Benefits of Swimming Your Dog

 

 

 

 

 

For any of you who regularly swim for fitness, I’m sure you’re aware of why swimming is often referred to as “the perfect gentle exercise.” To add to this, the physicality of swimming offers some unique benefits. It eliminates the effects of weight-bearing on the joints, exercises your entire body – upper and lower body all at once & is so gentle on your body that is a form of exercise that you can do for your whole life at any age. The physical benefits of swimming are the same for your canine companion as they are for a human – that is of course if you have a dog that will swim. Even though dogs have a swimming stroke named after them, the idea that all dogs are “natural swimmers” is not true. Some breeds were developed to work in water and their bodies are more physically adapted for swimming than other breeds. Some owners of these breeds report having real trouble keeping their dogs out of the water!  But sometimes on the odd occasion, even a water breed dog shows dislike for the water – and yes, believe or not there are some Labradors & Retrievers who dislike swimming. But on the other hand, there are some  breeds you’d never think would take to the water who really enjoy swimming. Although these breeds may not be blessed with the physical advantages of a water breed, and despite sinking rear ends of bulldogs and staffy’s or heavy, wet coats, Boston Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Siberian Huskies have learned to adapt and enjoy swimming. My own Husky was quite the swimmer but she enjoyed and felt more comfortable in calm water over surf. These breeds don’t mind or care that they have to work a little harder than “Born to Swim” breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Fox Hounds, Labradors and Retrievers – they just want to have fun!

 

At Houndog Swimming is part of our Doggy Daycare routine because we know how fantastic the benefits are for your dog’s body, which include:
• Loosening tight muscles
• Increasing circulation, endurance, and flexibility
• Increasing range of motion, balance, coordination and muscle strength
• Decreasing swelling and pain
• Relaxation
• Confidence building

Conditions which may benefit from dog swimming and therapy include:
• Joint injury
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Hip/elbow dysplasia
• Spinal injury
*Mobility problems
*Arthritis
* Pre/Post-Surgery
*Chronic Pain
* Weight reduction

The skill of Swimming may someday save his life!

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Boarding Brisbane, Dog Walking Brisbane, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Dog Day care & Doggy Day Trips Brisbane). Visit  www.houndogdaycare.com.au   OR    Ph 0407 987 323