ABERGELE is now home to its first canine, under water treadmill hydrotherapy centre.

Paws 2 Water Hydrotherapy Specialists offers tailor-made rehabilitation and fitness programmes and is understood to be the first independent unit in North Wales to specialise in dog hydrotherapy using a heated underwater treadmill.

Ceri Johnson, 34, owner of Paws 2 Water who is qualified and experienced in dog and small animal hydrotherapy, said: “Paws 2 Water Hydrotherapy Specialists is an independent centre, meaning we are not located within a veterinary surgery. We accept referrals from all Veterinary Surgery’s across North Wales from Anglesey to Wrexham.

“The idea is to provide the most up to date care and treatment for dogs and small animals using the medium of heated, treated water.”

Rhyl Journal:

Abergele now has its first canine, under water treadmill hydrotherapy centre

Ceri, who lives in the town with her partner and two dogs, Eva, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Jacob, a Springer Spaniel, said it has been her goal to open her own centre of dog hydrotherapy since 2015. Her dream became a reality in November.

“It has been a long, bumpy road. Many challenges have held me back but I have overcome everything and put in the hard work to get to where I am today,” Ceri added.

Ceri has worked in both small animal and mixed practice.

While working as a veterinary nurse assistant, she heard about hydrotherapy for dogs and began her research into the treatment.

She said: "After several visits to a veterinary pool, I decided this was my career goal.

"In 2015, I studied and qualified as a Level three small animal hydrotherapist and have since completed a number of additional courses to expand my knowledge and skills, including the advanced aquatic treadmill hydrotherapy techniques qualification.

“Hydrotherapy is a fantastic tool for helping a variety of ailments and surgical recovery, however, many don’t realise how beneficial it is for fitness and weight loss," she added.

“I see a lot of dogs that require an exercise regime that increases weight loss, but does not put the limbs under excess stress like on land.

“This is possible as the waters buoyancy, lifts the weight off the limbs causing less impact on the joints and enables the dog to do more.”

The venue benefits from a warm shower for the dogs - pre and post treatment. Each are fitted with a support harness or jacket.