Bowel Expression

This is a picture of a male dog from behind. In expressing the bowels, you are only helping provide stimulation where the body is compromised and needs help. Carefully using a gloved finger, you can begin gently pressing and drawing circles on the area above the anus which usually will stimulate contractions of the colon and produce feces. Once your dog begins to pass feces, continue gently drawing those circles until he’s done. Don’t be in a hurry. I use …

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Guido – Water Therapy for Degenerative Myelopathy

Living with Degenerative Mylopethy Guido was always an active dog. One of his self-appointed “jobs” was to herd our first Corgi, Vera, as she chased the tennis ball in our back yard. It was a job he took seriously and performed vigorously, often to Vera’s annoyance. American/Canadian Ch. Caralon Brookehaven Hearthrob (Ch Brookehaven Pfeif and Drum X Ch Caralon’s Lana Lee), but to us a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named “Guido”, came to us after a successful show and agility career, …

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What I Like in Canine Flotation Devices for Therapy Work

A dog will usually arrive at your pool in order to regain full range of motion, to build confidence, to build muscle and strength. I personally don’t often use a flotation device as I want to be able to support the dog, feel his movement and have access to his entire body for massage, however, for those dogs who don’t need this hands on approach, a floatation device MUST first and foremost be of utmost comfort and not impose on …

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The La Paw Spa Sponsorship Fund: Angel Fund

I’m so grateful to have heard from several people asking if they can contribute funds to help support a dog in need who would otherwise not be able to afford these services. After seeing the benefits of canine water therapy for themselves, they want to share the experience with others. If you are so inclined, you’re welcome to contribute to a fund I maintain for to help pay for the treats and treatments for these deserving canine friends. Thank You!!! …

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Dog Swimming Pool Vendors and Models

Here are a few pools that are being used to swim dogs. Each has different features and qualities so its best to look at each for yourself and decide what is best for you and your application. Pool’s Name: Arthur’s Pools Bradford Products Dimension One Spas Aqua Pro 19 or Aqua Fit 16 Marin Outdoor Living Dolphin Pools Elite Spas Northwest – Damon Fletcher 425-844-1348 Endless Pools Ferno Ferno Commercial Florida North Glimmerglass Swim Spa Golden Wave Swim Spa Grecian …

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SEA DOGG High Visibility Buoyant Swim Collar for Dogs

Update: Though the concept of this collar was a good one, unfortunately this particular company is no longer in business, and it is no longer available. Central Bay Technology, Inc. has created the SEA DOGG High-Visibility Buoyant Swim Collar for Dogs. This collar provides additional buoyant support for a dog’s head and neck when swimming or afloat. It assists a dog in keeping their head sufficiently above the water in order to minimize the amount of water inadvertently swallowed while retrieving …

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Filtration Methods

When thinking about filtration and dog pools its all about the hair! There are 3 main options on the market today for filters – a D.E. Filter (which stands for Diatomaceous Earth), a SAND filter or a Cartridge filter. I think the most important thing is to oversize your filter. Go with the largest filter size you can get, its money well spent. Something that most pool companies won’t understand is that we are dealing with dog hair. We aren’t …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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