(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is warm water therapy?
Warm water therapy is provided by Licensed Massage Practitioners. It consists of swimming and massage in a warm water pool, with each session tailored to the individual client’s needs.
Assisted swims are
provided by an Assisted Swim Specialist. Assisted swimming is
beneficial for dogs who do not have complex health issues, but who may
benefit from warm water exercise and/or weight loss.
What kind of qualifications do your Therapists/Specialists have to do this work?
The Therapists at SplashDog are all Licensed Massage Practitioners (LMP) for
humans as well as certified Small Animal Massage Practitioners (SAMP).
Washington State requires a minimum of 500 hours of training to become
an LMP (which most schools exceed by at least one hundred hours),
making it one of the strictest in the country. In order to practice
massage on animals, LMPs are required by state law to go on for an
additional 100 hours of training specific to dog anatomy and
physiology, among other topics.
Assisted
Swim Specialists at SplashDog have been mentored by our
Therapists. They have spent many hours both in and out of the
water being educated in canine physiology, dog handling and water
safety.
Who is a candidate for water therapy/assisted swim?
There are a wide variety of reasons to consider warm water therapy/assisted swimming. Some of the most common include post-operative (especially for knee and hip repair), weight loss, conditioning for show or sport or pregnancy (after discussion with your veterinarian, of course), arthritis or just for fun.
What are the benefits of water therapy/assisted swimming?
Water therapy, when combined with massage therapy, allows practitioners to work the soft tissues more effectively than massage on dry land alone. Massage benefits can include decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, calming the nervous system and of course relaxing muscles. Swimming provides the client a safe environment to exercise and build muscle, and can have a positive impact on flexibility and joint mobility.
It is important to SplashDog staff to build strong relationships with our local veterinarians and the vets of our clients. We provide initial feedback to the referring vet, and can provide whatever level of detail your vet or surgeon would like to receive for future visits.
How long are the appointments?
We have 30 minute and 60 minute appointments available, either as a Therapy Swim, Assisted Swim, or a Self-Swim. During self-swims, guardians are required to be in the pool area at all times. For Therapy Swims, we encourage guardians to watch the sessions and participate by providing positive feedback for their dogs.
What if my dog does not like to swim?
We are experienced in dealing with dogs who do not like the water or have no experience with it. Our goal during the initial session is to build trust with your dog and get them acclimated to the pool environment. We have various tools we will use to help your dog adjust to the water. Most times, our canine clients who did not originally like the water come to enjoy their sessions.
We searched though out the country to find best pool to use for canine water therapy. Our facility features a 20-foot fiberglass pool, with a 24-hour circulating pump and four adjustable swim jets. We test the pool every day for water balance. For sanitation we use an ultraviolet system, which when combined with low levels of bromine (similar to the amount of sanitizer in tap water) in the spa, along with our oversized filtering system keeps the 92-94 degree water sparkling clean.
SplashDog staff will always carry dogs in and out of the pool when physically possible unless the dog chooses to get in on his/her own with the staff as a "spotter". The pool has steps that are wide and easy to negotiate. If your dog exceeds 80 lbs., they may be assisted into the water and onto the top pool step in front legs first/back legs second. We have a non slip mat on the pool step outside as well as non slip tread on the pool steps inside to make entry as safe and comfortable as possible
How do I prepare for an appointment?
Before you arrive at SplashDog, please make sure your dog is cleaned and has been brushed to remove excess hair. You should also allow your dog to relieve itself before entering the facility.
How many sessions do you recommend?
Each client is assessed individually and a recommendation will be made at the end of the initial appointment. Factors such as age, condition and recent injuries or illnesses will all play a role in determining what program is recommended.
How soon will it take for me to see improvements in my canine friend?
This varies greatly depending on the condition of the dog, frequency and duration of visits. Many dogs will start to see improvements within a couple weeks, others with more severe conditions may take a couple months or more. Some dogs see improvement immediately after their first appointment of the physical problem simply involved tight muscles
May I bring more than one dog to my appointment?
We allow only one dog in the pool at a time at SplashDog. It is up to your discretion if you would like to bring another dog into the facility during your session. If it distracts the dog receiving therapy to have additional dogs there, we request that you make other arrangements.
What if I want to swim with my dog?
During both self-swims, assisted swims, and therapy swims you are welcome to get into the pool with your dog. Some of our staff prefer to have the first session without you in the water, or at least the first part of the session. This is an individual decision. This can provide extra comfort for an anxious dog and can be a fun way to share time with your dog. Talk with us when you schedule your appointment of you wish to do this and we will give you direction.
May I bring my dog in just for exercise/conditioning?
Absolutely! You can use warm water therapy/assisted swimming when your dog, for whatever reason, is not getting exercised enough or if you want them to get into top physical form for competition or show. Or if you just want to treat your healthy dog to a day of fun, they will be thrilled!
I have a senior dog, would water therapy/assisted swimming be good for him?
water therapy/assisted swimming is ideal for geriatric dogs. We do ask that you check with your vet before starting water therapy/assisted swimming if your dog has any health issues.
Do you have weekend and evening appointments?
Yes. Please contact us for details on days and times.
How much does it cost? Tell me about your discounted packages!
Therapy swims: 30 minutes = $50, 60 minutes = $90
Assisted Swims: 30 minutes = $45, 60 minutes = $80
Self-Swims: 30 minutes = $40, 60 minutes = $70
A $15 discount applies when you prepay for a combination of any 5 sessions.
Is there a way for me to help someone financially that needs therapy?
At SplashDog, we have set up a scholarship fund to assist dogs in the community whose guardians may not be able to afford swim therapy. Inquire with SplashDog staff for details on how to contribute.
Gift Certificates are also available!
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you may be responsible for the full balance of that appointment.
Do you have paperwork that I can fill out before my first appointment?
Yes! Please feel free to click on the following link to download/print our intake form.
Click here for intake form
