When your dog needs more than rest to recover, or more than a walk to stay strong, underwater treadmill therapy delivers. At StayPet, we're proud to offer one of the most effective canine rehabilitation tools available, right here in our Harmans facility.
Whether your pup is bouncing back from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or just needs low-impact conditioning, our canine underwater treadmill gives them the movement they need without the strain.
An underwater treadmill, also called a hydrotherapy treadmill, is an enclosed chamber that fills with warm water while your dog walks on a moving belt below the surface. The buoyancy of the water reduces the amount of weight your dog places on their joints, allowing them to move through a full range of motion with far less impact than on land.
Unlike swimming, the treadmill keeps your dog in a consistent, controlled position. That makes it ideal for targeted muscle building, gait retraining, and post-surgical recovery. And unlike most hydrotherapy facilities, StayPet's underwater treadmill is part of a full-service pet resort and veterinary clinic, so your dog's care team is right there with them every step of the way.
Hydrotherapy has been used in human medicine for decades, and the benefits translate powerfully to our four-legged patients. Here's why vets and rehabilitation specialists recommend canine hydrotherapy in Maryland and across the country:
Water buoyancy can reduce effective body weight by up to 60 to 90 percent depending on water depth. For dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or post-surgical soreness, that relief is immediate and meaningful.
After orthopedic surgeries like TPLO, femoral head osteotomy (FHO), or spinal procedures, dogs need to rebuild muscle and relearn proper gait. The underwater treadmill accelerates that process by allowing active movement without damaging healing tissue.
Water resistance provides natural resistance training. Dogs work harder to move through water than through air, building strength, improving cardiovascular fitness, and supporting healthy body weight without high-impact exercise.
For dogs with degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or recovering from spinal injuries, the treadmill helps retrain the nervous system and maintain muscle mass during recovery.
For overweight dogs whose joints can't handle traditional exercise, underwater treadmill therapy is a low-risk way to get moving, burn calories, and build the muscle needed to support a healthier weight long-term.
Our veterinary team at StayPet will evaluate your dog before beginning any rehabilitation protocol. Underwater treadmill therapy is commonly recommended for dogs experiencing:
Not sure if your dog is a candidate? Schedule a rehabilitation consultation with the StayPet vet care team. We'll assess your dog's needs and recommend the right protocol, whether that's the underwater treadmill, laser therapy, manual therapy, or a combination.
We know the unknown can be stressful for you and your pup. Here's what a typical underwater treadmill session at StayPet looks like:
Sessions are supervised throughout by trained StayPet staff. We monitor your dog's fatigue, gait, and comfort continuously, and we communicate with you after every visit.
One of the things that makes StayPet genuinely different: your dog doesn't have to leave after their session. Our facility combines vet care and rehabilitation with boarding, daycare, and grooming, all in one boutique, family-owned environment.
That means your dog can:
We call it VetCare + StayCare, and there's nothing else quite like it in Maryland.
It depends on your dog's condition and goals. Some dogs benefit from a short series of sessions post-surgery, typically 4 to 8 weeks, while others with chronic conditions like arthritis may benefit from ongoing monthly maintenance. Our vet team will map out a protocol specific to your dog.
No, and the difference matters. Swimming is good exercise, but it doesn't provide the same controlled, targeted gait training as the underwater treadmill. The treadmill belt keeps your dog in a consistent position so we can focus on specific muscle groups, monitor their movement, and adjust resistance in real time.
Yes, when performed by trained professionals. At StayPet, sessions are always supervised by our team, and every dog is evaluated before starting. We take a conservative, patient-first approach. Your dog's safety and comfort come before anything else.
Absolutely. We work at your dog's pace. Our team is experienced in introducing anxious or water-shy dogs to the treadmill gently. We never force a dog into the chamber, and we use positive reinforcement throughout. Most dogs relax quickly once they realize the warm water feels good.
A referral is not required to schedule a consultation at StayPet. However, if your dog is recovering from surgery or managing a diagnosed condition, we recommend sharing relevant records with our team so we can coordinate care appropriately.
Pricing varies based on session length and protocol. Contact our team directly for current pricing. We're happy to walk you through what's included and help you find the right fit for your dog's needs and your budget.
StayPet is located at 1209 Old Dorsey Rd, Harmans, MD 21077, just minutes from BWI Airport and easily accessible from:
