'Dogs only' at spa therapy centre

The dogs wear specially-designed lifejackets during the therapy

Luxury heated spa baths and jet pools are usually used to pamper stressed humans - but one clinic in south Wales accepts only canine clients.

Norah Raymond and her husband Bert have set up what may be the first hydrotherapy centre for dogs in Wales.

The couple have transformed a barn at their home in Pontllanfraith into a state-of-the-art dog spa.

The centre is used to help dogs with arthritis or injury exercise safely and speed the animal's recovery.

Mrs Raymond said they had spent two years setting up The Dog Spa.

It's really lovely. In fact, I've caught my husband having a dip in the Jacuzzi a couple of times Norah Raymond

"I work with people with learning difficulties and that was my first experience of the benefits of hydrotherapy," she said.

"I love dogs and wanted a way of being able to combine my love for them with my skills but didn't necessarily want to open a kennels and so I thought to myself that setting up a hydro centre would be a great way of doing it."

The therapy involves letting the dogs relax in a heated pool to loosen their muscles before taking a swim in the jet pool.

"It is really amazing to see the difference it makes to them," said Mrs Raymond, who underwent training to be able to use hydrotherapy treatment on dogs.

"Often we will have a dog who is in agony with arthritis and can hardly walk.

"But after a few sessions in the pools there is a huge improvement in their movement.

"They get to have stress-free exercise which helps them without the need for medication."

Monitoring

Every dog which has treatment at the centre is referred by a vet and is carefully monitored throughout the sessions.

They wear a lifejacket to support them and have specially-designed programmes to follow.

"Encouraging a dog to swim in a custom-built spa facility has enormous benefits for the overall well-being of the animal," said Mrs Raymond.

"We have a heated pool with jets, large enough to accommodate all breeds - from Jack Russell to Great Danes - and a heated stainless steel spa bath.

"It's really lovely. In fact, I've caught my husband having a dip in the Jacuzzi a couple of times," she laughed.

There are plans for additional treatments, including acupuncture and chiropody.

"I would love to be able to do this full-time so we are hoping to set up other facilities here at some point," added Mrs Raymond.

The couple achieved their new line of business with the support of Venture Wales, which gives business advice.

"This is an unusual business," said Venture Wales business mentor Mark Adams.

"But it is certainly one that fills a gap in the market, because The Dog Spa is already enjoying very brisk business and has considerable opportunity for growth."