Orthopaedic

Dog Swimming for Luxating Patella

Quadriceps strength is what holds the kneecap where it belongs. Private 30-minute sessions in a heated indoor pool at Bretherton, Lancashire.

Enquire about a session 07359 881320

WHAT IT IS

Luxating Patella (slipping kneecap) in plain English

A kneecap that slips out of its groove, graded 1 to 4. Very common in small breeds and often managed conservatively at the lower grades.

We are a canine swimming and hydro pool, not a veterinary practice — this page explains how our sessions fit alongside the care your vet provides.

WHY THE POOL HELPS

Why warm water suits this problem

Quadriceps strength is what holds the kneecap where it belongs. Swimming builds that muscle without the twisting and hopping that trigger a luxation on land.

RECOMMENDED SESSION

We'd start with the Swim Coach session

Weekly for a conditioning block, then whatever keeps the muscle on.

Owners often report fewer skipping episodes on walks once thigh muscle improves. That is a common pattern, not a guarantee.

£40 · 30 minutesCheck availability

WHAT OWNERS NOTICE

Signs owners mention when they call us

skipping stride, then carrying on normally

back leg held up for a few steps

sudden yelp then recovery

bow-legged stance in small breeds

HOW IT WORKS

What the water is actually doing

Straight-line, non-weight-bearing knee flexion and extension

Quadriceps and hamstring conditioning without impact

No tight turns, no sudden stops — the two movements that pop a patella

Suitable for small dogs who cannot do enough distance on land to build muscle

YOUR FIRST VISIT

What the first session looks like

Small dogs get a shallow, calm entry and a jacket. We keep the swim short and check the stride on the way out.

30 minutes

Arrive 10 minutes early

28–32°C water

Indoor, private pool

Towel & dryer

Included every visit

Before you book

Grade 3 and 4 luxations, and any dog booked for surgery, need veterinary input before starting. Swimming supports the joint; it does not put the kneecap back in its groove.

For luxating patella we need written clearance from your vet or surgeon before the first session.

QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED