Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for humans, and the same is true for dogs. The benefits are numerous and include: decreased impact, decreased strain and increased resistance. Let’s look at each of these benefits.
Decreased Impact
Because water buoyancy supports the body in exercise, it greatly decreases the impact of other exercises. Jogging in water, for example, is much easier on joints than jogging on land, including both human joints and doggy joints.
Decreased Strain
The buoyancy also supports heftier pups in water. Overweight dogs may have trouble getting in shape because their extra poundage — even a couple pounds on a dog can put strain on joints that makes exercise uncomfortable.
Increased Resistance
That being said, decreased impact does not mean decreased fitness. Water’s natural resistance makes swimming a more effective exercise while decreasing the possibility of injury — excellent news for dogs with stiff joints or hip dysplasia.
Although all of these excellent benefits make swimming an ideal exercise for older dogs and/or overweight dogs, it can be difficult to find a canine swimming pool. Larger cities have embraced the ideas of water aerobics for dogs, but smaller towns might not have dog-centered swimming facilities available.
Some ways to check for pools in your area include checking with your vet, checking with your humane society and checking with neighbors. Vets often know of the nearest centers, so check in with your vet’s office first.
If they don’t have any suggestions, try the humane society — they may be able to direct you. Finally, if you neither knows of a center, ask a neighbor if you can rent their pool for doggy therapy.
If none of these sources can come through, you may have to wait until summer to start your doggy therapy in a pond, lake or river. However, no matter where your canine swimming therapy takes place, it is sure to bring doggy kisses of thanks.