5 Health Benefits of Swimming for a Dog
Here are five health benefits of swimming for a dog.
Is Swimming or Running Better for Dogs?
Swimming is less stressful for the joints when compared to running and while it won’t replace regular walks, swimming can definitely take your current jogging or biking exercise spot.
Supposedly, the canine physiologist and clinical nutritionist DVM Arleigh Reynolds equates 1 minute of swimming to 4 minutes of running.
That’d mean that a 15-minute swim can be sufficient for a good workout since it equates to an hour of walking.
Double that time and you’re at 30 minutes swimming = 2 hours of walking which is on the higher end for regular walks.
Additionally, you can swim with almost any dog while running is generally limited to healthy adult dogs and even then certain breeds just aren’t supposed to run much at all.
Swimming with a pup? Sure thing if you limit the time in the water.
Wanna go for a swim with a senior? No problem, it might actually be the best exercise for them.
On the other hand, serious running would be restricted for a dog who’s still growing (which can be up to 2 years for large breeds).
What makes your dog happy on walks is using their sense of smell which you might be losing out on when running.
Some high-energy dogs do need longer sessions or more demanding exercise (don’t forget mental exercise!) but even my Rottweiler prefers smelling on extended walks over running next to the bike, although she’s fine with both.
Clubs Offering:
Does your dog run with excitement to every body of water in sight? Maybe you can’t walk past a creek or pond without your pup diving in. Or maybe your dog treats water like the enemy and will do anything to stay dry. Every dog is different and not all are born with a love of getting wet. But can all dogs swim?
Depending on the breed, your dog might be a natural in the water or swimming might be challenging. However, whether your dog enjoys taking the plunge or prefers staying on land, it’s essential for safety that your dog learn to be comfortable in and around water. You might want to go boating together, go to the beach, or enjoy a cottage vacation. You might even have a backyard swimming pool or visit somebody who does. Read on for pointers for training dog swimming skills and tips on water safety.