Here at Mudpuppy we are pleased to be able to offer the ONLY Canine Swim Threapy Pool in Dunedin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swimming is a low impact form of exercise, so it is easy on the joints. Some of the benefits of swimming in a lovely heated pool are:

 

 

 

To bring your dog in swimming you will need to make an appointment in advance. The under cover spa can be used all year round. The temperature ranges between a lovely warm 26 and 31 degrees.

 

There are adjustable hydrotherapy jets at one end of the pool, which are optional as initially some dogs do not like the noise.

 

Chlorine is used to kill bugs and there are three filters that catch all the dog hair, keeping the pool clean, so we do not find it necessary to wash your dog beforehand.

 

Dogs are fitted into a life jacket and can be aided up a long sloping ramp or lifted in with the help of our staff. Then there are a couple of large, wide steps so the dog can just gently walk into the water.

 

We find most dogs who like water have a habit of diving in!

 

Your dog is gently encouraged to swim to the end of the pool and back. The life jacket has a handle on the back so we (or you) can guide your dog until he or she gets the hang of things.

 

When they are confident enough we find the best encouragement is to throw a ball down the end and the dog goes after it.

 

They can then swim back to the ramp and the safety of the step, where they can sit and contemplate what is happening.

 

We keep an eye on their breathing and heart rate, so if they are panicked or tired they can rest or cease the session altogether.

 

Therapy sessions are half an hour and for the first session we find that dogs get very tired very quickly - even the fittest dogs may only swim for 5 to 10 minutes in total.

 

For that reason the initial session is only $15. After a few sessions we find that they can swim up to 20 minutes, even more if time permits, as general fitness improves.

 

Afterwards your dog has been swimming you can either just towel dry or blow dry yourdog yourself or you have the option of a warm shower to clean off the chlorine and a blow dry by one of our experienced staff(for a small charge).They can then be taken outside into our fully fenced yard to have a sniff and a whizz before going home.

 

We recommend that the dog rests after the session as it is a lot of exercise in a small amount of time. We have found with our own dog that they can get 'bullet proof' and feel so great that they over exercise.

 

 

A session is 30 minutes.

A one off swim is $20.00

We have LOYALTY Card  for regular swims and NZKC Members

Two dogs (at same time 30 minutes) $20.00 per swimming session

 

There are large ramps or we can lift your dog in depending on the needs of your dog.

 

If your dog has undergone surgery, is recovering from an injury or has a known complaint you should check with your vet if it is okay for them to swim.

 

We do ask that dogs are vaccinated for the health and safety of all our users.

 

We offer the first session for $15.00 so that you can be sure swimming suits your dog. We find most dogs enjoy it and can't wait to get in.

 

We supply towels for your dog's session.

 

You're welcome to bring your two dogs who are used to playing & exercising together.