Is your dog:
Overweight?
Slowing down with age?
Full of energy, that’s hard to contain?
Recovering from illness, injury or surgery?
Did you know that with water resistance, a five-minute swim is about the equivalent of a 5-mile run? If so, warm water swimming may be just what he/she needs. BZ is planning to expand its services, possibly adding Warm Water Swimming. And, if your dog does not like the water, you’re not alone. Most dogs don’t like it, initially. And even for dogs that do like to swim, adjusting to a pool is very common.
Warm Water Swimming for Your Dog’s Good Health
Julie Thomas – Certified Canine Hydrotherapist is planning to open a canine swim center in part of the Bark Zone. In addition to being a certified canine swim coach, she is a certified Small Animal Massage Practioner. Julie, a recent, former Intel employee has always been a “water rat” and dog owner/lover and is now pursuing her dream of enhancing the lives of our pets with this type of exercise. Her passion is working with senior/geriatric dogs, and those nearing the end of their lives.
Warm water swim therapy is beneficial for dogs of all ages and physical conditions. Maintenance and rehabilitative massage are often included in the sessions.
Warm water swimming can help dogs that are:
• Overweight – providing a safe, low impact way to burn calories
• Geriatric or slowing down due to arthritis or other muscular/skeletal conditions.
• Recovering from injury or surgery – increases circulation, relaxes injured muscles and restores strength.
• Full of energy and/or bored – Fun swimming – Some dogs love to swim! And for those that don’t, a couple swim lessons can be beneficial if you’re around water.
• Competitive in sports or the show ring and could benefit from additional conditioning.
• In need of consistent year round exercise
With water resistance, a five-minute swim is about the equivalent of a 5-mile run!
Services consist of:
A. Assisted Swim ‐ canine swim coach works in the water with the dog to
Help him/her with swimming, staying in the pool, or feeling comfortable being held or massaged in the water. For an older dog, the session may consist mostly of standing or floating in a swim coach’s arms. For a young dog swimming to keep muscles strong, it may mean being carried into the water and swimming back to the steps. Or, for the active sports dog, it may mean swimming combined with massage on the steps to keep the dog calm in between swim. Assisted swim for injury recovery is for dogs that have veterinary approval to swim as part of their recovery. The swim coach works with the owner to determine appropriate activity types and levels based on recovery status and vet recommendations.
These sessions typically last 20-45 minutes. Price range: $30-$60
B. Fun/Self Swim ‐ for dogs that can swim, unassisted, with the owner in the water, for example, throwing the ball or toy. Available for owners who have demonstrated their ability to manage their dogs successfully and safely in and around the pool.
Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes. Price Range – $25-$