Friday, September 17, 2010

A new swimming tank

Yesterday, we took Mika to the vet for a check-up. He was fine, but his leg muscle was so flabby because he doesn't ever use it. The vet told us to get him swimming and find access to a swimming pool. In Malaysia, it is not as easy as it sounds. We don't own one, going to a waterfall takes a lot of trekking before getting there, and well, it's just almost impossible to find a dog friendly swimming pool. I have been doing some training with Mika when I make him use his leg and click and treat, but I doubt a 5 minute session is going to improve him any more.

Therefore, we found a water tank. Those that you keep to store water in. 
Mika has had his go today and we hope to get him in there twice a day if the weather is good. 
Eva might have once every two days of water therapy. 

I hope that both their legs get better with all the paddling, because they are using their hind legs. 


At first, Mika was pretty terrified but once he realised that he wasn't going to drown, he got much more comfortable with it.
Lucky for him, he has very short hair so he can dry very easily! 

25 comments:

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

What a wonderful idea to purchase a tank for your own yard. I never knew that such a thing existed!

I am sure with each day Mika will grow to be more comfortable with it and that is wonderful that Eva can use it too.

It is so much more comforting for them to do their therapy at home. What devoted pet parents you are, Mika and Eva are so very lucky to have you!

Hugs to all!

Amanda said...

The vet I used to work for did a fair amount of spinal surgeries and I was in charge of water rehab. I was so glad when they finally bought me a big cattle stock tank to swim dogs in. It's fun after they get the hang of it and you can run around the tank and they will "chase" you for treats. :)
(A pond filter works great so you don't have to change the water so often)

Pico the Sheltie said...

I think this is a wise decision to get this tank! Looks great! But I heard it is quite costly, more than RM1K right?

Hope Mika recovers very soon.

Remington said...

That is so cool!

Sara said...

What a great idea. That is going to help both of them so much. You'll be amazed at how quickly their legs strengthen.

DSS said...

Oh my goodness! Aren't you clever! I'm so very glad to hear that Mika is doing so well, and surely his daily swims will get him right back in shape.

I can only imagine how long it take miss Eva to dry! Louis takes a good amount of time, and he hasn't got 1/2 the hair she does :)

Kerry said...

What a great mom you are! I'm glad he relaxed and became a little more comfortable in the water. :) Hopefully it will get that leg back to tip top shape! :)

Ruth said...

Mika's doing so well! That swimming tank is a good idea!

Diana said...

What a great idea! Diana

Sierra Rose said...

Wow! Very cool! Is this something you have at home? Or, at a location that you go to? We've been searching for a bigger (but not a pool) water something for Sierra....can't seem to find anything more than kiddie pools!!!
Sounds like some great water time :)

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Piappies World said...

That's really a pawesome "pool"! Surely it will help Mika.

The Piappies especially your Mika's "twin" Fudgie would loooove to have one of those "pools"!

You're such a caring and loving mom! =)

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

Sagira said...

Smart thinking. I hope Mika has a full recovery. :)

fromsophiesview said...

I could use that water tank. I know I get to swim everyday and that I live so close to the ocean...having a water tank would be so convenient to clean my hair with all the sand in it.

Chris and Ricky said...

The water tank was a fabulous idea!! I hope it really helps Mika and Eva too - it should be excellent exercise for them!

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

What a wonderful idea! Swimming is the best kind of physical therapy for so many things. It's so great that you were so smart and found a way.

lotsa licks, Lola

Dawn said...

What a great idea! Hope they both enjoy swimming now! :)

AC said...

Mika, you look so pitiful! I'm sure you'll get more and more use to your water sessions. Your mom is taking such good care of you!

jen said...

What a great idea to do that in your own backyard.

I hope this helps Mika's recovery process.

BlogDog said...

Hope Mika will recover soon! The water tank is really a very good idea to keep his muscles stretching!

Bing&Ben
adoptedmutts.blogspot.com

Ryker said...

Great idea, I love it! And it looks like fun once the initial fear is gone.

Vonnie said...

Good idea :) This will help him a lot, strengthing up those muscles quicker and safer!

the booker man said...

that's a really good idea!! i'm glad you found a way for mika and eva to swim and strengthen their leggies at home! :)

*woof*
the booker man

Yas said...

that's really super!!
glad to see mika having fun while getting
her workout!!
bet Eva will have the time of her life too
in that pool!!

cheers
maxx

Dexter said...

I sure hope those water therapies help. Mom is very dedicated to find the tank.

Slobbers,
Mango

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