive. However, we always rinse off any loose hairs or dirt in the shower before each dog swims. Once the therapy session is complete, we'll rinse off the chemicals used for water treatment.

Dryer

We have a professional "blaster dryer" for drying the dogs. However, it can be noisy and will not be suitable for dogs of a nervous disposition or dogs afraid of the sound of a vacuum cleaner. We dry the dogs thoroughly before they leave, especially when it is cold outside, so they do not catch chills. Please bring you own towel.

Life Jackets

All animals coming for hydrotherapy treatment must wear life jackets. We have a range to fit small, medium and large animals. Even if they are excellent swimmers, they are with us for therapeutic reasons and the environment is strange to them. It is not the same as swimming in the sea, a lake or a river.

The Water

Without water there would be no hydrotherapy! To keep the water in top condition we check it three times a day. After each test, we add any chemicals that the test indicates are needed.

Dry Treadmill

Our new Dry Room which houses our Dry Treadmill is available to hire. It has the ability to target specific muscle groups to get your dog into top show or performance condition.

Try a course on the Dry Treadmill to improve their ranking. Includes flatwork, uphill and downhill work. Suitable for Chihuahuas to Terriers, Spaniels to Collies, Labradors to Schnauzers, Greyhounds to Great Danes, Wolfhounds to Newfoundlands.

The Aquamed 100 Dry Hydrotherapy Massage Bed

"Dry" Hydrotherapy

VeraflexTM technology is the result of continuous effort to develop the most resilient and comfortable barrier between patient and water, which maximizes the treatment value while keeping the patient dry.

Pressure Control

The AM 100 offers 10 pressure settings ranging from 2 pounds per square inch (low pressure) to 16 pounds per square inch (high pressure). Many other Dry Hydrotherapy models only provide 2 levels of pressure.

Water-through-Air technology

With AquaMED's Water-through-Air technology, treatment pressure remains constant from the time it leaves the jets until it reaches the user. In contrast, many other Dry Hydrotherapy systems use Water-through-Water technology, which significantly reduces treatment pressure and overall therapy effectiveness.

Prescribed Therapy

The AM 100's Personal Therapy ControlTM system allows for the highest level of Dry Hydrotherapy treatment customization. The pressure, duration, and target treatment settings may be adjusted to meet any client's needs. 36 programs are available to treat common symptoms.

Here is a printable pamphlet about the Aquamed 100 Dry Hydrotherapy Massage Bed.