Watch: Treadmill dogs take walk on the wet side at Shropshire vets

Willow the Golden Retriever had hydrotherapy at Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre following two knee replacement operations last year.

Her owner Kirsten Dodenhoff, a teacher from Shrewsbury, said the benefits from the treatment were not just medical.

She said: "After her operations Willow was nervous about walking, but the hydrotherapy sessions boosted her confidence and she was soon back to normal.

"I am so grateful to the vets in Bridgnorth for helping to get Willow back to her old self."

Vet Sarah Probert said that installation of the aquatic treadmill 10 years ago made Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre one of the few specialist hydrotherapy-equipped vets in the county.

She added: "Unlike pools, the treadmill helps dogs recover the use of their legs correctly after injury or surgery. The warm water reduces the weight load on their joints and also has thermal benefits."

Dogs of all sizes can use the aquatic treadmill for 20 minute sessions, which also helps with recovery after surgery and weight loss.

The most common type of injury treated was following cruciate ligament procedures.

It also helped dogs which had suffered joint disease, neurological problems or who needed to get fit and lose some weight.

Head nurse Lynne Jones said that the treatment suited dogs of any size and they all seemed to enjoy their time on the treadmill.

She added: "They usually go into the tank without any fuss and understand very quickly what they have to do. We encourage owners to bring along their dog's toys so they feel more relaxed."

Hydrotherapy can also be beneficial in young growing dogs diagnosed with developmental conditions.

Experts said muscle wastage begins within three days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it was important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated.

They found it was better to treat dogs in heated water since cold water caused constriction of the blood vessels near the skin and to the muscles just under the skin, which restricted the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.

Ms Jones added that the buoyancy effect of water reduced the load on weight bearing joints, which helped to reduce pain and allowed easier movement and exercise.

Canine hydrotherapy pools and aquatic treadmill tanks have used chlorine and bromine safely for many years, and the fully-trained hydrotherapists monitor chemical levels throughout the day.

The greyhound racing industry initially recognised the treatment for canines and from then on, the therapy was extended to dogs in general.

For more information contact Bridgnorth Veterinary Service on 01746 711561, or e-mail at results@bridgnorthveterinarycentre.eclipse.co.uk.