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Emergency Contact (authorized agencies only - law
enforcement, fire departments, etc):
(c) 443-994-0505
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Specific Questions Concerning a Swim Center…
- If swimming is an option, what emergency
procedures/services are available?
- At minimum, staff should be trained in Pet First Aid.
- An “on call” veterinarian should be available in case
of an emergency. The facility should have a working relationship with a
veterinarian or veterinary hospital who will respond or be available, even
if the facility is open on weekends or evenings.
- If the rehabilitation facility is
veterinarian-supervised or in a veterinary hospital, emergency equipment,
medications, and trained staff should be available.
- Do dogs and horses swim in the same pool?
- If they do, this may affect the water temperature and
cleanliness.
- If the pool is heated, what is the normal operating
temperature?
- 80 minimum
- 98-101 maximum. This is a temperature range for
therapeutic heating, which might be more comfortable for dogs with arthritis
or small breeds, but might be too warm for tolerance of cardiovascular
exercise.
- Recommended 82-86 for aquatic exercise activities.
- What chemicals? Levels? How often is the water
checked/cleaned/emptied?
- Chemically treated (Cl or Br)
- Ionizing filters
- Important for eye and ear health, especially for
immunocompromised dogs (on steroids).
- Does the animal swim alone? With a life vest? With an
assistant? With the owner?
- Some animals may not swim with hind limbs or with a
full stride or range of motion with life vest.
- Ease in getting into/out of pool—steps/ramps/hoist?
- Depending on your dog’s level of functioning, steep
steps or ramps might be difficult.
- You should not be expected to lift your dog in/out of
the pool, putting you at risk for injury.
- What if my dog is lame after swimming?
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is normal 24-48
hours post-exercise.
- Obvious abnormal lameness not expected. Contact your
vet, vet surgeon AND the facility.
- Is the dog dried with towels/drier? Do I have to bring
my own towels? Is the dog rinsed/bathed before/after swimming?
     
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