Dog Swim Club

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Posted 2018-01-05 by Tina Nunnington ⇒ follow

Swimming provides humans with plenty of benefits, from cooling off on a hot summer's day to staying in shape, and it turns out our canine companions may also reap rewards from time spent in the water too.

Whether you want to keep your best pal in shape, ease their arthritic pain, have a rehabilitation programme after surgery or just a treat on a hot summer's day, you will be pleased to know there is a new dog swim club in the Swan Valley that caters for all situations and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

The dog swim club is attached to Swan Valley Vet on Woollcott Avenue, West Swan and is open seasonally during Perth's good weather.

The pool can be booked when the vet clinic is open; Monday- Friday 8am-6pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm.

Sessions are 30 minutes long and cost $12.00 for a single use session or you can take advantage of a season pass (November-April) for just $99.00. The price includes use of a life vest for your fur friend. Life vests are in a storage unit outside the gates to the pool area.

The pool is fully fenced and double gated. When you enter the first gate, there is a 'holding bay' which allows you to take the leash off your dog and put on the life vest (if you are using one for your dog). It is also a useful space for your dog to rest after his swim before getting back in the pool. The second gate allows access for you to get down to the pool.

The dog ramp is gently sloped to allow easy access in and out of the pool.

Once in the pool, there are various ways you can let them enjoy the water. Holding onto them, as in the photo below, or holding onto them whilst you walk in a circle around the pool or let them have 'free' play. Your vet will advise the best option for your dog depending on their ailment.

Digger, this wonderful patient and model, has had anterior cruciate ligament surgery recently and his rehab involved hydrotherapy; six minutes doing doggy paddle with a two-minute rest out of the pool, repeated three times. The resistance and buoyancy that the water provides, makes it a great exercise environment for dogs recovering from injury, those suffering from joint pain or recovering from surgery. Digger certainly proves this as his progress has been excellent.

All clients using the pool must undergo a training and induction session. The session will include review of the facility use, safety issues related to animal and human safety and emergency procedures and equipment.

So if your dog needs to lose a few kilos, is sporting an injury, is recovering from surgery or you just want to increase their fitness and body condition, this dog pool is ideal for aerobic exercise that is low impact on their bones and joints. It is a great tool to help your dog stay in optimal shape.

Does your dog enjoy swimming but the beach is too far to travel? Perhaps your dog loves swimming but doesn't like the waves at the beach, then this is a solution for you and them too. You can even get in with them to enhance their play and add to your fitness program. There is a ladder to use if you want to get in with them.

If you are unsure if this is the right form of exercise for your dog, then it is advisable to contact your vet prior to using the facility. You could make an appointment with Dr Meg at Swan Valley Vet who will be able to give you up to date information with regards to water therapy and play. Dr Meg has 20 years of experience and the reviews on their Facebook page speak for themselves.

There is also a spacious enclosed dog park or playground for your dog to use prior or after your pool session.

There is a water bowl, dog bin (bring your own poo bags), some agility equipment (with more to be added in the future) and plenty of shade for you and your beloved dog.

When the gates are open, the clinic is open plus the pool and enclosed park.

Puppy classes are also available and for more information on everything available, click here and visit their website.