The water in Silverden's pool is disinfected using
chlorine: The level of chlorine in the pool is the same as a public swimming pool and very safe to swim in and does not harm
your dog's coat.
Everyone at Silverden swims in the pool with the dogs
(and for fun) and it is just like having a swim in the local pool except it's a lot warmer!
We keep the water temperature at an average of 90f,
we have found this to be very effective for treatments especially with injured and old dogs who can't work hard in the pool, it
prevents them from becoming chilled as they swim. Keeping to this temperature also means that toxins can be cleared from the
tissues swiftly and effectively due to the maximum expansion of the blood vessels. It is very important to start slowly and
allow the dog to warm up and then to finish with a wind down too this ensures there is no build up of lactic acid left in
the muscles which could cause discomfort after the treatment.
After each treatment we shower your dog in warm fresh
water, although this is not necessary it sets a routine which is important, your dog will know what to expect next and it
signals the end of the session. The dog then relaxes while being dried and if it isn't noise phobic we use the blaster to
take the majority of the water out of their coat. If it is a very shorthaired breed we sometimes omit this but long haired
breeds like a GSD or Newfoundland really benefit from being 'blasted'. It removes dead hair as well as excess water and it
actually gives a massage as well which most dogs find very enjoyable. This is followed by gentle towelling off and hopefully
the owner will have brought a coat for their dog to wear home. Some owners think it is 'cissy' for their dog to wear a coat
but really it is essential that you dog's muscles are kept warm after exercise. A towel can be utilised for this with
ties across the chest and under the tummy to keep it in place.
If your dog is mobile then after
its swim it will do one of two things, it will either be really energetic and then sleep or it will sleep and then be energetic. Either way your dog will feel very good and relaxed, this is due to the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, this 'feel good factor' is
also a natural pain relief.
