Benefits of Swimming for Dogs
Swimming can provide dogs with many health benefits. According to the Top Dog Health article “The Top 5 Benefits of Swimming for Dogs” (https://topdoghealth.com/the-top-5-benefits-of-swimming-for-dogs/), swimming improves cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and endurance. The resistance of the water provides an excellent workout for dogs without putting too much stress on their joints.
As noted in “The Benefits of Swimming for Dogs” article on K9 Aquatic Center (http://k9aquaticcenter.com/about-the-center/the-benefits-of-swimming/), swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on a dog’s joints. The warm water can aid in relaxation and blood flow. This makes swimming ideal for dogs with arthritis or recovering from injuries.
Additionally, swimming provides dogs with much-needed mental stimulation. Having to paddle through the water engages their mind and provides an outlet for energy. The Impact Dog Crates article “The Benefits of Swimming for Dogs” (https://www.impactdogcrates.com/blogs/puppy-news/the-benefits-of-swimming-for-dogs) notes that rehabilitation facilities often use swimming to aid recovery both physically and mentally.
Potential Downsides of Daily Swimming
While swimming can be great exercise for dogs, daily swimming does come with some potential downsides to be aware of.
Frequent swimming may increase a dog’s risk of developing ear infections. Their ears are vulnerable to acquiring bacteria or yeast when exposed to moisture on a regular basis. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, dogs who swim often should have their ears cleaned and dried thoroughly after each swim to help prevent infections (source).
For dogs who swim in pools, ingesting too much chlorinated water could lead to chlorine poisoning. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and eye and skin irritation. Always provide plenty of fresh water for dogs to drink and rinse off after swimming to limit chlorine consumption (source).
Additionally, while swimming is low-impact, doing any activity too frequently can lead to overexertion, stress injuries, and fatigue. Make sure to monitor your dog’s energy levels and provide adequate rest time between swim sessions.
Breed Considerations
Certain breeds of dogs are naturally inclined to enjoy swimming more than others. Retrievers and poodles, for example, often thrive in the water given their history as hunting and retrieving dogs (1). Their muscular build, webbed paws, and water-resistant coats make swimming efficiently easier. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles are considered some of the top swimming dogs (2).
On the other hand, brachycephalic breeds with short snouts like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus may struggle more with swimming and have a harder time regulating their breathing (3). Their facial structure and smaller lungs make breathing difficult when exerting themselves in the water.
It’s also important to consider a dog’s coat when swimming frequently. Breeds with very thick double coats like Huskies and Chow Chows will absorb a lot of water, making it harder for them to move efficiently and tire easily (4). Their coat also takes much longer to dry out.
While genetics impact a dog’s aptitude for swimming, any breed can learn to swim with proper introduction and safety precautions. Monitoring your individual dog’s comfort and ability is most important.
Sources:
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/breeds-that-are-born-to-swim/
(2) https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dogs-that-love-to-swim
(3) https://www.purewow.com/family/water-dog-breeds
(4) https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dogs-that-love-to-swim
Swimming Duration and Intensity
When starting a swimming routine, it’s best to begin with short sessions of 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as your dog builds up endurance. According to research from cheapsurfgear.com, toy and small breeds should swim no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, while medium and large breeds can swim for 20-30 minutes per session.
The duration your dog can handle will depend on factors like their fitness level, age, and health conditions. Senior dogs or overweight dogs may only be able to swim for 10-15 minutes before needing a rest. It’s important to start slow and monitor your dog for signs of fatigue like lagging behind, shallower breaths, or trying to get out of the water.
The intensity of the swimming session should also match your dog’s abilities – leisurely paddling uses less energy compared to fetching toys or swimming against a current. Adjust the pace and distance covered based on your dog’s stamina. Provide ample rest time between swimming sessions to prevent overexertion or injury.
Safety Precautions
When taking your dog swimming, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Consider having your dog wear a dog life jacket or flotation device, especially if they are not a very strong swimmer. Life jackets can give your dog extra buoyancy and prevent them from tiring out too quickly according to this source. Be sure to get a properly fitted life jacket made for dogs.
You’ll also want to avoid areas with strong currents that could sweep your dog away. Stick to calm areas of water without a strong tide or current. Check the water quality and temperature before allowing your dog to swim. Make sure there are no signs of blue-green algae, pollution, or other hazards that could make the water unsafe according to experts.
Providing Rest Days
It’s important to provide your dog with adequate rest between swimming sessions to prevent overexertion or injury. Experts recommend taking at least one day off between swims to allow your dog’s body to recover properly. This rest day should involve lighter exercise like walking, or no exercise at all.
You can also rotate swimming with other lower-impact activities like playing fetch or going for hikes. This variety helps strengthen different muscle groups and prevents repetitive strain on your dog’s body from swimming every single day.
Look for signs of fatigue like reluctance to exercise, limping, or changes in behavior. These are indicators your dog may need additional rest days. Setting a maximum of 20-30 minutes per swim can also help avoid overexertion in energetic dogs who don’t know when to stop.
With adequate recovery time, most healthy dogs can enjoy swimming as part of their regular exercise routine. Just be sure to listen to your dog’s needs and adjust the frequency and duration based on their fitness level and energy each day.
Pool Safety
When allowing your dog to swim in a pool, it’s crucial to take precautions to ensure their safety. Chlorinated pool water can irritate dogs’ skin, ears, and paws. Furthermore, pool chemicals like chlorine can be toxic if ingested in large quantities [1]. To keep your pup safe:
- Use ramps or steps so your dog can easily enter and exit the pool. Pool ladders can be slippery and challenging for dogs.
- Thoroughly rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming to wash away chemicals.
- Always supervise your dog when they’re in the pool to monitor their health and prevent drowning.
With proper precautions, your dog can enjoy safe, fun pool time. But be sure to keep a watchful eye and rinse them after swimming sessions.
Natural Bodies of Water
When considering taking your dog swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or the ocean, there are some safety precautions to take.
Check the water for signs of blue-green algae blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to dogs (Preventive Vet). Avoid bodies of water with any evidence of pollution or stagnant water as well, which can contain parasites. It’s best to swim in moving bodies of fresh water.
After swimming, thoroughly rinse your dog with clean water to remove any algae, chemicals or parasites that may be present on their skin or coat. Allow your dog’s skin to fully dry before letting them in your home or car.
Consider having your dog wear a life jacket for safety if swimming in natural bodies of water where depths or currents vary. Always supervise your dog closely.
Signs Your Dog Enjoys Swimming
Dogs who enjoy swimming often show their enthusiasm through excited and playful behavior in the water. Some signs that a dog likes swimming include:
– Eagerly entering the water on their own, even when not prompted or called. This shows they associate the water with fun and enjoyment (Source).
– Swimming out to retrieve toys, repeatedly bringing them back to the owner to throw again. The willingness to keep fetching and swimming shows they are having a good time (Source).
– Acting energetic, playful and “zooming” around in the water. Splashing, rolling, and interacting with other dogs if present. Being excited during and after swimming indicates they find it positively stimulating.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Health
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s health when they swim regularly. Schedule regular veterinarian checkups to make sure your dog is healthy overall. The vet should check for any signs of ear infections or skin irritation, which can develop from too much time in the water (1). Look for any changes in your dog’s energy levels after swimming, as excessive fatigue or lethargy could be a sign they are overdoing it. Make sure their energy returns to normal by the next day (2). Keeping up with vet appointments and being observant of your dog’s health will help ensure swimming remains a fun, healthy activity.
(1) https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-hydrotherapy-and-swimming-can-benefit-dogs
(2) https://topdoghealth.com/the-top-5-benefits-of-swimming-for-dogs/