Hydrotherapy (see our introductory article on dog hydrotherapy for details) has long been a go-to for canine rehab and fitness, but did you know that you can also bring elements of it home? IIf you’re a hands-on dog parent, you don’t need a huge backyard or fancy setup to try home hydrotherapy. With a little creativity and some simple gear, you can create a safe and effective low-impact workout space for your dog—even in smaller areas like patios, garages, or indoors. Whether you’re doing this to support your dog’s recovery, keep them active between sessions at your hydrotherapy centre, or simply mix up their routine, this guide will walk you through how to set things up safely.
Want to know the main reasons why owners have their dog engage in hydrotherapy, check out our detailed guide here!
Is Home Hydrotherapy Right for Your Dog?
Before we dive into the setup, let’s start with the most important thing—your dog’s health. If your dog has any known joint or muscle issues, recent surgeries, or if they’re limping or showing signs of discomfort, it’s crucial to get clearance from your vet or canine physiotherapist first. Hydrotherapy is gentle, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free, especially for dogs recovering from injury or surgery. A professional can guide you on which movements are safe and how to progress them.
That said, even healthy dogs benefit tremendously from hydro work. Think of it like strength training and coordination practice rolled into one—minus the joint stress.
And here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose between in-clinic hydrotherapy sessions and at-home work. In fact, combining both is a fantastic way to maintain consistency, especially if your pup only goes to the hydro centre once a week. What you do at home can complement those professional sessions beautifully.
What You’ll Need to Set Up At-Home Hydrotherapy
You don’t need a fancy setup, but a few smart tools will go a long way in keeping things effective—and safe.
A Pool That Fits Your Dog
For medium to large breeds like Golden Retrievers, an inflatable kiddie pool or foldable dog pool is a great option. You’ll want a size that allows for turning and a bit of movement, but not so large that your dog is tempted to zoom across or loses confidence. Aim for dimensions roughly 1.2 to 1.5 meters in diameter and about 40–50 cm in depth. This gives enough space for exercises like turns, leg lifts, or high stepping without overwhelming them.
Non-Slip Matting
The base of the pool (and the surrounding area) should have non-slip matting or grip material to prevent slipping when getting in and out. Water play is only fun if it’s safe. Yoga mats or rubber traction tiles can work well around the pool.
Clean Water
Dogs may swallow a bit of water while exercising, so hygiene matters. Use fresh water for every session. After use, rinse the pool and scrub with a pet-safe cleaner—a simple vinegar-water mix works well. Let it dry fully between uses to avoid mold buildup. If your dog has skin sensitivities, keep sessions short and rinse them off afterward.
Support Gear
For dogs new to hydro or those lacking confidence, a canine life vest is a smart idea. It adds buoyancy and makes it easier for you to support your dog during tougher movements.
Treats & Toys
Always keep high-value treats nearby or a toy they love—it helps you shape movements, reward effort, and build positive associations.
At-Home Hydro Exercises You Can Try
These exercises are fitness-focused and suitable for healthy dogs. If your dog is post-surgery or rehabbing from an injury, always follow a rehab protocol designed by your vet or physio. For detailed exercises and guidance, check out our full Hydrotherapy Exercises for Dogs article, where we dive deeper into effective moves and tips to keep your dog safe and strong.
Water Walking
This is the simplest yet most effective movement. Have your dog walk slowly through the shallow end of the pool. The water creates resistance, making every step a muscle-building effort. Position yourself in front of your dog with a treat to guide slow, deliberate steps. Keep the water around elbow height to start.
High Stepping
Encourage your dog to lift their legs higher by walking through slightly deeper water and using treat placement to slow their pace. This targets coordination, hip flexors, and core strength. If they’re just paddling through the water without much lift, try raising your treat a little higher and rewarding any clear leg movement out of the water.
Slow Turns
Gently guide your dog to make wide, slow turns in the water. This is great for balance and core stability. Stand just outside the pool with a treat or toy and use it to lure them into curving movements.
Sit-to-Stand in Water
Ask your dog to sit, then guide them into a stand using a treat held just above their nose. The water provides support, but also resistance—perfect for working the glutes and thighs. Only attempt this if your dog already has a good “sit” and “stand” on land.
Backwards Walking
Great for building hindlimb strength and coordination. You can shape this by stepping toward your dog gently, encouraging them to step back. In water, they’ll need to lift and place each paw more deliberately, which is excellent for proprioception.
Core Float Holds
Using a floatation vest or light support under their belly, encourage your dog to hold still in the water. Just a few seconds at a time is enough to activate those small stabilising muscles in the spine and core. Keep the mood calm and relaxed—this isn’t about splashy swimming!
Water Retrieval Games
Toss a floating toy a short distance to encourage swimming and turning. Keep these light and fun—remember, this is strength and cardio combined! Avoid overexertion by keeping the tosses short and pausing between reps.
A Note on Rehab Work
If your dog is recovering from surgery or injury, many of these same movements can still apply—but the timing, intensity, and progression need to be customised. This is where your vet or rehab therapist is key. They can guide you on which exercises to avoid, how long sessions should last, and how to monitor fatigue or compensation patterns.
Final Tips
Keep sessions short to start—5 to 10 minutes is plenty. Build slowly and observe how your dog responds.
Dry your dog off completely afterward, especially around the ears and in between the toes to avoid infections or irritation.
Always end on a positive note. That might be a favorite treat, a cozy towel cuddle, or a quick game on land.
With a little creativity and care, hydrotherapy at home can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s fitness routine. Whether you’re working toward better mobility, adding variety to exercise, or simply giving your pup a fun challenge—water work brings a whole new dimension to wellness.
