Many dogs are feeling better thanks to swim therapy. We thought we would ask one expert in New York about how post-surgery Tripawds can benefit from swim therapy.

Introducing, K9 C.A.R.E.,Inc.

Based in Spencerport, New York, K9 C.A.R.E.’s owner Jill says “Swimming is awesome at any time in a dogs life but, it is especially helpful in the all important time just after surgery. Not only for the body, but for the mind. A dog’s mental health is also important to assist in their speedy recovery.”

“Swimming makes them whole. They can move in the water like they cannot on land. With swimming being non weight bearing, it helps condition muscles without any impact. Some paralyzed dogs can actually move their limbs when they get in the water!”

We asked Jill if she had suggestions for Tripawds who have never done swim therapy before.

“My advice is find a pool and get in!”

But, she adds, that the pool should be a proper doggie pool. “Water temperature is so important, and this applies to any injury or recuperative situation. For effective therapy, optimum water temp. is between 92 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. There is almost no risk of further muscle injury with warm water, unlike cold water.

Jill says that pawrents can actually do more damage swimming a recuperating dog in a lake or backyard pool, unless it’s at the right temperature. Once a Tripawd is fully recovered from surgery and rehabilitated, then cold water swimming should be fine.

A World Class Facility

“Everything we have done we did with the dogs in mind. We have a salt water generator that purifies the water using salt. There are no added chemicals, no bromine, no chlorine.

We have non-slip, heated porcelain floors because the warmth is wonderful for joints. Unlike a concrete floor, if dogs lay down on it to rest, their bodies are not drained of heat. Also, porcelain is non porous and will not transfer any disease (unlike ceramic floors). These are just a couple of the lengths we went to, to ensure all was as it should be.”

K9 C.A.R.E.’s 60 minute sessions are just $25.00 each (many other swim therapy facilities run upwards of $85 an hour). A first visit is $35.00, and includes a 90 minute orientation, to ensure the dog is relaxed and comfortable with the facility and instructors.

Jill says they believe in keeping their cost affordable because “we want to ensure that all dogs are able to benefit, especially those whose pawrents have just spent thousands on surgery. Financial difficulty should not inhibit the dogs ability to enjoy a speedy recovery.”

Pawrents can call K9 C.A.R.E. at (585) 352-SWIM, or visit their Flick’r site. K9 Care is located in Spencerport New York, just outside of Rochester.

NOTE: Always use a flotation vest like the Ruff Wear Float Coat to make the most out of rehab swimming and aqua therapy for your dog!

That’s where the Ruff Wear K9 Float Coat comes in handy. Tripawd dogs can swim farther and longer with this awesome life vest. And the strong handle can help you help your pup.

My pawrents wrote about this great life preserver for dogs last year. But Ruff Wear recently announced a close-out sale on remaining inventory for the Float Coat. So we are hoppy to re-publish this post in its entirety, complete with demonstration video and new Big Savings While Supplies Last!

(August 4, 2008) I love to swim. And yes, we three legged dogs really can swim! But since we tire easily, we can sometimes take on water.

My people discovered this the hard way, and stopped taking me to the lakes I love so much. That’s why I’m glad they got me a new K-9 Float Coat from Ruff Wear!

Now I can swim farther and longer than ever before. Ruff Wear’s new K-9 Float Coat provides the extra buoyancy your tripawd needs to truly enjoy swimming. Keep reading to read our product review and view the demonstration video we produced, or to order yours today!

The K-9 Float Coat from Ruff Wear is far superior to any other dog life jackets on the market. Since this flotation device wraps all the way under the belly, it provides chest protection and support from the moment your dog enters the water. Other canine life preservers only offer flotation padding on the back, which doesn’t help until your dog is halfway under water.

With variable thickness buoyancy cells, the K-9 Float coat delivers proven fit and functionality. A generous ergonomic cut provides full range of motion in and out of the water. Putting on and removing the Float Coat is easy with three sturdy quick release buckles.

The padded neck support can be easily adjusted with its Velcro closure. And the low profile assistance handle helps you help your tripawd when additional support is needed.

Two strong girth straps keep your dog centered and in the coat. And high contrast color options provide superior visibility.

K-9 Float Coat Demonstration Video

Swimming is excellent exercise for three-legged dogs, especially those with knee or hip problems. With the Float Coat from Ruff Wear, your tripawd can enjoy swimming farther and longer, and you don’t have to worry about his comfort or safety.

Keep your tripawd on the go – and his head above water – with the K-9 Float Coat, for the best in canine flotation and water safety!

Order yours today! Simply select the size that’s right for your dog by taking a girth measurement around the widest part of the rib cage.

Your purchase price includes shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S. via ground delivery (3-5 transit days).

If you need yours quicker, please contact us for a custom shipping estimate BEFORE you order!

Additional shipping fees will apply for Alaska and Hawaii. Estimates to be provided upon receipt of order.

PLEASE NOTE: No P.O. Boxes and No Military Addresses! Ruff Wear requires a physical delivery address and does not ship international orders outside the U.S. Visit ruffwear.com to find a store in your country.

Please provide your phone number upon checkout! It is required for prompt delivery.

For Larger Dogs:

Size (Dog Girth)	XL = 35″-48″
Color	Yellow Red

For Smaller Dogs:

Size (Dog Girth)	SM = 23″-30″ XXS = 12″-19″
Color	Yellow Red

Ruffwear Products Refund/Exchange Information:

• NO RETURNS OR EXCHANGES ON CLOSEOUT ITEMS.
  
• Please measure carefully.

When it’s time to hit the trail again, don’t forget the Ruff Wear Web Master harness for ultimate mobility assistance!

Why buy from Tripawds? Purchases made on this site help support our continuing efforts to raise awareness about canine cancer and amputation as a viable treatment option. Because we believe it is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.

You will be redirected to PayPal for completion of purchase for security reasons. Products will be shipped directly from Ruff Wear in Bend, OR. Thank you!

Order Ruff Wear Big Eddy and Portage Life Jackets Now – All Sizes Available!

(August 4, 2008) I love to swim. And yes, we three legged dogs really can swim! But since we tire easily, we can sometimes take on water.

My people discovered this the hard way, and stopped taking me to the lakes I love so much. That’s why I’m glad they got me a new K-9 Float Coat from Ruff Wear!

Now I can swim farther and longer than ever before. Ruff Wear’s new K-9 Float Coat provides the extra buoyancy your tripawd needs to truly enjoy swimming. Keep reading to read our product review and view the demonstration video we produced, or to order yours today!

The K-9 Float Coat from Ruff Wear is far superior to any other dog life jackets on the market. Since this flotation device wraps all the way under the belly, it provides chest protection and support from the moment your dog enters the water. Other canine life preservers only offer flotation padding on the back, which doesn’t help until your dog is halfway under water.

With variable thickness buoyancy cells, the K-9 Float coat delivers proven fit and functionality. A generous ergonomic cut provides full range of motion in and out of the water. Putting on and removing the Float Coat is easy with three sturdy quick release buckles.

The padded neck support can be easily adjusted with its Velcro closure. And the low profile assistance handle helps you help your tripawd when additional support is needed.

Two strong girth straps keep your dog centered and in the coat. And high contrast color options provide superior visibility.

K-9 Float Coat Demonstration Video

Swimming is excellent exercise for three-legged dogs, especially those with knee or hip problems. With the Float Coat from Ruff Wear, your tripawd can enjoy swimming farther and longer, and you don’t have to worry about his comfort or safety.

Keep your tripawd on the go – and his head above water – with the K-9 Float Coat, for the best in canine flotation and water safety!

Order yours today! Simply select the size that’s right for your dog by taking a girth measurement around the widest part of the rib cage.

Your purchase price includes shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S. via ground delivery (3-5 transit days).

Additional shipping fees will apply for Alaska and Hawaii. Estimates to be provided upon receipt of order.

PLEASE NOTE: U.S Orders Only. No P.O. Boxes and No Military Addresses. Ruff Wear requires a physical delivery address and does not ship international orders outside the U.S. Visit ruffwear.com to find a store in your country.

Please provide your phone number upon checkout! It is required for prompt delivery.

When it’s time to hit the trail again, don’t forget the Ruff Wear Web Master harness for ultimate mobility assistance!

Why buy from Tripawds? Purchases made on this site help support our continuing efforts to raise awareness about canine cancer and amputation as a viable treatment option. Because we believe it is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.

You will be redirected to PayPal for completion of purchase for security reasons. Products will be shipped directly from Ruff Wear in Bend, OR. Thank you!