Cindy Horsfall, Author at Warm Water Therapy & Training for Dogs :: La Paw Spa

Swim Snood Ear Cover for Swimming Dogs

Dr. Regina Schwab of Pamplin Animal Wellness Services, Pamplin , VA asked DogLeggs to design The Swim Snood for dogs receiving swim therapy that are constant head shakers. The results were immediate…the dogs stopped shaking their heads. The Swim Snood is constructed of 3mm neoprene with Velcro ® closure/adjustment. The Swim Snood is available in sizes to fit all dogs. To order: 1-800-313-1218 ~ dogleggs.com Also available… DogLeggs ® : An attractive, therapeutic treatment for the calluses, soreness, swelling, lameness and arthritis …

My dog doesn’t use his back legs when swimming

Question: My dog doesn’t use his back legs when swimming. Answer: Good question! I was horrified when I first started back in 1996 and noticed that probably 50% of dogs don’t use their back legs in water…. And then I remembered the dog paddle – – – remember when you were a little kid and you learned how to dog paddle? That’s strictly a front arm paddle… Since nearly 80% of the dogs who come to see me in spa are coming …

Choosing a Hydrotherapy Pool for Dogs

There are many factors to consider when trying to figure out what kind of pool to buy. Going in-ground with a permanent pool. You can go in-ground with a custom swimming pool and build it specific to your needs. However you’ll want to make sure you’re zoned for business and that you want to do this as this is a permanent decision. Going in-ground with a preformed fiberglass pool: Another fun option but again, make sure you want this as …

What should I know about using ozone to sanitize my pool?

Q: I’m thinking about using ozone to sanitize my pool. What should I know? A: Good choice! Ozone is an excellent sanitizer that is economical, environmentally friendly, and pleasant for our clients. Let’s start with a basic understanding about how ozone works. You may be surprised to hear that ozone, chlorine, bromine, and peroxide all work essentially the same way – by oxidation. All these sanitizers are common chemical compounds that have an “extra” oxygen molecule. The formula for oxygen gas …

Dog pools for swimming therapy: what to look for

Are you looking for a pool for your dog and having a hard time finding one? Here are some things you may want to know, and things to ask as you search for a qualified dog pool. ♥ Many years ago I did a search for dog pools and found to my horror that none existed in the entire USA! There were people rehabilitation pools and Equine rehab pools but no one had a DOG POOL. In an effort to …

Aging Gracefully: Caring For Dogs With Degenerative Myelopathy and Other Mobility Impairments

As our dogs age, a common scenario is the loss of mobility. Often the hind legs begin to deteriorate first, due to disease, injury or simply because our friend is getting on in years. The front legs can also begin to lose their ability over time as well. All the while the dog frequently remains otherwise healthy and alert. Our Pembroke Welsh Corgi Guido brought us to exactly that situation as he developed and progressed through degenerative myelopathy. If you’re …

How often should I shock my pool?

The simple answer is “Whenever it needs it”. The real question is “How do I know when my pool needs a shock treatment?” Why Shock? First, it helps to understand what a shock treatment is and why we need to do it. When clients (both canine and human) enter the pool, they introduce organics into the water. These include sweat, saliva, skin cells, body lotions, deodorants, soil, urine, loam, and a host of other things. Mother nature also contributes by …

Training 2023

Each week Cindy answers many requests for information from people from all over the world who want to start their own dog spa/canine hydrotherapy program.

Phone Consultation

Cindy is available for private phone consultations.

The Emotional Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy

The whole body approach to healing and the importance of the emotions are finally getting recognition in the world of medicine and science. John Hopkins recently released a list of thing to do that would help keep cancer from taking hold in the body and this list included trying to live a stress-free life. There are numerous books and studies out now on how our emotions can help create dis-ease in our bodies. The healing potential of immersion in water …