Anyone for a dip in the pool–woof?
Yes, it is summer!!! With the fourth of July, a recent memory and the “dog days of summer” approaching, there is one thing we all truly enjoy and that is a dip in pool to refresh and rejuvenate. And we aren’t the only ones either. Most dogs love to swim!!! Where do you think they got the term, doggie paddle?
However, having your dog swim in the water not only provides fun, but valuable exercise as well as a very strong healing component. Dogs who suffer from arthritis or who have had leg, hip or back injuries/surgeries benefit greatly from what is known as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy should be considered if your dog has trouble getting up and down, difficulty climbing stairs, is reluctant to go for walks because of limping or difficulty moving, is overweight or recovering from injuries or surgeries, as mentioned above.
In my research, what appears to be one of the best canine hydrotherapy centers is called the Interstate Canine Swim Center.
This wonderful facility is located in Maryland and is the first and largest canine swim center in the state. The climate controlled indoor canine pool is 35 feet wide by 60 feet long. The pool is used for therapy, rehabilitation, recreation and just good ‘ole doggone fun!!
Some of the benefits of having your dog swim include the following, a decrease in swelling of joints and limbs, an increase in circulation which helps with endurance, balance, coordination and other motion issues. As with humans, dogs who swim are enhancing their cardio vascular conditioning. With older dogs, swimming helps to increase energy as it would with elderly humans. At the Interstate Canine Swim Center, there is one-on-one sessions with the dogs and the therapists. Many happy dog owners who have watched their dogs heal and flourish as a result of hydrotherapy, decide to continue to have the dog swim at the center, for all of the other benefits the dog gains, especially the FUN part.
So if you don’t have a pool, check around to see where the closest dog swim center may be near you. Perhaps you and your do could enjoy a whole new activity together and keep cool at the same time.
Check out the swim center mentioned in this entry by clicking here!
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