Warm Water Aquassage combines movement in the water along with massage and bodywork. Each session is based on the dog's condition, age, injury, experience in water and emotional state.

The most important element in any water program is that the dog feels safe and he/she and it's owner feel confident.  Once everyone is relaxed and confident, then swimming and exercise can be introduced.

The buoyancy of water supports the weight of the dog's body and lessens the stress on the joints.  This encourages freer  movement and offers a safe enviornment for exercise.

Because of the increased resistance of the water, less evercise is needed; a 5 minute swim is roughly equilvlent to a 5 mile run.

Reasons for Aquassage include: geriatrics, arthritis, paralysis, pre and post surgical rehabilitation, preventing injuries or helping to recover from injuries, weight reduction, dysplasia, balance and coordination and improved muscle tone.

Butch enjoying the massage part of the aquassage.

t Jinx, 11years old, suffers from hip dysplasia. Swinning allows her to exercise without supporting her body weight on her sore  hips.

Fitswim is for dogs ready for fitness swimming.  Here they will spend a few minutes stretching and strengthening.  then, they will be assisted in the pool by a swim adviser to help condition muscles and keep them fit. The focus is on swimming technique and endurance.

Tobey getting ready to swim.

 Ranger on the "island" building confidence in the pool.

Tucker is re-building muscle in his front legs.

Water both stimulates and relaxes and can affect all systems of the body on the physical level.

Integumentary System:
This system speaks of our skin, the largest organ of the body which wraps and protects our entire being. Water increases circulation which can help skin and coat condition and can help stimulate all the touch receptors.

Muscular System:
Water increases relaxation which can help pain and spasms. When moving in water, the resistance is 15 - 20 times that of moving in air so muscles are being used without the stresses of weight bearing. An efficient and safe way to exercise and build muscle.

Nervous System:
Water can calm and sooth the nervous system, decrease stress. Water can stimulate the sensations of joint position and re-establish sensation channels.

Circulatory System:
Warm water can increase body temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation and detoxification, delivering nutrients and oxygen and carrying away wastes. Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure counters the effects of gravity, increases return from lower extremities, increases blood volume centralization. Soft tissue is compressed which increases circulation, lymph movement, oxygen in the blood and respiration.

Endocrine System:
Water can increase metabolic functions and hormones which regulate many processes in the body.

Lymphatic System:
Water can increase lymph drainage, decrease inflammation and improve the immune system.

Respiratory System:
Water can increase the depth of respiration through pressure on the lungs. Providing oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide.

Digestive System:
Water can increase smooth muscle activity (digestion) which provides nutrients to cells and eliminates through the feces.

Urinary System:
Water can increase blood flow through the kidneys (which filters the blood), ridding the body of toxins (including anesthetic) and removing waste products. This process can help regulate and balance water and electrolytes in the body.

Reproductive System:
Water and its stimulating effects on the body can help enhance the role of hormones which influence all other systems of the body.

Skeletal System:
The skeletal system supports the body and moves one in space via a framework, it also protects internal organs. Water can decrease inflammation, increase circulation and in its safe and supportive ways, increase range of motion as the non-gravity environment can enhance stretches and movement.

Joy, 4 years, enjoys swimming for fun! Being a long back dog she can exercise in a low impact enviornment  to build muscle tone.

  Ali, a 14 month old poodle, was rescued from Tiawan.  She was born with a birth defect rendering her hind legs useless. She could only use her front legs. After undergoing reconstructive surgery, we used swimming to help her recuperate. Now she enjoys exercising in the pool  to rebuild muscle and gain flexability and confidence. You should see her run on all four legs!! Here she is in the FitSwim pool.

Trinity stretches in the warm water pool.

Merlin 16 weeks, says thanks for a great swim!!  Merlin is a service dog in training and swimming was a positive learning experience; Building confidence, security and body awareness

Aquassage:  $75.00 - 30 minutes in the warm water pool, with massage, movement and gentle stretching to build confidence, improve circulation and relaxation.  The 90 degree water allows deep relaxation of muscles.  Stationary swimming where appropriate.

Fitswim: $75.00 - starts with a quick massage to warm up the muscles, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises, then  20 minutes in the warm water pool with a swim adviser .

Packages available

 Holly models her swim cap to keep the water out of her ears. Then into the pool for her fitswim session