I have a 8 year old Rottie who has a torn ligament. She needs to lose some weight before the doctor can do surgery. The vet suggesting swimming because it is easy on the joints. I would like to get pool deep enough, so that she can either swim or walk slowly. The hard plastic kiddie pools don't seem to be large enough. We tried taking her to the lake and she didn't like that at all. Does anyone have any suggestions?
2007-05-24 09:01:17 · 14 answers · asked by Chrystal 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I do have a neighbor with an in ground pool but she wouldn't let my dog swim in it. The only place I found close to my home that did water therapy was the University of Georgia. (which is an hour drive)
2007-05-24 09:37:18 · update #1
Even though the University of Ga is about an hour away, I work, go to school, take take of my family, home and my other dog. I just want to give my Desiree some low impact exercise. My vet said that it's ok if I can only get her to lose weight by monitoring her food, because she is able to still walk using her leg.
2007-05-24 11:28:22 · update #2
Cattle trough.
I have an arthritic gsd and vet said swimming is the best exercise so we found a cattle trough that's 9 ft. straight across and about 3 ft.deep.
We built 2 tables big enough for the dogs to stand on.One is the same height as the pool the other is shorter.They sit next to the pool and form stairs for them to walk up so they can jump in.We made stairs for the inside using concrete blocks.Add a water pump and filter for any above ground pool to keep the water moving and you're good to go.
I have to play with the amount of chlorine to add to the water to keep it algae free but as long as the dogs are'nt drinking it we're all happy.Mine have toys just for the pool and they really love it when I get in too to play.They run in and out of it all day.
2007-05-24 14:56:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Around here in Fl we have rehab vets that have a pool and some have the treadmills that are in pools. Ask you vet if there are any in your area. If a person goes in the lake she may go in with them, Rotties(and other short faced breeds) often do not like swimming because they seem to have more problems not getting water in their noses. My 2 Rotties did like water but I introduced them as pups. Another possible is do you have a friend who owns a pool? I don't know where you live but it is getting summer and anywhere in the USA should be warm enough to swim. Good luck..
2007-05-24 09:09:13 · answer #2 · answered by ginbark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your vet for the nearest rehab center for dogs. Here in CT we have 2. Both do water therapy for dogs. Kiddy pool will not give your Rotti the depth that is needed for your dog to swim in. Do you know anyone with a pool??? Other than that I cant think of anything else to offer you.
2007-05-24 09:08:04 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you know anybody with a pool, ask for a favor. Tell them you'll chip in on chemical costs, clean it for them when you're done, etc. You may have a problem though, if she didn't like the lake, she may not like the pool either. My Rottweiler had major problems with water, she hated it. Hopefully you can find someone with a pool. If you have a helpful vet, you may call him for ideas of where to go.
Good luck! And cheers to you for getting her the care she needs!
2007-05-24 09:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by Rissa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Target is your best bet. A blue colored plastic kiddie pool is usually less than $20, right around $10 or $15
2016-04-01 06:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can think of is to get metal cattle watering trough. They are about 4 feet deep and come in oblong and round. The diameter comes in a couple of different sizes. Check with feed and cattle supply stores.
2007-05-24 09:39:31 · answer #6 · answered by Nancy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got a big dog, you'll need something deep.
I'd say an above-ground pool, but they are kind of expensive just for dog rehab.
Maybe do midnight runs into the nearest apt. pool?
2007-05-24 09:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know he might not love the lake but maybe if you went swimming in the water with him he would jump right in, or if you knew someone who had a dog that might go swimming with your dog. Best of luck. God bless
2007-05-24 09:12:29 · answer #8 · answered by cassie h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a friend or family member with a back yard pool. Offer to do something for them if they will let you borrow their pool a couple of days a week.
2007-05-24 09:09:42 · answer #9 · answered by Faith D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get one of those inflatable pools at Walmart. They are about 2.5 or 3 foot deep, that might work. but you might have a problem getting her in and out, as they are inflated and filled with air. Watch out for her toenails.
2007-05-24 09:48:33 · answer #10 · answered by Melissa K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋