06:17 PM PDT on Monday, June 13, 2005

By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News

EDMONDS, Wash. - After another day in a dog's life, it's off to the hot tub for Norrie and Ringer.

KING

The emphasis is on the dog's health.

The two whippets retire for an afternoon of swimming and massage - enough to make their owner envious.

SplashDog Spa in Edmonds is one of a growing number of retreats across the country that provide therapeutic massage and hydro therapy for pets.

It may look like an extravagant stay at an indulgent doggie day spa, but there's much more going on beneath the surface.

"It looks like they're lounging and having fun, but the emphasis is on health issues around the pup," said Melissa Barran of SplashDog.

Starting at $35 for 30 minutes, owners bring their pets to SplashDog for everything from weight loss to recovery from surgery and injuries.

"It really does help. It gives them the opportunity to keep their muscles in shape when they have injuries they can't go out an exercise on," said dog owner Beth Levine.

As with humans, water therapy is considered beneficial because it's a serious workout with no jarring impact on joints and bones.

Be sure to check with your vet before beginning hydrotherapy for your dog.

SplashDog Spa is located in Firdale Village at 9679 Firdale Ave. in Edmonds. Phone 206-546-5309.