Acupuppy

One of the things I really enjoyed about PAW-Fest was meeting so many pet people from our community and learning more about what they do. It turns out there are a variety of people offering some very interesting services for our pets. I was particularly interested to see all of the alternative medical treatments available. Everything from acupuncture and massage to swim therapy are being offered to the pets of Kingston.

Swim therapy caught my attention because I remember stories of my mother-in-law rehabilitating their family dachshund after back surgery by helping it swim in a kiddie pool. Against all odds, little Gretchen actually regained her ability to walk with the help of her swim sessions.

Now the dogs of Kingston have a facility available to help them, too. SwimSpaw provides warm water swim therapy to help dogs recover from a variety of conditions. The most common use of this kind of therapy is to provide relief and quicker recovery from orthopedic surgery. It also helps with recovery from tendon injuries and musculoskeletal issues. Swim therapy is beneficial because the water provides more resistance than air, allowing the opportunity for the body to rebuild muscle while buoyancy of the water protects joints from stress and impact.

Swim therapy can also be used for geriatric dogs with arthritis as it relaxes muscles, improves joint flexibility and increases range of motion. It also helps these older dogs get their bodies moving, making it easier for them to get around and improving their quality of life.

Of course performance dogs can also use swim therapy for cardiovascular training. Not only is it good exercise, but the warm water helps to increase blood circulation to the muscles and the lymph systems ability to remove toxins.

Currently, SwimSpaw facilities are for small dogs, but in November they will open their large dog pool. If your pet is under veterinary care, the therapists at SwimSpa will work with your veterinarian to assure that the treatment they provide will do the most to maximize healing.

In addition to swim therapy, two of the owners of SwimSpa are certified small animal massage practitioners. Massage therapy is another fantastic alternative therapy that helps dogs to recover from injury and musculoskeletal issues. (I’ll write more about that soon.)

There are three ladies behind SwimSpaw. Janice Hill and Kendara VanNorman are certified in pet massage and have worked as veterinary assistants here in Kingston. I was very excited to learn that the other person involved in SwimSpaw is Michelle Heins. I met Michelle when she taught my daughter and her friend horseback riding. Michelle has been involved with the local equine community for years and is extraordinary in her way with both children and animals. Your pet will be in excellent hands with any of them.

Now if Kingston would just get a pool for me!

Stephanie Stebbing is owner of the Country Pet Shoppe, located at 11132 NE 2nd Street, Kingston, (360) 297-4165.