Why is Swimming Great for your Dog?
You may be wondering why you might want to take your dog to a pool. After all, dogs know how to swim and we have a lot of natural water around the area, right? The truth is, that while most dogs know how to swim, some don’t swim at all or don’t swim effectively. Pool water is generally cleaner than river or lake water, so your dog will come out smelling like a wet dog instead of a filthy wet dog. Year-round swimming is easier in a pool given the consistent water temperature and lack of rain, snow, and mud.
Bean swimming at The Sanctuarys, horse therapy pool
Swimming in a pool is a good introduction for dogs who have never swum before. Not all dogs know how to swim. Often the ones who don’t know how to swim will try to climb out of the water, putting them in a more vertical position. Unfortunately, a vertical dog in the water is a dog who is sinking and probably getting upset. If there is a conveniently located human in the water, the dog may try to climb aboard. As a swim coach I introduce your dog gradually to the water to help her become comfortable with the idea of being in the water before beginning to swim. Not every dog will learn to love swimming, but most can be convinced that swimming is at least tolerable and many decide it is great fun.
Bringing in your young puppy for a first swim can be loads of fun.Some take to the water immediately while others are a little more cautious. Swimming can be a great confidence booster for your puppy. You can also think of a good early swim as a positive experience in the bank, should your puppy ever need surgery or injury recovery in the future or become arthritic in her senior years. Swimming is also a great way to use up some of that boundless puppy energy without stressing growing joints.
Adult dogs need exercise, too! Swimming is great cross-training for active dogs since water resistance is much higher than air resistance. You can tire out your healthy dog more quickly with swimming than with straight running, and with less stress on the joints. If you have an overweight dog, the buoyancy of the water will help your dog keep those legs moving without the burden of carrying his entire body-weight.
Swimming can be a great recovery aid for dogs who have had an injury. Once your veterinarian has cleared your dog to begin swimming, we can work together to rebuild muscle and fitness, either after surgery or crate rest.
As your dog ages, swimming may continue to be part of your dog’s life. Older dogs frequently develop arthritis, making movement painful which can lead to reduced activity and muscle mass. Swimming takes the weight off the joints, allowing your dog to move freely in the water. Often we see a brighter attitude as well as improved strength and ease of movement.
Finally, swimming together at the end of life can be a special gift. If your dog has loved water and swimming, sometimes a last swim or two can create lasting memories. Holding your dog in your arms in the nurturing environment of the water can help both of you relax and simply enjoy being together.
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1. Cardio vascular benefits
Swimming helps your dog build their cardio vascular fitness through aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise essentially means doing an activity that requires more oxygen intake than normal and as a result strengthens the heart and lungs. A healthy heart and lung capacity means your dog can play, run and swim for longer with less risk of injury!
2. Low impact all over body workout
Swimming provides an all over body workout for your dog as nearly every muscle is used. The more your dog swims, the more muscle tone and strength they will build! Pet obesity is a growing issue, swimming helps shed that ‘puppy fat’ and get your dog lean and slim ready for any adventure to come!
It is also a low impact activity. When submerged the water takes most of the dogs weight, this provides a weightless experience which takes away impact to the skeletal system when exercising. For older dogs or dogs with arthritis or sore stiff muscles this is an ideal setting in which to strengthen muscles and exercise in a gentle setting.
Sounds obvious but Australia has some of the hottest summer temperatures found anywhere! When the temp outside gets a bit too hot for long walks, hit the beach, river or lake instead and go for a swim to cool off. You both get some exercise and as an added bonus – cool off too!
Have you noticed how well you sleep after a good swim? Swimming involves moving through water which is denser than air. For your dog to swim a distance they are working every muscle against the water, this means every doggy paddle becomes a resistance exercise. So makes sense your dog is tired after a good swim session!
A well exercised dog is content and more than likely looking forward to the moment they get to flop at home and sleep!
Swimming is fun and it is an activity you can do together! Take a tennis ball down to the water and watch the games with your dog unfurl! A sea change (or lake or river!) really can do wonders for your dog. Changing up their routine, environment and exercises keeps them challenged and mentally stimulated and as a result you will have a very happy dog on your hands!
There you have it! Just some of the benefits for your dog swimming.
Swimming truly is a fantastic activity to keep your dog fit and healthy and can round out your dog’s well-being nicely, ensuring you have a happy and healthy dog!
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