Many dogs enjoy swimming, especially during the sweltering summer months. You may have thought about letting your water-loving dog swim in your personal pool if you have one. It’s not necessarily a bad idea to let your dog swim in the pool, but there are a few things you should think about first.
Here are five reasons your pup should take the plunge:
One of the best, most effective forms of exercise for your dog is swimming. Swimming has many health advantages, including boosting the heart and lungs, reducing inflammation, boosting metabolism, and improving circulation, which keeps the skin and coat healthy. Just one minute of swimming is equivalent to four minutes of running. In addition, exercising in the water works all of the body’s major muscle groups, increasing overall tone and strength. All of this results in a healthy, content dog that can play, run, and have fun for longer with a lower risk of getting hurt.
Swimming is low-impact, non-concussive, and weight-bearing, so your dog can take advantage of all the advantages without suffering from joint and tendon stress. Most of your dog’s weight is supported by the water when submerged, protecting their skeletal system from the strain of jarring impacts that can happen when exercising on land. Additionally, swimming causes dogs to move differently than they would on land, which expands their range of motion. These benefits make swimming a particularly healthy form of exercise for dogs with joint conditions like arthritis or dysplasia, as well as an excellent form of rehabilitation for puppies recovering from orthopedic or neurological injuries.
Swimming is excellent for your dog’s physical health as well as their mental health. Similar to people, dogs require mental stimulation in the form of play, enjoyment, and a variety of activities that are different from the norm to keep them alert and content. Dogs who are typically only allowed to exercise on a leash can release all of their pent-up energy while swimming without feeling constrained. A happy exhausted dog is also more likely to anticipate returning home and sleeping, allowing them to benefit from a restful night’s sleep.
Is Swimming or Running Better for Dogs?
Swimming can take the place of your current jogging or biking exercise because it is less taxing on the joints than running, even though it won’t replace regular walks.
According to rumor, DVM Arleigh Reynolds, a canine physiologist and clinical nutritionist, 1 minute of swimming is equivalent to 4 minutes of running.
That would mean that a 15-minute swim is equivalent to an hour of walking, making it sufficient for a good workout.
If you multiply that by two, you arrive at 30 minutes of swimming equaling 2 hours of walking, which is on the longer side for typical strolls.
Additionally, you can swim with almost any dog, whereas only healthy adult dogs should run, and even then, some breeds shouldn’t run at all.
You can swim with a dog as long as you don’t spend too much time in the water.
If you want to go swimming with an elderly person, no problem; swimming may be the best form of exercise for them.
On the other hand, a dog that is still growing (which can take up to 2 years for large breeds) would be restricted from serious running.
Using your dog’s sense of smell, which you might be sacrificing when running, makes them happy on walks
Even my Rottweiler prefers smelling on long walks over running next to the bike, though she’s fine with both. Some high-energy dogs do need longer sessions or more demanding exercise (don’t forget mental exercise!).
Helps older dogs live longer and healthier
Older dogs have weaker joints, making it challenging for them to get the recommended amounts of exercise. Swimming is a low-impact activity that is ideal for them because it puts less strain on their joints. Additionally, it strengthens your dog’s weak muscles and increases blood circulation to lessen any pain they may be experiencing.
FAQ
How long should I let my dog swim?
Godlevski advises keeping swimming sessions brief (10 minutes maximum) to avoid water toxicity. Additionally, she advises against submerging your dog’s large toy in the water.
Is it healthy for a dog to swim?
Swimming is a fantastic aerobic workout that tones and strengthens muscles, making it great for your dog’s overall health as well as your own.
Is swimming everyday good for dogs?
If your dog isn’t used to it, you can take him swimming once a week to start. You can take your dog swimming three to four times per week once their endurance increases. As soon as your dog masters swimming, you can take them swimming every day. However, you should never force your dog to swim.
How much swimming is good for dogs?
Some dogs may only require 10-15 minutes of pure swimming, while others may require 20-30 minutes for an effective workout. What: Depending on a dog’s personality, age, and general health, their swimming workout can vary. Everything from five to sixty minutes is possible because different dogs are more engaged than others.