PETS can perfect their doggy paddle at a new animal hydrotherapy centre in Bolton.

Dogs, rabbits and even wild animals are just some of the clients hydrotherapist Anna-Lise Higton has helped rehabilitate during her career.

Now, she has opened Bolton’s first hydrotherapy centre in Back Lane, Bolton, and has welcomed first time client Buddy — a lovable Labrador from Bradley Fold.

Three-year-old Buddy is recovering from surgery to both of his back knees after damaging his cruciate ligaments.

To help him recover, owner Cathy Settle was advised by vets to take him to a hydrotherapist to boost his fitness.

Vet Evan Holdsworth, of Beech House Vets in Radcliffe, said: “When animals have surgery, it’s inevitable that they will get arthritis. Hydrotherapy is a way of exercising animals in a low impact manner because the water takes the bulk of their weight.”

Before Buddy’s session starts, he is showered down by Ms Higton with the help of his owner to wash off any dirt and warm-up his muscles before he takes to the pool.

Next Buddy is fitted with a canine life jacket before he is led to the ramp leading to the hydrotherapy pool.

The pool is 4ft deep which enables Ms Higton to stand-up and guide the animals as they swim.

And after a little coaxing and few treats, Buddy is in and paddling away.

As part of his hydrotherapy Buddy will have a session a week for 10 weeks.

Today he swims for two minutes, rests for one, before swimming for another two.

As his muscles get stronger, he gradually work towards swimming for four minutes at a time.

Ms Higton, who is also a dog psychologist, said: “I grew up with animals but I actually worked as a nurse for a long time.

“But then I decided I needed to work with animals and that’s when I trained to be a hydrotherapist. I’ve worked with rabbits, cats, dogs — even a skunk.

“Working with wild animals is completely different experience but it can speed up their recovery from injuries to help them be released back into the wild.

“But domestic pets like Buddy are a joy. He’s done really well today.”

Buddy’s owner Cathy, aged 50, was also pleased with his progress.

She added: “He’s been doing really well since his operations last year. He’s even walked up Snowden but hopefully this will help him even more.”

Ms Higton also works with show dogs, working dogs, police dogs and rescue dogs who require a high level of fitness.

The Aqua Kinetics Small Animal Hydrotherapy in Back Lane is open now.

What is animal hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy for animals is the therapeutic use of water to maintain or return their well-being.

Hydrotherapy is a way of exercising animals in a low impact manner with the use of water resistance.

It can help post-operative recovery or general fitness in small and large domestic animals, such as dogs and horses, and wild animals such as foxes.

Variation in temperature and mineral content of the water can aid the healing process for injuries and stimulate the body’s inherent healing ability.

Animals can be referred to hydrotherapy by vets but not all pet insurers will cover the cost.