Our Services:
Hydrotherapy & Swimming
Reflexology
Red Light Therapy
Massage
Reiki
Hydrotherapy & Swimming
We offer Hydrotherapy for dogs recovering from injuries or surgery (over 10 years experience).
We also offer a safe environment for your dog to swim and have fun. We even allow owners to get in and swim with their dogs if their dogs are confident swimmers.
About Hydrotherapy
Extensive work in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight bearing conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair, without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues. Controlled swimming helps to improve cardiovascular stamina, muscle tone, range of movement and is particularly helpful in aiding recovery from injury or surgery whilst also improving general fitness, especially in the management of obesity.
Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It is better to treat dogs in heated water since cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near the skin and to the superficial muscles (those just under the skin) which restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.
Hydrotherapy is also considered to be a natural anti-inflammatory through its ability to reduce tissue swelling.
Hydrotherapy in conjunction with veterinary treatment can significantly improve the quality and rate of healing following surgery or traumatic injury. Post surgery the careful use of hydrotherapy can help with rehabilitation and increase the chance of a successful return to full fitness.
Enhancing general health and fitness can aid convalescence and speed up recovery
Hydrotherapy / Swimming has specific therapeutic effects on body tissues
Safe Exercise without Stresses / Muscle strengthening and maintenance
An excellent form of exercise because most of the muscles used in daily movement are involved – without the stresses caused by motion on hard ground. On land, each footfall creates a shock wave which travels up the limb and is absorbed by bones, tendons and joints. While these stresses are necessary to maintain healthy strong bone, if these shock waves are severe or repetitive they can damage or weaken the limb, particularly an arthritic joint or one recovering from an injury or surgery. Water therapy allows the “working out” and strengthening of the muscles while avoiding this potentially damaging concussion. Due to the increased resistance of movement created by the water, the muscles have to work harder than they would do on land.
Increased Circulation of Blood to the Muscles / Increased Tissue Healing
Warm water increases the circulation of blood to the muscles, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients and flushing away waste products, leading to muscle relaxation and a reduction in pain and stiffness. Improved circulation reduces swelling around an injured area and enhances healing. Our pool is heated to 27-30 degrees.
Relief of Pain, Swelling & Stiffness
The buoyancy effect of water reduces the load on weight bearing joints which helps to reduce pain and allows easier movement and exercise. Hydrostatic pressure applied to the body in water can assist in reducing swelling, and as the pressure increases with depth this encourages fluid swelling (oedema) in the limbs to move away from affected areas, immersed lower in the water back towards the body. This is assisted by exercising the limb to enhance circulation. Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure also help to support the body during exercise; this can aid the re-education of gait patterns in neurological conditions and reloading of a limb post-surgery.
Increased Range of Movement
A decreased range of motion can often be due to pain, swelling, or stiffness. Buoyancy can help to gently encourage stiff joints into an improved range of movement with minimal additional pain; increasing flexion and extension when in the water allows further range of movement generally when back on dry land.
Muscle Strengthening
Hydrotherapy/swimming tones most of the major muscle groups and improves the general overall fitness of the dog. Movement in water is more difficult due to the resistance of the water. Water based exercise uses 30% more oxygen than similar land-based exercise. By encouraging pain free limb movement against the resistance of water, muscle bulk will increase and thus muscle wastage will be reversed.
Cardiovascular fitness
In water the heart needs to work harder to meet the increased demand for nutrients by all the muscles which are being worked, this sounds like hard work – it is – and that’s the idea! For most dogs a short session is an extremely challenging workout (30 minutes full swimming is the equivalent of 1.5 hours walking). However, the buoyancy of the water and the fact that sudden twists, stops and falls are impossible, makes it a safe and effective form of exercise and it’s also very enjoyable for most animals. Whilst immersed in water the chest is subjected to the effects of hydrostatic pressure; this means that every breath requires more effort. Muscles used for breathing in have to work much harder and as muscles strengthens with exercise this improves the whole respiratory system.
COST - £30 for 30-minute pool time (equivalent to at least hours walk, which is why we rest the dogs during the session, it’s all at the dog’s pace).
Owners are welcome to get in the pool and swim with their dogs if they want to, although the sessions will be controlled by your therapist to ensure the safety of all.
OPEN from March/April to October/November - as weather dependent
Reflexology
Reflexology for dogs is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points (usually on the paws, ears, or body) that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. While research in canine reflexology is more limited than in humans, many holistic veterinarians and practitioners report promising results, especially for relaxation and overall wellness.
Benefits of Reflexology for Dogs
Pain Relief
- Stimulates nerve endings and encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
- Helpful for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and muscle tension.
Improved Circulation
- Enhances blood and lymphatic flow, supporting nutrient delivery and toxin removal.
- Assists in healing processes, especially after injury or surgery.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
- Pressure points on the paws and ears activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calm.
- Effective for dogs with noise phobias, separation anxiety, or hyperactivity.
Enhanced Organ Function
- Reflex points relate to internal organs (like kidneys, liver, stomach).
- Regular stimulation may help regulate digestion, detoxification, and immune system function.
Boosted Energy and Vitality
- Encourages energetic balance and flow, which may support overall vitality in aging or low-energy dogs.
Improved Mobility
- By targeting pressure points related to the spine, joints, and limbs, reflexology can support better movement and muscle tone.
Support for Behavioural Issues
- Dogs with trauma or emotional imbalance may benefit from the calming and grounding effect of reflexology.
- Helps restore a sense of safety and body awareness, especially for rescues.
When to Consider Reflexology
- Senior dogs needing mobility and immune support
- Dogs with anxiety or trauma history
- Dogs recovering from surgery
- Maintenance for working or sport dogs
- Digestive irregularities or detox support
PRICE - £20 for a 30 minute session
These sessions include a full health and mobility assessment, with a personalised report recommending supplements and simple treatments you can do at home to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
Open all year.
An additional charge of £5 will be incurred for home visits.
Red Light Therapy
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is ideal for our aging dogs suffering from rheumatic pain and I have used it on my own dogs with great results.
Light therapy is amongst the earliest recorded healing modalities, first used by the Egyptians but also practiced by the ancient Greeks, Chinese and Indians.
Clinical studies have established how certain wavelengths of light affect the cellular level and can therefore be used to treat these areas.
Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or photo biomodulation, has several potential benefits for dogs. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity, which can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Dogs
Pain Relief
- Helps reduce chronic and acute pain by decreasing inflammation and promoting blood circulation.
- Commonly used for arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Reduces swelling in muscles and joints.
- Helps manage inflammatory conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or ear infections.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
- Speeds up healing of:
- Post-surgical incisions
- Skin wounds
- Hot spots
- Burns
- Stimulates collagen production and cellular regeneration.
Improved Mobility
- Increases flexibility and range of motion in older dogs or those recovering from injury or surgery.
Supports Post-Operative Recovery
- Reduces pain and inflammation after surgery.
- Promotes faster tissue and nerve regeneration.
Improves Skin and Coat Health
- Helpful for dogs with dermatitis, eczema, or allergic skin reactions.
- Stimulates hair regrowth in areas affected by alopecia or skin trauma.
Anxiety and Relaxation
- Some dogs experience a calming effect from the therapy session itself, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Common Conditions Treated with RLT in Dogs
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Muscle strains or tears
- Post-surgical healing
- Neurological disorders (like IVDD)
- Chronic skin conditions
- Lick granulomas and pressure sores
Whilst daily treatment is recommended for more severe injuries benefits can be seen by doing this once or twice a week.
PRICE - £20 for a 30 minute session
These sessions include a full health and mobility assessment, with a personalised report recommending supplements and simple treatments you can do at home to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
Open all year.
An additional charge of £5 will be incurred for home visits.
Reiki and Massage
Benefits of Reiki for Dogs
Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves gentle touch or hovering hands to channel healing energy into the body. It's non-invasive and can be particularly helpful for sensitive or nervous dogs.
Emotional & Behavioural Benefits
- Reduces anxiety and stress: Calms dogs during thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or separation.
- Supports emotional healing: Helps rescue or traumatized dogs process past experiences.
- Encourages trust and bonding: Especially useful for newly adopted or fearful dogs.
Physical Benefits
- Pain relief: Helps alleviate chronic pain, often used alongside veterinary care.
- Speeds recovery: Assists healing after surgery or illness by supporting relaxation and energy balance.
- Enhances immune function: Promotes overall energetic balance that may support immunity and vitality.
End-of-Life Support
- Eases the transition for terminally ill dogs or those in hospice care.
- Provides comfort and emotional peace to both the dog and the caregiver.
Note: Reiki does not replace veterinary care but can complement it as part of holistic support.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Dogs
Canine massage involves manually manipulating the dog’s muscles, soft tissues, and joints to relieve tension, promote circulation, and enhance relaxation.
Physical Benefits
- Pain relief: Eases arthritis, muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and post-injury discomfort.
- Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage: Helps with swelling, detoxification, and healing.
- Faster recovery: Post-surgical and post-exercise recovery is improved by reducing muscle fatigue and inflammation.
- Increased flexibility and mobility: Especially helpful for senior dogs or those with orthopaedic issues.
Emotional & Behavioural Benefits
- Reduces anxiety and promotes calmness: Dogs often enter a deep state of relaxation during massage.
- Improves sleep: Relaxed muscles and reduced stress can lead to deeper rest.
- Strengthens the human-animal bond: Trust grows through touch and attentive care.
Digestive and Nervous System Support
- Massage can gently stimulate the digestive tract and parasympathetic nervous system, supporting gut health and emotional regulation.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Much like Tai Chi, it is a mind-body exercise that combines movement, meditation, and deep breathing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stressed, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. The treatment works much like other alternative healing such as T
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So, Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being. Many have reported miraculous results.
Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
Supplement, not replacement
There are many reports of the positive effects on general health and disposition for dogs following a Reiki or Massage session, there are also stories that offer hope for reduction in chronic pain, even reversal and remission of severe medical issues. However, application and outcomes are not a replacement for routine veterinary care, or a reason to disregard needed medicine or medical procedures. Like all alternative therapy, they offer non-invasive assistance that serves as one line of defence for your dog, it is by no means guaranteed to heal all wounds but the benefits are obvious.
PRICE - £20 for a 30 minute session
These sessions include a full health and mobility assessment, with a personalised report recommending supplements and simple treatments you can do at home to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
Open all year.
An additional charge of £5 will be incurred for home visits.
Name of company
Woofs and Water
Registered office
19 Terminus Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 3LR
Contact details
07596 830771
woofsandwater@gmail.com