Doggie Paddlers

here was a time when an aging or injured dog had few options: Fido could either continue to debilitate, or go to doggie heaven.

But today, aquatic therapists are teaching old (and injured) dogs some new tricks — and prolonging their lives in the process.

“These days, I’m swimming about 55 dogs a week,” said Kendall De Menech, owner of K9H20 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, and a former swim instructor. Her facility is one of a growing number of canine aquatic therapy centers. “It takes a lot of patience to work with animals because we can’t reason with them. But I love what I do, and it’s nice to be able to pay back their love and devotion.”

Centers such as De Menech’s offer a range of services for both injured and healthy dogs, including learn-to-swim and exercise programs, physical therapy and, yes, doggie birthday parties. There’s even a movement afoot to unite all aquatic healing processes for dogs under the recently founded Association of Canine Water Therapy.

Dogs were not the first to receive such aquatic treatment. Veterinarians in England used hydrotherapy pools to treat horses with racing injuries. Not long after, the idea caught on for dogs. In De Menech’s case, her vet suggested aqua-therapy for her 16-year-old lab, Sandy, who suffered from hip dysplasia. The water’s buoyancy would allow Sandy to exercise while keeping weight off her hip.

“I asked some veterinarians if they’d be interested in using my backyard pool to support therapy for animals, and they were thrilled,” said De Menech. “Then, I started a business plan, and I haven’t looked back.”

Now, K9H₂0 offers acupuncture, a lifeguard-training course to teach dogs to spot drowning victims, and even canine boating etiquette.

Melissa Barran and her pup’s business began much the same way. Tired of driving the two hours to her dog’s warm water therapy, Barran decided to open her own center.

“It just struck me, this was my passion since I was a little kid,” said the recently retired communications specialist. She started SplashDog Spa in Edmonds, Wash., at the beginning of 2005 and has already generated 25 clients.

Former vet assistant Nancy Long offers controlled swims for dogs at Dunkin Dawgs in Janesville, Wis. Dogs first don a mini life jacket (“for control issues, in case they panic”), then sit on the pool ledge with Long as they adapt to the water. When they’re ready, she helps them swim — either laps or against the current. Healthier dogs also come in just for conditioning and fun, sans doggie vest.

Like any activity for a pampered pet, aquatic therapy does not come cheap. Prices for a half-hour recreational swim average around $30 to $35, with a one-hour therapy session costing about $80. But for adoring owners, no amount of money is too much.

“These dogs are part of people’s families, and by putting [injured dogs] through therapy, they’re protecting their investments,” De Menech said. “It’s really wonderful to see people give their pets quality health care.”