Because the building was too large to be considered a home-based business, Paws ‘n Tails, which specializes in canine hydrotherapy, received a special use approval from the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners in January.The Peyton facility, which opened in 2008, includes an in-ground pool and enclosure to protect the pool from the elements year round. The middle panels of the polycarbonate and aluminum building retract to allow the pool to be partially outdoors during the summer months. The pool is designed specifically for the dogs and has a ramp for easily entering and exiting.Owner Michael Hasty said he chose canine hydrotherapy because his mom, Coni Fisher, had a hydrotherapy pool in England, and he couldn’t think of any other job he’d rather do.Fisher is now the general manager of Paws ‘n Tails. “We were lucky enough to live there (England) for 10 years and go to the only facility that gives you accreditation for canine hydrotherapy,” Fisher said. Both she and Hasty are accredited canine hydrotherapists.Hasty and Fisher agreed that hydrotherapy and swimming is a great way to rehabilitate dogs. “The difference between this and an underwater treadmill is that in the pool they are 100 percent weightless,” Fisher said. “They can actually extend their legs as far as they can, need or want to.””The goal is to get them to the point where they can do regular exercise and be comfortable with that,” Hasty said. “As long as you go at their pace, they’ll generally go with it. For most of the dogs, they’re actually having fun.”Swimming is the sole activity at the hydrotherapy pool, but the extent of the exercise depends on the dog. “All the dogs wear a lifejacket initially, until they’re familiar with how to get in and out and how to swim,” Fisher said. “It depends on why they’re here, and some dogs never get out of the lifejacket.”Fisher said about 75 to 80 percent of the dogs they see are referred by vets. Ailments like hip dysplasia, arthritis and soft tissue or muscle damage are common reasons for the referral. Other dogs participate in the program to get in better shape before they have surgery. It also is a good place to prepare show dogs for competition.”We still ask them to fill out all the forms and contact the vet to make sure the dog doesn’t have some other health problem that would cause problems in the pool,” Fisher said.The cost for hydrotherapy rehabilitation is usually $30 per half-hour session, Fisher said. Clients can receive a discount for purchasing multiple sessions at one time.The response has been good, and Hasty said they would consider a second facility if the interest continues. Paw’s n’ Tails is open every day except Sunday.
