As part of My Edmonds News’ Pet Month, J Linn Black Henline of Splash Dog recently provided this update:
“I am co-owner with Leigh Anne Hardy, LMP, SAMP, LAMP, of SplashDog Canine Well Being Center in Firdale Village, Edmonds’ most dog friendly shopping area. At SplashDog we practice therapeutic massage in a warm water pool. Our therapists are licensed in Washington as SAMPs (small animal massage practitioners). We also swim the dogs therapeutically for rehabilitation and/or exercise and pain relief. We work with dogs that have issues ranging from knee surgery, pinched nerves, back injuries, arthritis and other geriatric issues, as well as dogs that just need a good work out without impacting their joints.
“Warm water therapy speeds healing by reducing the stress on the body, while getting exercise and increased circulation through the tissues and joints. It is especially helpful for geriatric dogs that have a hard time with mobility due to arthritis, soreness and muscle wasting. They get an emotional boost as well as physical exercise and the pain relief and increased mobility can be remarkable.
“Sometimes when people first hear “warm water pool/swimming therapy” they think that it is about “pampering” the dog. In a sense it is, but it is much more than that. Our dogs are family members that deserve to live healthy lives without pain. This is a therapy that can do that. We’ve seen it over and over in the eight years we’ve been in business.
“Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs can swim. Learning to swim can build confidence. We teach dogs of all ages to swim or to swim more efficiently. Swimming in the Sound or rivers is fine for a confident swimmer, but dangerous for a dog that isn’t. Also the natural waters are very cold and can actually be detrimental to joint and soft tissue injuries.
“SplashDog also does massage outside of the pool for dogs who are unable to deal with water. Swim lessons and sessions for owners to swim with their dogs are also popular at our pool. Besides SplashDog, there are numerous other dog/pet businesses at Firdale Village. Works with Dogs, The Dining Dog, DMarie’s Doggie Boutique, Peanut’s Pals Doggie Daycare, City Kitty, Reigning Cats and Dogs, and a brand new Tropical Fish store!”
For more information, see the SplashDog website.
Splash Dog is the place to get your dog a good work out or rehab. We are very fortunate to have them here for our dogs.
SplashDog is wonderful! We took one of our dogs there for the warm water therapy after her knee surgery. Later, when she was a senior and was having mobility issues, we took her for “self swim” sessions, where we got in the pool with her. Not only did it make her feel better, but it was fun for all of us! The staff at SplashDog is very knowledgeable and caring, and they provide a wonderful, healing resource!
I credit the care I received for my pet at Splashdog, for giving my dog back his swagger after TPLO surgery on both knees. He was like a puppy, Leigh Anne worked wonders, Max loved his time in the pool, and loved Leigh Anne too.I would highly recommend a visit and see the magic that happens there.