Swimming is a great option if you have a dog and would like to give them a good workout without the hassle of going for a long run.
There are numerous advantages to swimming for dogs that you might not be aware of, so you should check in to see if your dog benefits from it, how long he needs to swim for, and what to watch out for.
In general, allowing your dog to swim for 15 to 30 minutes is the ideal amount of time for a beneficial workout.
Many dogs enjoy swimming in lakes or pools because some breeds are naturally good swimmers and enjoy getting wet.
Even though your dog may be a strong swimmer, there are some safety measures you should take in some waters (i e. chlorine or rough water or the ocean).
If you follow these suggestions, swimming gives your dog a chance to exercise, play in the water, or just unwind.
As long as your dog is gradually introduced to water, under supervision, and has access to fresh water, swimming is a beneficial exercise that can be incorporated into any weekly schedule.
Dog Breeds that Love to Swim
Which dog breeds, then, are best suited to navigating deep waters?
Here’s a list of dogs that love swimming.
One of the most well-known breeds in the USA and a common pet found in many homes is the Labrador Retriever.
This family dog was bred to hunt waterfowl and endure harsh conditions. This makes their temperament sporty, athletic, and adventurous.
Once you get them in the water, it won’t take long for them to learn how to paddle independently. They may even play fun pool games with you.
The Irish Water Spaniel will always be mentioned when discussing swimming. This curly breed is also a retriever like the Lab.
Their personality matches their physical characteristics because they are open-minded, fearless, and curious.
You don’t have to worry about water getting trapped in the Irish Water Spaniel’s fur while they swim because of their water-repellent coat.
The gentle giant Newfoundland was bred to be a water rescue dog in the beginning. They enjoy swimming and playing in the water as a result.
And if they notice someone drowning in the pool. Their instinct will tell them to save that person.
Even in cooler waters, their thick coats and webbed feet make them excellent swimming partners.
The Standard Poodle is also dependable for enjoyable water sports like swimming. This classy, inquisitive dog breed is robust and strong enough to confidently paddle
The Poodle can adjust to either a large house or a small apartment. You can leave them unattended at home or take them on vacation with you.
The Poodle is fun to be with. They make great entertainers and therapy dogs. If you enjoy sports, they’ll acquire the necessary abilities just for you.
These lively puppies were bred originally to assist fishermen by working on trawlers, herding fish, and retrieving nets.
Accordingly, the Portuguese Water Dog has a natural affinity for the water and will participate in a variety of water-related activities, including swimming, dock diving, and boating.
They are incredibly intelligent and obedient, making them simple to train.
This breed is ideal if you want an energetic and active friend to go hiking or to the beach with you.
Do All Dogs Know How to Swim?
No. While some dogs can swim naturally, others need to be taught how to do so.
And due to their physical makeup, some people will never learn.
Even though you train them for hours every day, their body shape prevents them from maintaining their balance.
Smaller dog breeds that require assistance swimming include the Maltese and Chihuahua.
These tiny pets should only be trained to swim in brief sessions because they easily tire.
Spaniels and Retrievers are two dog breeds that can swim naturally, thanks to their powerful and long legs for effortless paddling.
However, despite being bred to swim, each Golden Retriever has a different level of swimming ability. Growing up, some people experience a phobia of deep water, while others simply dislike it.
Dogs who are older or have disabilities may struggle to swim. Still, swimming is less strenuous than other activities.
The key is to slowly introduce them to swimming. Do not force them. If not, they might become worn out and stressed out and might not even enjoy it.
If you think your dog’s lack of interest in the pool is due to their fear, learn how to calm them down.
It’s crucial to remember that you should consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog can safely swim if he is recovering from an illness or injury. Swimming can be resumed after surgery when all cuts and wounds have healed and staples or sutures have been removed, according to Dr. Liff explains. Additionally, swimming might not always be the best choice. Many animals with dermatologic conditions should stay away from public water sources, or in some cases shouldn’t swim because of open sores, etc. ,” she adds. Additionally, while receiving treatment, dogs with ear infections shouldn’t swim ”.
Consider that not all dogs are natural swimmers and that some actually dislike the water before introducing your canine companion to swimming in order to prevent mishaps. Dr. Liff advises against letting a dog go swimming unless a person is closely watching him. https://www. akc. org/wp-admin/admin-ajax. php Get Your Free AKC eBook.
Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that can be very beneficial to pets, just like it is for people, claims Dr Liff. It can aid in recovery and rehabilitation following orthopedic or neurological surgery, or it can be used to help pets lose weight if they have arthritis or other conditions that make exercise challenging. ”.
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Swimming is frequently suggested by medical professionals and physical therapists as a low-impact workout for those who are recovering from injuries or as a way for seniors to stay active. Swimming is said to be gentle on our joints while enhancing our muscular endurance. Almost every muscle in your body is worked when you swim, making it a fantastic workout. But does swimming have the same advantages for dogs? Dr. veterinarian Stephanie Liff, proprietor of Pure Paws Veterinary Care in Brooklyn, New York Y. , the answer is yes.
FAQ
Is swimming better than walking for dogs?
Swimming is a low-impact or no-impact exercise, so it burns more calories for our dogs than walking or even fetching a Frisbee. According to many vets, swimming burns four times as many calories as walking does in the same amount of time.
Is swimming good for old dogs with arthritis?
Another great way to work out an arthritic dog is swimming, especially if you’re trying to lose weight but are constrained by how far they can walk. They can keep their joints moving while swimming without worrying about the impact on their joints, which helps them burn some calories.
How long should a senior dog swim?
Studies have revealed that a quality 5-minute swim is roughly equivalent to a 5-mile walk, without pain or other unfavorable side effects. In addition, swimming can calm dogs and not make any preexisting conditions worse. It’s perfect for older dogs who might be unable to go on lengthy walks any longer!
When should dogs not swim?
The first is temperature. Before letting your dog swim, Godlevski advises making sure the combined temperature of the water and the air is at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You run the risk of your dog developing cold tail, also known as limber tail or swimmer’s tail, when the water is too cold.