swimming!

any_name_will_suffice

Ooh, we've had so much fun this afternoon!

Since his cruciate tear just before Christmas, pooch has been restricted to lead walks, and it was only last month I started off lead exercise again.

I noticed he was looking quite stiff so took him for a vet check, his cruciate has healed really well, but his hips aren't great.

The vet recommended swimming, so I contacted the local canine hydrotherapy centre, they suggested 'fun swim' rather than proper hydrotherapy, which is handy as it's rather cheaper.

We had our first session today, once pooch got over the inital shock of falling in (my fault), I haven't seen him have that much fun in a long while. He wore a boyancy aid which didn't seem to bother him in the slightest, I went in the pool with him, and we played loads of fetch and swimming games. He did really well fitness wise, and managed a good 20 minutes, which considering how out of shape he has become, was quite impressive. In fact, I think he would have happily carried on, but he looked really tired and I didn't want to over do it.

Afterwards, I was expecting him to be shattered, but he seems completely invigorated by it.

Can't wait until next time!

(OH was meant to take photos, but didn't- I'll make sure he does next time)

trolleyrun

Great news for you and your pooch!
My loopy dog had a swim today as well, but not in a fancy pool, just a lake She's weird in that she won't go in the water normally, but is happy to go in if there's an interesting looking duck on the lake. She swam quite a bit today - still wearing her harness and lead (in case she gets into difficulties). The added bonus was getting her cooled down

any_name_will_suffice

I would love to take Rocky to a lake or river again, and I will, but I think he will benefit from building up his muscle tone first in the warmer water and more controlled environment. I was also worried about him over doing it jumping in and out of the river, but I can't imagine his spectacular fall into the pool was much better for him- I was trying to entice him down the ramp, he got spooked and tried to back up, and fell off the side into the pool :rotfl:

I spoke too soon, he's shattered and rather stiff!

Glad your dog got a good swim, I bet it felt lovely for her in all this heat!