I don't know, I think my dog would enjoy this, but then again my dog is a meat head. I would never buy it though, another excuse to sit on your ass an do nothing.

shamoononon

PETA doesn't even want you to have a damn pet. If it was of them we wouldn't even have the right to eat meat and honey.

IrisMR

like how happy is that dog in that crate?

flyboy

Why would PETA have a problem with this? Devices like this are used to help heal dogs who cannot do weight bearing activity.

Carbonfly

@aseriesoftubes: Yes, this needs some sort of filtrations system. You could add detergents and give your dog its bath while it tones those legs.

Gann

Grrr Sorry guys.

adamgamble

I hope the pets like it better than this cat likes the "Cat Spa"

adamgamble

I guess you'd need a pooh filter.

flyboy

Hopefully the pets like it better than this Cat Spa

adamgamble

Bonus - Now your home can smell like wet dog every day!

aseriesoftubes

I take it the inventor was a POW who found inspiration in the most unlikely place.

Kaiser-Machead

I dunno, I could see that being useful. My dog has some pretty bad arthritis in her left knee, and she loves swimming. I can still take her for walks and she's okay, but that would be a pretty good no-impact doggy workout.

Munch

it just needs some little ornaments, prate chests,divers and a few airtubes.

Mum, i really wanted a goldfish.

flyboy

got @downtownjoel: to get the blogs out so you can see those ICons on the left.

flyboy

Water resistant treadmills are for rehabilitating dogs for a number of reasons. From bad knees, to intense physical therapy. There was a video online of a dog who couldnt use his two back legs, after months of physical therapy, water resistant treadmill included, it was able to walk normally again. So I know you think this is just some sort of rediculous luxary item rich people buy for their pets, but really its used to help the dog, instead of killing it when it gets his by a car and has trouble keeping balanced.

notwhoyouthink

I hope the tag for "bad ideas" was referring to this author and Gizmodo's hiring of someone who can't do 2 seconds of research to find out that this is for rehab.

Next post, "lol wheelchairs"?

downtownjoel

Water therapy is great. I've never heard of a fish with knee problems.

Sora57

Comment on Water Resistance Treadmill for Dogs Should Have PETA Up in Arms This is the first post that I've actually been urked by. These treadmills have been around for years in the rehabilitation of many dogs, most of them working dogs. Mine will be going to rehab today to recover from 3 knee surgeries to replace torn ACLs. In many cases, the surgery is just the first step and the rehab is necessary to help encourage range of motion and build strength while still being monitored at a safe distance. The water is also free of chemicals or bacteria that you can't find anywhere else that may be harmful to healing surgical incisions. Dogs have many of the same illnesses, injuries, cancer and aging issues that people do, so why shouldn't they be able to do rehab in a controlled environment like people?

NealGebsite

Gotta keep Rover fit. This is a great way to do it with little/no impact.

bms

Haha, this is a pointless post, these are sold to Veterinarians only, and have been for over 5 years. Now on the other side, I worked for a vet for a long time and these things are really useful for rehabbing a bum knee, or any other type of leg ligament/tendon damage. But this really isnt giz worthy. Guys hurting for stories this morning?

holyroll

I take my dog (Belgian Malinois) to a water treadmill. She's not over weight, she has a joint injury and is doing rehab. It costs $40 for a one hour session, which is not all spent in the tank. And she's fine with the equipment, it's introduced slowly with lots of cookies. But she did bump her butt the first day and was wondering what the heck did that!

(True animal lovers want nothing to do with PETA and HSUS.)

doerak

[www.fernovetsystems.com]

This is nothing new as a product-category. They've had systems like this for both dogs and horses for quite a few years.

With the horses, swimming can be less stress on the legs, as it allows the muscles to work, but takes some of the weight off. You can also vary water temperature in some models, which controls muscle tissue swelling & body-heat regulation.

[www.fernovetsystems.com]
Search on "Equine Treadmill Water" in Google for more info & other companies doing this...

-->Tom

Tom.Gilheany

It's probably for training rescue and hunting dogs to be better swimmers. It could also be used for rehabilitation (as the website suggests).

digidt

This is used by orthopedic vets for rehab of knees and hips after surgery. It takes a lot of the weight off the joint while requiring the dog to walk. My dog went in the tank a few times after knee surgery last summer. She wasn't happy about it, but is back to 100% now.

alaskagiz

I'm a member of People Eating Tastie Animals. i don't want tough dog, make then move around less like Veal.

HJTravels

Hmm, rehab aside, most dogs love water and are fine with small spaces (since they have a natural "den" or cave instinct.

Canoehead

It's not a fitness thing it's a rehab thing. It's easier on the joints than running so they use that to build muscle back after injuries.

vertigo

A lot of dogs have hip problems, especially older bigger dogs. My Lab had hip displacia and swimming would be the best exercise because it reduced the strain on the joints. This thing is out of my price range but I know a few pet owners who would like to use this for their dogs or small child ;-}

inajeep

@Kaiser-Machead: That's great! You my friend, are funny.

Jimbuck

I'm getting this for my cat. The whirlpool she'll create will be golden Youtube material.

Kaiser-Machead

wow. can't we just get a giant hamster wheel? seems like it would be cheaper and more entertaining. or even better, a hamster ball that's 7' in diameter and watch him roll around the park.

wolfenstein-3d

@carmen89: If not for the laws of the land, they'd probably try.

Kaiser-Machead

PETA can eat me

carmen89

My dog was hit by a car. after back leg surgery the physical therapist had my dog use one of these and now my dog cant stay off any treadmills.

Elijah86

@Kaiser-Machead: PETA knows no limits. Laws of the land do not apply to them.

carmen89

"Designed specifically for canine rehabilitation" That's what the original post says. Adam, if you can't be bothered to read to the end of the post, then I wonder if you really do love me... Come on man, do it of the fans!

james-42

These have been around for years. My Aunt uses it for her job. They actually help the animals.

danmandle

Systems like these are used for rehab work on dogs who have had injuries or sustained muscle damage. The water adds resistance, while removing the shock of running on the ground. These things are a good thing, PETA has no fight here.

DJRome