Swimsafe for dogs

[gordons mum and dad]

Just having a lazy lunch for once and decided to have a look at the lab rescue website. On it there is a promotion for Swimsafe for dogs. Having had a good look at the site I decided to ring the lady for more information. I was very impressed with Anne's comments regarding Gordon, and the way that the pool functions. I am going to speak to our vet about Gordon possible having massage treatment, and maybe pool treatment. Has anybody else been to this facility? I would also value other people's comments about swimming and dogs. This pool is slightly different in that it is larger than others, does not have wave formations, the dogs can walk in and out down large stone steps from ground level, and the dogs vital signs are observed whilst they are exercising. Any comments would be gratefully received. Carolexx

[janrobinson]

That sounds just right Carole. The dog can walk in if he wants to and out again.

I have seen ones where the dog is hoisted in and can't get out. The eyes say it all Terrified. Just because a dog like to go in water and muddy puddles doesn't mean that he likes being forced. Sometimes the owners can not see the fear.

[Eastonwolfs]

I think the person who might know about this would be Glenys or even Kathryn ( known as Hairydog on this site). I'm sure they'd know.

[labres1]

Apart from our goldies we have 3 labs - old ben is arthritic and was unable to walk without 100mg of rimadyl a day. We couldnt get him to loose any weight either and he topped the scales at almost 50kg despite hill diet food, strickly measured portions, no titbits and as much exercise as he could manage which was only 4 small walks of a few hundred yards each per day.

Glenys introduced us to Ann who immediately told us to half bens food and replace the missing quantity with cooked turnip and suede - he immediately started to loose weight. we took him swimming every 3 days and within a matter of a week he was off his rimadyl completely.

Ben had never been as well as he was when he was swimming - we have had to stop it temporarily - he had a 4.5kg tumour removed a few weeks ago and his would hasnt closed properly yet. He had to go back and have half of it trimmed and restitched but all being well it should close over the next few weeks and he will, without doubt go back into the pool at least on a weekly basis - it made such a difference i cannot recommend it enough- ann is a very clued up ladybut always check with your vet first

Ben getting ready


The Pool


Ben getting in


Ben Swimming



Ben getting out

[gordons mum and dad]

Thanks for the tips. Ben certainly seems to have benefitted. Gordon is around 45kg, and can't manage long walks now. I have spoken to our vet today, and he certainly agrees with Ann that Gordon's problem seems to be a degenerative neurological one. It seems that as a dog gets older their reflexes slow down, and this seems to be causing Gordon to trip up at times. Our vet is new to us, but we all love him to bits. He has examined Gordon and there does not seem to be any problem with his joints, having said that Gordon has been on Glucosamine HCL for quite a while now. Our vet says he has no problem with Gordon swimming, and also having the massage that Ann also recommends. I received the leaflets from Ann today, so am going to show our vet them tomorrow, and we'll go from there. If the swimming only helps to slow the problem down, then that will be a positive step, although it does all depend on whether our Gordon enjoys himself or not. I will keep you all posted. Carole x

[lynn wise]

In responce to Carolyns post. Liked the idea of using swede to help get the weight off. Years ago, a lady I knew with Labs', used boiled cabbage. My only problem with that would be, what happens when you get Down Wind??
But, she swore by it, so it must have worked.

[CarolynM]

The only "aroma" Lynn is the smell of the swede cooking - there was no "after burn" if you see what I mean

Ben is the biggest gannet going and can be quite aggressive with his food but I can honestly say that he was never hungry - we can't thank Ann enough for that nugget of information.

xx

[Eastonwolfs]

I thought that was a good tip too Carolyn (might try it on hubby see what it'll do for him?).

Loved to see the pics of him swimming and I hope hes recovering well.

[CarolynM]

Ben is loving life - I can't believe that having tried all the diet food going (and with the guidance and support of our vet) that it was such a simple tip as swede!!

It has given him so much more strength in his back legs that were a real concern to us as he couldn't tolerate rymadil (sp) - can't wait to get him back swimming (even the 40 mile round trip is worth it)

xx

[Cobi and Ginnies Mum]

That's lovely to see him enjoying his therapeutic exercise and knowing that it is making his life easier.
On the dietary bit, when Jasmine was alive the PLT tablets she had made her ravenous so our vet suggested bulking her breakfast and dinner out with chopped up raw carrots, that seemed to work, and now when I'm using carrots Cobi gets hers as a treat, instead of a dog biscuit.

[gordons mum and dad]

Hi everyone, just to let you all know that Gordon had his first swim last night. He got on very well for his first time. The first 3 laps of the pool he was a little anxious, but not distressed at all. Between each swim he stood on the steps up to his shoulders in the water, and just seemed to take it all in. The last 2 laps he launched himself off the steps and seemed to quite enjoy a relaxed swim. We were expecting him to be a bit stiff this morning but he is quite perky, and doesn't appear to have any worries about last night. We are due to go again on Friday afternoon, so we will see what happens then, either he will be happy to go in or he will flatly and stubbornly refuse!! I will keep you all posted as to what happens.

We also are going to give the carrot and swede a go. Don't think we'll have a problem there as Gordon already loves carrots.

Hope everyone is well. Carole x

[Eastonwolfs]

Well its lovely to hear he got on so well with it...good news...keep us posted about his future visits. I keep thinking we might try this with Amber who could do with losing a few pounds.

[labres1]

Its great that Gordon enjoyed himself.. Ben wasnt what you might call keen - and usually ended up with me pushing him into the water. I think he enjoyed it when he was in but getting a 49kg dog in the water was fun to say the least..

Over the next few sessions you will discover the puppy that lies dormant in Gordon - if he is anything like ben you will not believe the difference in him..

I only wish we could get ben back to the pool but he still isnt healed up properly. only a gap of a couple of millimietres to go but he's back on the antibiotics again.