Benefits
“This was not a simple case of a dog needing to go for a swim, he needed to be physically rehabilitated…Many thanks to Sheila and Wellsprings-K9 for Axle’s full recovery and return to duty!”
Suzanne Eviston, Police K9 trainer and handler in the State of Washington
Police dog, Axel, back in action!
Swimming allows animals to increase strength and regain lost range of motion without the pain experienced on land. Earlier return to activity after surgery can be initiated since there is little/no stress on the joints while in the water. Deep water swimming facilitates full use of the hind legs versus partial use as seen with boxed underwater treadmills. Since dogs are weight bearing on a treadmill, they will extend their legs only as they do when walking, using very little of their full range of motion. In our jetted pool dogs experience non-weight bearing underwater treadmill swimming allowing for full extension of all limbs.
We offer more than just swimming, though. Our licensed massage therapists are trained in a variety massage modalities — Reiki, acupressure, craniosacral, therapeutic massage, and therapeutic touch — and can provide massage therapy both during the swim session or, if preferred, during a non-swimming session on our dog massage beds.
Benefits of our swim and massage therapy…
• Encourages neuro-muscular reeducation
Increases neuro-muscular facilitation after surgery, injury, and/or trauma
• Keeps elderly dogs active and prevents weight bearing injuries
Non-weight bearing activity (90% of the dog’s body weight is removed in the water) allows for a gentler workout on old, injured, or recovering bones, joints, and soft tissues
• Improves cardiovascular fitness and overall conditioning
Helps rebuild atrophied muscles post surgery, injury, and/or trauma
• Encourages physical activity and use of the whole body
Movement and use of affected limb(s) in warm water without pain gives the dog more confidence to use it on land
Buoyancy provides excellent proprioceptive feedback
• Helps control weight
• Increases range of motion
Buoyancy and warm water exercise create perfect massage conditions allowing for better range of motion and stretching of a sensitive area or limb
Hydrostatic pressure stabilizes a dog’s joints while stretching a limb making it safer than stretching on land
• Massage specifically eases stiff and achy joints
Exercises and stretches weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Increases joint flexibility
Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue
Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
Reduces muscle spasms
Relaxes and softens injured, tired, and overused muscles
• Develops and maintains muscle tone
Swimming keeps performance, show, and service dogs in top condition without risk of injury and allows younger dogs a chance to burn off energy without damage to developing joints
• Develops strength and flexibility
Resistances jets (if needed) increase stretching and strengthening
