Dog Hydrotherapy in Madison, WI
Warm-water swim and underwater treadmill therapy that helps dogs recover from surgery, move comfortably with arthritis and get fit without strain.
Therapies & Prices
Every program starts with an initial assessment. We send a written plan and progress notes to your vet.
Initial Assessment$95
A 60-minute review of your dog's history, gait and range of motion, plus a first short session and a written plan.
Underwater Treadmill Session$65
Walking in warm water at a set depth and speed, to rebuild muscle and even out gait after surgery or injury.
Pool Swim Session$60
A guided swim with a therapist in the water — non-weight-bearing exercise for arthritis and older dogs.
Post-Surgery Rehab Package$460
Eight treadmill or swim sessions over four to eight weeks, with progress notes to your surgeon.
Fitness & Weight-Loss Swim$200 / month
A monthly plan of four swims for healthy weight loss and conditioning without joint strain.
Many pet insurance plans with rehabilitation coverage reimburse hydrotherapy. We provide itemized receipts.
Clinical Care, In Warm Water
Rippleton was founded by a canine hydrotherapist after years working alongside veterinary rehabilitation teams. We work one dog at a time, in an 88°F filtered pool and a variable-depth underwater treadmill, and every plan is written with — and reported back to — your vet or surgeon. Water supports much of a dog's body weight, so dogs can build strength and range of motion long before they could on land.
- ✓Trained canine hydrotherapists
- ✓Plans shared with your vet
- ✓One dog in the water at a time
- ✓Pool water tested twice a day
Conditions We Treat
After orthopedic surgery
TPLO, cruciate repair, hip and elbow surgery — rebuilding muscle and an even gait.
Arthritis and older dogs
Gentle, non-weight-bearing movement that keeps joints mobile and dogs comfortable.
Neurological recovery
Supported movement after IVDD and spinal injuries, as part of a vet-led plan.
Weight loss
Calorie-burning exercise that protects joints while the pounds come off.
What Warm Water Does For A Recovering Dog
Takes weight off sore joints
Water at chest height carries most of a dog's body weight, so they can move without pain.
Builds muscle safely
Water resistance strengthens muscle evenly, without the jarring of walking on hard ground.
Warmth loosens stiffness
At 88°F, the water relaxes tight muscles and eases arthritic joints.
Confidence comes back
Dogs who have been guarding a leg start using it again once it stops hurting to move.
How Hydrotherapy Works Here
Vet clearance
After surgery, we need your vet's go-ahead — usually two weeks post-op, once the incision has healed.
Initial assessment
History, gait analysis, measurements and a short first session to see how your dog takes to the water.
A written plan
Session type, frequency and goals, shared with you and your vet.
Sessions and progress notes
One-to-one sessions, with written progress notes to your vet after every four.
Madison Dogs, Back On Their Feet
Eight weeks after his TPLO surgery, our lab was walking evenly again. The treadmill sessions made the difference, and our surgeon was thrilled.
Our 13-year-old with arthritis looks forward to swim day. She comes home looser and happier every single week.
They sent written progress notes to our vet after every block of sessions. Proper clinical communication.
Our overweight beagle lost eleven pounds on the fitness swim plan without stressing his joints.
Nervous of water at first — the therapist went at his pace, in the water with him, and now he runs to the pool.
Referring A Patient?
We accept referrals from general practice and specialty surgeons across the area. Send your patient's history and any restrictions, and we'll return a written plan within two business days, then progress notes after every four sessions. We never change a treatment plan without talking to you first.
- ✓Written plan within two business days
- ✓Progress notes after every four sessions
- ✓Restrictions and precautions followed exactly
What To Bring
Vet records and surgery notes
Or your vet's contact details so we can request them.
A towel from home
A familiar smell for the drying-off afterward.
Favorite treats
Small and soft, for encouragement in the water.
A light breakfast only
No big meal for two hours before a session.
Hydrotherapy Questions
How much does dog hydrotherapy cost in Madison?
Dog hydrotherapy in the Madison area usually costs $50–$80 a session. Ours is $65 for an underwater treadmill session and $60 for a pool swim, after a $95 initial assessment. The eight-session rehab package is $460.
Does pet insurance cover it?
Many plans with rehabilitation coverage reimburse hydrotherapy when your vet recommends it. We provide itemized receipts for claims.
How many sessions will my dog need?
After surgery, most dogs do eight to twelve sessions over six to ten weeks — the rehab package covers the first eight. Arthritis and fitness dogs usually swim weekly on an ongoing basis.
My dog can't swim. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Every dog wears a fitted life jacket, the therapist is in the water with them, and the treadmill needs no swimming at all.
Do I need a vet referral?
For post-surgery or neurological cases, yes. For fitness and arthritis swims, we just need your vet's contact details.
What vaccinations are required?
Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella, current and on file.
Start With An Assessment
We'll review your dog's history, watch them move and write a plan you and your vet can both see.
Book An Assessment
Owners and veterinary teams welcome. We reply within one business day.
- Visit us2810 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
- Call us(608) 555-0143
- Email usswim@rippletoncaninehydrotherapy.com
- Opening hoursMon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sun: Closed