Aquadoggies - great exercise for dogs (Aquadoggies)

Member Name: depurple2

Product:	Aquadoggies
Date:	01/03/08 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helps with arthritis, gets dogs fitter, great fun

Disadvantages: You get soaking wet!

A couple of years ago, one of my dogs started to look a bit stiff, so I took her to the vet who diagnosed arthritis. I looked into what could be done, and found that swimming was likely to help. I looked around for a local pool where dogs could swim, and found Aquadoggies in Reading (just off Junction 11 of the M4).

I made an appointment and I was impressed by the friendliness of Andrew, who runs Aquadoggies with his wife, Carol. I decided to take both my dogs, even though only one really needed to swim.

The pool is at the back of a house, and there is plenty of convenient parking available (although it can get a bit busy if Reading are playing at home as it is quite near the stadium). The pool is indoors, and is quite large, with a smaller spa pool for dogs which have difficulty walking. There is a ramp for dogs to walk in and out of the pool, but there is also a hoist to help dogs get in and out of the pool if needed. There is also a small outdoor area for dogs to run around in if they want to. The pool is heated and filtered (no chlorine is used) and is really clean.

My dogs were a bit unsure about the pool at first, but Andrew was really great with them (even with my younger girl, who doesn't always like strangers). There are doggy lifejackets provided in all different sizes if your dog needs some help, and there are loads of toys provided for dogs to play with in the pool. The sessions last for about half an hour, and the dog can do as much or as little swimming as it wants to. Swimming makes my dogs really tired, which is nice, because it means I get a peaceful evening!

After the dogs have finished swimming, there are showers for them to get shampooed in, and also towels and a dryer so your car doesn't get soaking wet on the way back.

Swimming for dogs isn't cheap - a session is £25, although there are discounts for more dogs in the same session, and also discounts if you pay for several sessions in one go. For me, it works out at £40 to take the three dogs I have now.

Since my older dog started swimming, she is noticeably less stiff, and she is fitter too. I would really recommend swimming to help dogs with arthritis. Aquadoggies is a great pool to go to - you do need waterproofs though!

Summary: A great form of exercise for dogs of all types