Air Date: Monday, April 2, 2007
Protecting Your Pet: Water therapy
With the summer approaching, spending time in the pool is a great way to help heal injuries and stay in shape. But it's not just people taking the plunge. 7's Dylan Dreyer has more in today's "Protecting your Pet."
If running and retrieving isn't enough to tire out your pooch, it might be time to get their paws wet.
Any dog can do this!
It's a doggy dip, complete with a life vest fit for Fido.
"She jumps in the pool, always very eager to go in," said Ellen Hoskin, of her border collie, Caili.
At Aquadog Fitness Center in Waltham, K-9s kick to a different current for a fun way to stay fit.
"Most of all, it's fun, and it's a huge fitness workout for overweight dogs or dogs that want to get in better shape," Pam Tewes, owner of AquaDog Fitness Center, said. "It's a fun way to get fit."
Tewes decided it was time for a doggy paddle when her golden retriever, Luke, needed some help with his arthritis.
"It relieves pain, [and] that's a big benefit," Tewes said.
A benefit she wanted to share with other pet owners.
"We do everything from massage in the pool to help them with pain relief," Tewes said. "We do agility training in the pool with the current that we have to create a resistance workout, so they can build muscle and strength."
Hoskin's dog, Caili, competes in relay races to stay in shape. But during the off season, this "pool for pooches" keeps her at her best.
"Within three sessions, I could see a difference in how she was performing in competition," Hoskin said.
Just like with people, swimming is easier on the joints than other cardiovascular workouts. So, it tires dogs out without stress on the body, and their tail-wagging happiness is obvious.
Not all dogs love the water, but for many, especially those with health concerns, a dip in the pool may be just what the doctor ordered!
At Aqua Dog Fitness Center, it costs around $40 for half an hour of swim time and $75 for an entire hour.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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