2009.05.27
Swimming therapy for pets?
I got an e-mail from a co-worker who said her veterinarian suggested she take her dachshund swimming as relief for arthritis. She wanted to know if either dog park had a pool.
Alas, they do not, I had to answer. And other than in Montgomery County, on the day before they drain it for the season, I am fairly certain dogs are not permitted in the public pools.
I confessed that I did not know enough about public swimming at the lake to offer any advice there, either. My husband's cousin has a rescued dachshund, a former puppy mill breeder, that enjoys a good swim in the lakes in her home state of Minnesota and at the family's summer house in Indiana, but I don't know if dogs are allowed on the lakefront here.
I can personally attest to the healing powers of water for creaky joints; I have severe arthritis in my knees so all my aerobic exercise happens in the pool. It does wonders for strengthening muscles and you can get a vigorous workout with minimal impact.
So where can a dog take a swim around here, folks? Post a comment and let us know.
The nearest and BEST facility is Pamplin Animal Wellness Service in Pamplin, VA (http://wellpaws.com/). It is quite a distance but is well worth it for the benefits you will see in your dog.
As far as Smith Mountain Lake is concerned, I'm sure dogs are allowed in the lake but probably aren't allowed on the beach at the state or county beach...you would probably have to have other access to the lake for dog swimming.
Comment by Sarah Keffer — May 27, 2009 @ 10:45 am
I also have arthritis and the only exercise that really helps is swimming. I would love to find a place to take my dog with me but so far, I know of none around here. She doesn't have arthritis so far but I know she would love the water. I have a friend in Florida who has a pool and all of her dogs go swimming. She jokes with me and says the pool is only for the dogs...not her and her husband!
Comment by Deborah — May 27, 2009 @ 11:00 am
I assume by "pets" you mean dogs, right? I can't imagine my cats finding the experience very therapeutic...
Comment by Mark — May 27, 2009 @ 11:05 am
Some kitties like the water, Mark, but I agree that most would not find it a relaxing experience.
Comment by Nona Nelson — May 27, 2009 @ 11:54 am
Heartstrings Pet Lodging and Spa in Blacksburg has an indoor swimming pool for animal theraphy. The facility also allows a local veternarian, Sally Suttenfield use the pool to do animal rehab. I am sure if you visit their website or call they can put you in touch with the vet.
Comment by Rick Argabright — May 27, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
I am planning to open a heated, indoor pool for dogs at my farm in Bedford County within the next couple of years. Right now, I'm waiting on the economy to turn around and a small business loan. In the meantime, I would caution people who have dogs with an injury against swimming in the lake without careful supervision by a human. You need to find a more controlled setting where every movement can be accounted for -- no jumping off docks, etc. It's also best to have warmer water than the lake has right now. Cold water causes constriction of muscles, which could hurt more than help. In the meantime, try filling a kiddie pool with water and having the dog walk through it. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing! (Although it's probably just fine for a short-legged dachshund)
Comment by Gretchen — May 27, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
Heartstrings Pet Lodging and Spa in Blacksburg has an indoor rehab pool for the rehabilitation of animals that need water theraphy. There is a rehab veterinarian that does water rehab at this pool. Sally Suttenfield whose website is: fourpawsvetrehab.com, works with animals that have a variety of problems including arthritis. Visit either Ms. Suttenfield's website or Heartstringspetlodging.com for information.
Comment by Rick Argabright — May 27, 2009 @ 6:19 pm