H2O Rehab, Exercise for Dogs

HOUSTON - If you think about it, dogs are very similar to humans in some ways. When they need to lose weight, exercise is a must.

When they're injured, rehabilitation is key.

But did you know, like people, dogs can do all that in a pool?

Dogs jump into ponds and lakes all the time. Some dog parks even have doggie pools, but there are only two warm-water swimming facilities in the entire country that are designed for dogs and their owners.

One is up in Colorado and the other is in Spring, Texas.

Stefanie Phillips has been taking her 2-year old Golden Retriever Shelley to Rummy's Beach Club for a year now to work on her bad knee.

“When we found out there was a non-impact way to work her out and it was across the street, we were like okay we're going to do it, put off the surgery as long as possible,” Phillips said.

And Sally Duncan comes once a week from Cyprus.

“Lyssie’s 11,” Duncan said. “She’s got arthritis, being a Shepherd she doesn’t have great hips, this keeps her stronger. I’ve noticed she’s gets in and out of the car easier now.”

“When a person runs or does a lot of gravity land based exercise, it’s heavy on the joints and the bones, and when you swim its non-weight bearing, so arthritic dogs come here because they can get a lot of exercise and build up their muscle without hurting the joint,” said Lisa Goebel, Rummy’s owner.

Goebel says water exercise provides rehab for the injured and guidance for the inexperienced.

She teaches dogs how to swim, helps them to lose weight, and encourages owners to get in the water too.

“She’s lost weight, toned out a lot more and Fernando is a lot more friendly,” dog owner Carlos Olave said. “He would bark at you, but now he loves interacting with other people.”

The indoor/outdoor pool can be used year-round and is specifically designed for dogs.

“The entrance, the warmth, and the fact that the owner can get in, those were the 3 most successful reasons why the dog you wouldn’t expect to swim, gets in,” Goebel said.

Becky Evers and Joann Wolf drive all the way from Austin once a month to visit Rummy's.

“There really is no place that we have found that is set up like this anywhere near Austin or in the state of Texas that I am aware of,” Goebel said. “It’s strengthening, it’s like in humans, non-impact exercise and it’s working every muscle in her body.”

“I see a difference, they’re not as wobbly, and they can swim with me which is what they like, putting them on a treadmill, they’d be bored silly,” Duncan said.

Rummy’s also does dock jumping classes for dogs, canine massage and canine CPR.