Aquatic Paws

We specialize in aquatic training and exercise for your pet.  Our Hudson Aquatic's freestanding canine pool and AquaPaws Jr. underwater treadmill system are perfect to enhance the health and well being of your dog.   Whether due to an injury, neurological condition,  relaxation or fun your dog or cat can benefit from our unique and individualized services. Add in a massage and your pet is living a better quality of life.   Multiple veterinarians are already referring their clients to Aquatic Paws: Merrifield Animal Hospital, VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Center, Pender Vet, Caring Hands Animal Hospital (Merrifield), The Veterinary Holistic Center, Critterfixer's Mobile Veterinary Care and Mainstay Veterinary Practice, and Companion Animal Hospital in Springfield.  In addition, Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter sponsor dogs in the shelter who can benefit from swimming or  the underwater treadmill.

Recently profiled on Fairfax County Channel 16!

https://www.ebmcdn.net/fairfax/fairfax-cable-viewer-cc.php?w=768&h=432&viewnode=tips_and_tails_feb_19

Recently profiled in the Fairfax Times! http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/from-the-dog-s-paw---aquatic-paws/article_3eaf6dee-fc98-11e7-a212-3754c9117ed9.html

The vision for Aquatic Paws  came about with the diagnosis of Degenerative Mylopathy (DM) on my German Shepherd, Beamer. In December 2013, I noticed he was having difficulty walking. He started to drag his back paw, causing open sores and was no longer able to jump into the car. After extensive research and multiple veterinarian visits, it was determined Beamer probably had DM. Typically the timeline for diagnosis to having to be "put down" is 12-15 months. This was unacceptable! I started to research medicines and alternative therapies to help Beamer. Two re-occurring modalities were massage and weightless exercise.....swimming. There was no place locally I could safely take my dog to swim privately. Thus the concept of Aquatic Paws was born. I trained to become a Canine Massage practitioner. Twice a week for well over a year Beamer enjoyed his therapeutic massages!  Sadly, just over two years into the disease, his quality of life declined and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge in March 2016.  But his legacy will live on with Aquatic Paws.