Hydropaws

🎉It’s our 20th birthday 🎉

20 years ago I opened the doors at Hydropaws, and this post is dedicated to Cally, who fuelled my passion for hydrotherapy. She was diagnosed with severe degenerative joint disease as a young dog, and with experience of equine hydrotherapy, I imported the first canine underwater treadmill into NZ.

Cally thrived and hydrotherapy helped her stay fit and strong and she lived a fulfilling life on the farm until she was 15❤️

When we began, the landscape was very different. There was no social media or iPhones 😂 and little understanding of canine hydrotherapy with few structured pathways for supporting long-term mobility.

What has remained consistent over the past 20 years is simple:

Dogs move better when we understand function properly — and guide it step by step.

Not through quick fixes.
Not through isolated treatments.

But through consistent, progressive rehabilitation that respects how the body actually heals and adapts.

Over this time, one thing has become very clear in practice:

Most mobility changes don’t appear suddenly. They develop gradually — through small changes in posture, strength, confidence, and willingness to move.

That is why early recognition and appropriate support can make such a meaningful difference to long-term outcomes.

To acknowledge this milestone — and to continue supporting dogs who need it most — we are offering a monthly giveaway for the rest of 2026;

🎁 One free Canine Mobility Assessment + Introductory Hydrotherapy Session each month for the rest of 2026🎁

Keep following our page to find out how to win this prize for your dog🐶 🐾

Thank you to all my amazing clients and their dogs 🐶, who over the last 20 years have inspired me to continue learning, refining, and continuing to support dogs towards more comfort, confidence, and capability in movement — one step at a time💙🐾

💙lovely example of how hydrotherapy can be so beneficial for dogs with spinal injuries🐾

✨Hydrotherapy is great for helping build strength in young dogs with hip dysplasia🐾

Hydrotherapy is amazing for supporting mobility in our senior dogs🥰
Take the first step and ☎️Rachel on 0211841032 to see how hydrotherapy can help support your senior dog today😊

Why Dogs May Struggle With Mobility When the Sun Shines ☀️ — and How Hydrotherapy Helps 🐾💙
Many dogs with chronic pain or arthritis show changes in mobility as the weather heats up — and you’re not imagining it. While science doesn’t yet give us a single clear reason for heat-related pain, both human and animal patients consistently report increased discomfort during seasonal changes.
Here’s what might be happening 👇
🌡️ High humidity = Stiff joints
Humidity can increase joint swelling, making arthritic joints feel tighter, more inflamed, and more painful.
🌦️ Storms & pressure changes = More pain
Drops in barometric pressure before rain or storms can cause tissues to swell and joints to ache — very similar to what many humans with arthritis experience.
🔥 Hot days = Less movement
Dogs naturally slow down in the heat. Less movement means more stiffness, weaker supporting muscles, and worsening joint discomfort. Heat also dilates blood vessels, which can heighten pain sensitivity.
🏖️ Summer fun = Risk of overexertion
Longer days often mean more swimming, beach adventures, and activity. While great for enrichment, sudden or excessive activity can lead to strains, sprains, and flare-ups of existing inflammation.
💧 Why hydrotherapy helps
Warm-water hydrotherapy supports mobility and comfort by:
✔️ Reducing load on painful joints
✔️ Improving circulation and easing stiffness
✔️ Strengthening muscles safely and gently
✔️ Allowing movement without overheating
✔️ Supporting mobility during weather-related flare-ups
If your dog is struggling in the hot weather, hydrotherapy can help reduce discomfort, support joint health, and improve mobility. 💙🐶
Give us a call:
☎️ 021 184 1032 — let’s help your dog move comfortably through summer. 🐕 ☀️

🎄Merry Christmas🎄 We would like to thank all of our wonderful friends and clients for your trust, support and loyalty throughout 2025. It has been a privilege to be part of your dog’s health care team and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year🎉