Q: My dog and I do not like cold weather. Is there someplace where I can exercise him this winter?
A: Your dog can enjoy all the creature comforts while getting a great cardio workout swimming at Bonnie’s K9 Swim Center (133 East 39th Street; 212-414-2500). In her 92-degree pool, animal therapist Jodi Richard treats dogs recovering from surgery or suffering from arthritis. Sessions are done one dog at a time, last 30 minutes to an hour, and may include massage and acupressure. Even healthy dogs can get into the swim of things with half-hour supervised dips for $35. Therapeutic treatments cost $95 an hour.
If you really want to pump up your pooch, take him to a dog gym. At Biscuits & Bath Doggy Gym (1535 First Avenue, near 80th Street; 212-794-3600), the staff will give your dog a workout on the 1,000-square-foot AstroTurf track. Membership costs $100 a year, plus a day-care rate of $30 for small dogs, $35 for large ones. Members can also drop in for a quickie workout for $8 an hour (two-hour minimum).
Canines who prefer luxury to lather should be checked into the New York Dog Spa & Hotel (145 West 18th Street; 212-243-1199), where guests romp in a bright indoor playroom. Day-care rates range from $23 to $25 a day. The dogs are sectioned into groups by size and temperament, and accommodations are made for animals in need of special attention. Fido won’t have to brave bad weather to heed nature’s call, as the fiber-reinforced concrete floors in the day-care room have built-in drains – the ultimate dog indulgence.