Doggie Paddling for Better Health

While some fearless dogs hit the waves to save lives, other brave dogs hit the water in order to improve their own health.

When Jodi Richard’s German Shepherd Bonnie slipped a disc, Richard found herself studying different types of exercise to help Bonnie recover. She learned about hydro-rehabilitation and founded “Bonnie’s K9 Corp” in 1998, the first company on the East Coast to offer hydro-rehabilitation for dogs.

Water 4 Dogs, Richard’s second animal rehabilitation center, is located in the heart of Manhattan on Worth Street between Church and Broadway and is equipped with underwater treadmills, a custom-made pool, and an overhead lift system to transport dogs to any part of the room.

In addition to providing extensive hydro-rehabilitation programs, Water 4 Dogs offers popular “free swims” for dogs and their owners. Yes, you read that right — if you and your pooch are stuck at home on a hot summer day (or a cold winter one, for that matter, since the indoor pool is open year-round), you can make a reservation to spend a day at the pool together.

Private swim sessions for 30 and 60 minutes can be purchased for $50 and $100 respectively, or if you and Fido are feeling like a little social interaction, you can sign up for one of the open swim sessions that are less expensive and may include as many as six dogs and their owners. Single? Who knows, maybe you’ll find that elusive life partner paddling next to you — and at least you’ll know you have something in common.

While the open and private swims are popular, the most important services that Water 4 Dogs provides are its extensive hydro-rehabilitation therapies that help dogs overcome minor to severe injuries. Dogs with arthritis, for example, or dogs who have recently had knee, hip or back surgery, may need hydro-rehabilitation sessions up to three days in a row during their recovery period. Dogs with less serious injuries or chronic conditions that require constant treatment may need treatment less frequently but on an ongoing basis.

Whatever you suspect your dog’s hydro-rehabilitation needs are, it’s recommended you get a post-op evaluation, which Water 4 Dogs offers for $85. During your pet’s consultation a specialist will evaluate their gait, limb circumference, range of motion and proprioception before writing a specific treatment plan to be sent to your pet’s veterinarian.

This article was written by Flinn Dershem and published on Zootoo in August 2010.

Photo by Oakley Originals via Flickr.