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- My name is Sheila Wells. I am a Licensed Massage Practitioner
and a Licensed Animal Massage Practitioner. I worked as a
nurse and Veterinarian Technician for several years. I've done
massage and other modalities of body and energy work on dogs for
17 years.
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- There are 4 other very competant LMP small animal massage practitioners
on staff here at Wellsprings who were trained by me personally
in hydrotherapy for your dogs.
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- Most dogs can benefit from some form of body work and swimming.
Swimming is an excellent non-weight bearing form of exercise.
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- Not all dogs take to the water immediately though (even some
of the water breeds) and need to be slowly and gradually introduced
to the indoor pool. The water in the pool is kept at a therapeutic
range of 90 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm water helps relax
the dog and his muscles. The dog slowly steps down the steps in
the pool and acclimates. For water fearful dogs I pick them
up or cradle them in my arms and walk slowly into the pool, or
sit on the steps with them until they are ready to go further.
For dogs that are too heavy to carry they are placed in a specially
designed lift that lowers them into the water.
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- For some of the very fearful or physically challenged dogs flotation
life vests are used.
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- We are in the water the whole time with your dog. A positive
"fun" experience is important while in the pool. Balls,
toys and treats are provided for your dog. If he has a favorite
buoyant toy please bring it along to your session.
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- The pool has 4 optional jets which can be used for resistance
swimming. Using the jets is like swimming against a current in
a river. In the pool however, the current is adjustable to accommodate
to the individual dog. You can choose to have 0 jets on to
all 4.
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- I also have an owner/trainer self-swim program available for
those who want to learn to swim your own dog. I will teach you
how to operate the pool and how to get the most out of the workout
for you and your dog.
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