Not too long ago, swimming with dogs was a bit of a novelty—something that you would occasionally do if you lived near a lake or beach or had your own swimming pool. Today, it's something that even apartment-dwelling dog owners will consider, given the growing recognition of dogs’ physical and mental well-being. The fact that dogs are now more likely to live to their senior years is also spurring interest in swimming as a low-impact alternative to jogging and fetch sessions.
Swimming with your dogs is loads of fun, too. Even dogs that aren’t always thought of as water breeds can learn to love swimming, especially if they see you enjoy it too. With some custom made pet merchandise like rope frisbees and towels from PrideBites, you’ll find that it becomes even more enjoyable.
The Benefits of Establishing a Swimming Habit with Your Dog
Far from just being a fun diversion, swimming also brings loads of benefits for you and your pup. Whether you're swimming at a local dog-friendly beach or in your backyard pool, regular swimming sessions will let you enjoy the following:
- Low-impact exercise. Senior pups aren’t the only ones who can benefit from swimming. If you have joint issues yourself, swimming can be a great alternative to other exercises that put stress on your joints. The buoyancy of the water supports your body weight, reducing the impact on your knees, hips, and spine, while still allowing you to get a full-body workout. If you have a more rambunctious dog, it may be one of the few exercises you can share that will let you keep up.
- Improved cardiovascular health. Indoor dogs are especially at risk of cardiovascular problems. While regular exercise of any kind will help, swimming sessions are especially beneficial for your dog’s heart and lungs, enhancing their endurance and giving them the stamina to take on more strenuous challenges like extended nature walks.
- Mental wellness. For many dogs, the sensation of being in the water combined with feel-good hormones released by the exercise itself helps to reduce anxiety and release pent-up energy. If you think your dog is more than a handful, have them swim for a few minutes and marvel at their relaxed demeanor right after.
8 Tips for Starting a Swimming Exercise Routine with Your Dog
Though many dogs will naturally take to swimming, others won’t relish it for various reasons. For instance, if they’ve never seen a pool or a lake before, it may take some time before they’re comfortable enough to dive in.
What you should never do is force your dog, since it may create a negative association with water that you might never overcome. Follow these tips so that your dog will stay safe and confident around the water:
1) Start Slow and Shallow
If your dog is new to swimming, begin in water shallow enough for your dog to stand in. Start with short sessions to see how your dog responds, and limit the first couple of swims to around 10 minutes or so. From there, you can extend each subsequent session until your dog is comfortable enough to call the pace themselves.
2) Give Your Dog a Dog Life Jacket
Even if your dog is in shallow water, a life jacket is a great way to keep them safe and composed, especially if they’re just learning. Life jackets are particularly important for open water swims and for small breeds that aren't natural swimmers, such as American Bulldogs or Dachshunds.
3) Choose a Dog-Friendly Location
Regardless of how much of an experienced swimmer your pup is, you should always pick a safe, clean area for swimming, whether it’s a beach, lake, or pool. Before you let your dog dive in, make sure the water is free of hazards like strong currents, debris, or sharp objects. Always walk your dog around the shore or poolside first so they know where the exit points are.
4) Be Mindful of Your Dog’s Energy Levels
Swimming is much more strenuous than walking or running. Dogs being dogs, they can have so much fun that they run the risk of tiring themselves out. This can be bad news if they start to become too tired to keep their head above water. Watch for signs of fatigue and take breaks every 15 or so minutes so your dog doesn’t get over-fatigued.
5) Check the Water Temperature
Cold water can shock your dog’s system, and hot water at the beach at noon might not provide the refreshing exercise you're aiming for. Test the waters first and make sure that they’re temperate enough to keep your dog comfortable.
6) Rinse Your Dog Thoroughly After Swimming
Even if the water looks fine, you can never be too sure about how clean the water actually is. Make sure to rinse them off with clean water after each session. This will remove most of the chlorine or salt off their fur as well as some of the water-borne pathogens that could be lurking in the water. Don’t forget to dry them off thoroughly, for reasons that we’ll explore in the next tip.
7) Watch for Ear Infections
Some dogs can be prone to ear infections if they swim too frequently. To prevent this, you have to gently dry their ears with a clean towel after swimming. If the problem persists, ask your vet for ear-drying solutions to reduce moisture buildup.
8) Never Leave Them Unattended
If your dog learns to love water, they might never want to leave. This isn’t always a good thing, since dogs can tire quickly, get caught by currents, or be distracted by other animals. Stay close and be ready to guide them back to land if needed.
Go for a Dip with PrideBites Accessories
Keep these tips in mind so that your dog remains safe, confident, and healthy in your next swimming sessions. With time, you and your pup will be making waves wherever you go.
Whichever activities your dog prefers, Pridebites.com has a range of personalized items that they’ll love. Start a design project in single quantities for that furry swimmer in your life, or order wholesale to promote your pet-friendly business.