FAQ

What do I bring?

1. Towels – a “typical” 50# dog with medium length hair will need two.  Larger dogs and dogs with long hair will need more.

2. Plastic bag for wet towels.

3. A cover for your car seat if you don't want it to get wet.

4. Wear sensible shoes with non-slip soles.  Water shoes (like those used by windsurfers or kayakers) can be handy.

5. An extra change of clothing (for you) – You will get wet. A restroom is available.  

6. A leash. We have long lines, harnesses and flotation devices that you can use.

7. Water bowl and water. Many dogs do not drink water until after all the fun and excitement is over. They frequently get thirsty during the ride home.

8. Your dog’s favorite Toy.

9. A dog coat or blanket if you are concerned your dog will get chilly on the ride home during cold weather.

10. Completed Registration Form.

11. Completed Terms & Conditions Form

12. We recommend clients arrive approximately 10 minutes early to allow time for completing registration forms if pre-registration has not already been completed.

Eating before/after swimming?

BEFORE – Please do NOT feed your dog for at least 3 hours before your dog’s swim appointment. We do have a designated Pet Rest area for your convenience on the property.

AFTER - We recommend not feeding your dog for approximately one hour after swimming.

My dog seems to be stiff after his first swim. Why?

Just like people working out for the first time, some dogs develop aches after swimming.  Active dogs and “couch potatoes” use muscles that they rarely use and may experiences some lameness. Typically any lameness will be noticeable after their first long nap or first full night’s sleep.  Any lameness normally works itself out in one or two days. If it persists of course, contact your veterinarian. Typically after swimming the 3rd or 4th time, these aches will disappear. Your dog is becoming fit!

Do you use chlorine? Will it hurt my dog?

Chlorine is used to maintain pool chemistry. All veterinarians we consulted recommended using chlorine for pool cleanliness and we also believe it offers the best resistance to bacteria and the best protection for your dog. Chlorine has been used successfully in canine hydrotherapy pools for many years. While it is rare for dogs to react to the chlorine, we suggest rinsing your dog off with fresh water after each swim session. An indoor heated dog shower is available for rinsing your dog.

What is the water temperature?

The Lap and Training Pools are maintained at approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The Oval Pool is heated up to 90 degrees F.

I've already tried putting my dog in a backyard pool, river, lake, ocean, etc. He refuses to go in. What is different with your facility?

Some dogs naturally are inclined to swim and some are not.  Dogs that lack the confidence or are leery to get wet need to be introduced to swimming in a comforting way. The "Training Pool" has a gradual access ramp with solid walls on each side so the dog can enter the water with confidence and security.  . The warm pool temperatures help because the dog is not shocked by cold water on his paws. Ramp access and warmer temperatures have been used for years with horses and they work great for our canine companions too.

We have successfully introduced dogs who were so afraid of water that they ran from the sound of a running faucet.  Many of our best swimmers started out avoiding water.

Why come to a canine swim facility instead of a local lake, pond or river?

When available, lakes, ponds and rivers can offer great places to swim your dog.  There are, however some concerns.  Rocks in lakes or rivers can become extremely slippery and dogs playing or running can slip and injure themselves. During the heat of the summer water levels can become very low and create muddy shorelines and moving water can be pretty intimidating for the first time swimmer.  Also, broken glass or other sharp objects can cause some pretty serious injuries. 

When safe areas are available, many of our clients use them and visit us during the colder months (when the pond freezes over). The extra benefit of a shower is a plus. 

How long does my dog swim?

Swimming time varies from dog to dog. Often the first visits will include only brief swimming time and practice getting in and out of the pool. This will build their confidence and allow for greater progress during subsequent visits. The  average dog can only swim 5 or 10 minutes during their first visit. Your dog will use muscles, which are hardly ever used during their normal day, and you will notice the amount of energy they use to swim. Imagine the average person jumping in a pool and swimming laps for 30 minutes straight? That is why it is important just like a person to gradually work up to a comfortable level of exercise for each individual dog.

It is essential that Rest Periods be taken at intervals throughout your swim time to allow your dog to rest and catch their breath. It is sometimes hard to believe but the majority of dogs who do not swim on a regular basis can only swim 10 minutes until their stamina level is reached. This includes dogs that jog with their owners. Swimming utilizes different muscles that dogs do not normally use on groundwork.

For dogs recovering from an injury or illness, it is pointless to exhaust him/her by swimming too long. Gentle progressive exercise is the key. Each visit will increase his stamina and in return the time he swims will increase to his level of ability. Your 30-minute swim session is industry standard for the average dog. You can of course, extend your swim session to 1 hour.

Can I swim in the pool with my dog?

We apologize but insurance regulations forbid owners to swim in the pool with their dogs. If your dog needs assistant, a staff member will provide in-pool assistance.

Is there an advantage to swimming versus jogging on roads for exercise?

Swimming is low-impact form of exercise. Tendons and joints absorb the shocks up the limbs from exercising on hard surfaces. This can occasionally cause damage especially to large breeds.

How soon should my dog swim after surgery?

Your Veterinarian is the best person to advice when your dog should start swimming after surgery.  Some recommend swimming as soon as sutures are removed; others may even place waterproof bandages to allow dogs to begin swimming a few days earlier. Three swim sessions in a week span is typically recommended after suture removal because of scar tissue formation. Then once or twice a week thereafter, once a month, etc. We suggest a minimum of 6 weeks of swimming to maximize the benefit of most post-surgical dogs.

Swimming Pre-Surgery?

Dogs that are scheduled for surgery can benefit from swimming before their operation.  “Pre-Hab” is becoming more and more common and we have several client getting ready for hip, knee or elbow surgery.  Swimming before surgery allows dogs to increase their fitness and also allows them to be comfortable in the water before introducing the stress inherent to surgical procedures.   Of course, consult with your veterinarian to determine if Pre-Hab is physically possible and would not aggravate their condition.

My dog had a stroke and has some paralysis. Can he benefit from swimming?

While using a flotation device and being assisted, once they are in the water and not hampered by gravity, they will instinctively use those limbs to the best of their ability.