Pet parents love to spend time with their animal companions when the sun is up and the day looks perfect for jogging or walking. But now that summer is fast approaching, observing caution is important, as hot temperatures can put your pet at risk of heat stroke. The best way to exercise during hotter days is by swimming. It can help dogs cool down and even remain active while having fun.
As we proceed, we’ll highlight the importance of swimming for canines and why it deserves a spot in their routine activities.
5 Benefits of Swimming for Dogs
Everybody knows dogs love to swim, but it does not end there. Although a low-impact workout, swimming comes with several health benefits for your animal companion and can considerably enhance their quality of life.
Here are five ways swimming can enhance your dog’s general well-being.
1. Relieves Pain
Hydrotherapy is an exceptional therapeutic exercise for senior dogs and those recuperating from injuries and joint pains. It can relax muscles, boost blood circulation, and strengthen the joints. These are all important for your pet’s recovery process.
2. Improves Heart Health
Swimming is a perfect cardio for canines. Just like in humans, it can increase lung proficiency, reduce blood pressure, lower the heart rate, and improve heart strength. Swimming has been shown to produce considerable health benefits as it trains the body to effectively utilize oxygen. This helps keep their cardiovascular system in shape.
Keeping their dental health in check is also a way to preserve their heart health. Regularly taking them to vet dentists in facilities like Cumberland Animal Hospital can prevent periodontal disease, a common culprit for systemic conditions affecting the kidney, heart, and liver.
3. Promotes Overall Health
Did you know that one minute of swimming equates to four minutes of running? This makes it one of the most complete kinds of exercise for canines. It increases metabolism, strengthens the lungs and heart, reduces inflammations, and improves circulation to help keep their skin and coat healthy. When they move their limbs against the resistance of the water, their major muscle group functions, which enhances their tone and overall strength.
Although swimming is a great exercise with less risk of injuries, caution must still be observed, particularly for canines with severe conditions like cancer. If you plan to introduce swimming to their routine activities, consult a veterinary oncology professional about the limitation and frequency of exercise safe for their condition.
4. Healthy for Overweight Dogs
If you’re looking for a less risky and demanding exercise to slowly reduce your obese dog’s weight, swimming is an excellent option that doesn’t strain their muscles and joints. It’s a healthy activity for burning calories and increasing their metabolism with less risk of injuries while being supported by the water’s buoyancy.
Aside from being consistent with your overweight dog’s exercise and strict diet, it’s also essential to maintain their preventative treatments. Vaccinations, booster shots, and parasite prevention can protect them from lethal pet diseases they might encounter outdoors and in social settings. You may see the importance of vet preventive care on this page.
5. Provides Stimulation
If your pet does nothing but lay on the couch and sleep all day, they might be feeling bored. Like people, canines need stimulation from socialization or activities to release their energy healthily. For numerous dogs, swimming can be an ideal and relaxing solution.
The Bottomline
If you’re looking for a good all-around activity for your dog, swimming is an option that will allow them to move their whole body when going against the water’s resistance. Additionally, it builds endurance and muscle strength and promotes respiratory and cardiovascular health. Swimming is a relaxing and enjoyable workout your dog will surely like to have in their regular activities.