Swimming is excellent exercise for both people and dogs. I have been taking Daisy regularly to the Dog Swim Spa in Templeton because she has arthritis in her hips. (I already had Daisy on a glucosamine supplement and I give her regular therapeutic massage and low level laser treatment.)
Daisy went to the vet last week and her vet said she has excellent range of motion in her hips, particularly with extension. Dogs don’t get the same level of extension in their hips through walking or running (Daisy gets walked twice per day). So, I am sure the range of motion is the result of her massage/laser treatments combined with this regular swim exercise.
Here’s a video of Daisy at the Dog Swim Spa. You can see that she doesn’t particularly enjoy getting wet. I’m told that many dogs who like the water come to the Spa and jump right in. Not my Daisy!
The Dog Swim Spa was designed and built by Chris Blackwood, who is seen in the video with Daisy. The Spa takes referrals from many veterinarians in the Canterbury area, such referrals may include specific instructions on the dog’s condition and rehabilitation.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
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