Evie Randall
30 January 2024
Is swimming good for senior dogs? While swimming has become a favored low-impact exercise for aging pets, its suitability remains a question. Here, we’ll explore its potential benefits for senior dogs and discuss safety measures for their well-being.
Your dog may have loved swimming as an adult, but you may have noticed stiffness or the early signs of arthritis in the hind legs. So it’s reasonable to ask yourself if swimming is good for your aging canine friend.
“For us senior dogs, regular exercise is important, it helps to keep us fit and healthy, and keeps our muscles strong, which helps us to live better lives!”
Swimming is a popular choice for senior dogs as it helps to remove the weight from their joints, allowing them to exercise without causing pain.
This is also why many vets will recommend hydrotherapy, which is great for dogs suffering from arthritis or experiencing especially severe joint pain, as they still need to get their exercise in.
“In this guide, my humans will help to give you all the information you need about taking us senior dogs swimming that you could ever need. Woof woof!”
“My human says that there are a load of benefits of swimming for us senior pooches!”
Swimming is one of the best ways to ensure that your senior dog gets the regular exercise they need to stay healthy and strong, and if you’re curious about some of the specific benefits, check out this list below!
One of the biggest benefits of swimming for senior dogs is that it’s low impact. This means that your dog isn’t having a load of weight and pressure placed on their weaker joints.
They’ll be less likely to be in pain after their exercise, making them happier overall!
Swimming can be great at helping a senior dog to reclaim some of its lost joint mobility. By having their weight supported by the water, they can strengthen their joints through exercise without causing any stress.
“It’s good for me, and I get to chase the other dogs in the water too!”
Natural decline in heart health often occurs with aging. By taking your senior dog swimming, you’ll be able to ensure that this decline isn’t as sharp as it would usually be.
“Woof! I feel just like a puppy again!”
Not only is swimming good for senior dogs, it also improves their mental wellbeing.
A lack of exercise can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in your dog, which is why regularly taking them swimming will help them to feel able to move again. This helps to release endorphins and ease the tension in their muscles too.
“I don’t know about end.. endophins or whatever they are, I just like to splash!”
By allowing your dog to take the weight off of their joints and exercise, they can strengthen their muscles in a way that doesn’t cause any harm to their body.
This will strengthen their muscles as they swim and help them in other areas of life too.
But how long can dogs swim? The duration can vary, but even short sessions can provide significant benefits.
If your dog enjoys swimming but still struggles with mobility, then you might want to consider hydrotherapy. This is a great way to ensure your dog can exercise without hurting their joints!
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy that involves removing the weight bearing on the joints when exercising by using the dog’s buoyancy in the water as they exercise.
“I’ve never seen such a weird beach before, there’s no sand or rocks, but at least I get to splash in the water!”
Hydrotherapy works by having the dog do controlled exercises or walking on a treadmill under the water.
Because the dog’s joints are relieved of any pressure, they can exercise without pain, which can be one of the major deterrents in older dogs’ ability to exercise.
There are many types of hydrotherapy or water therapy for dogs, so depending on your dog’s needs, you can choose which one is right for them.
Basic swimming is the first type and allows them to get a full workout of their body to improve their joint and cardiovascular health.
Using an underwater treadmill is another form of hydrotherapy and is used to help a senior pooch run or walk in a controlled environment without putting pressure on their joints. It’s also great for dogs that are rehabilitating an injury.
Finally, whirlpool therapy is another form of hydrotherapy used on senior dogs. It involves jets of water used to massage the dog’s body, which can be used to treat swelling and tension by increasing circulation.
“When I go to hydrotherapy, I notice a whole load of benefits, which means that it might just work for your doggy friend too!”
Some of the major benefits of water therapy for dogs include improved joint mobility, pain relief, increased range of motion, improved cardiovascular health, as well as an anxiety reduction.
Arthritis is one of the most common health problems in senior dogs, but is swimming good for senior dogs that suffer from arthritis and joint issues?
If your dog is suffering from arthritis or joint issues, then there are many ways in which swimming can help!
The buoyancy of the water will help to reduce the pressure put on your dog’s joints, allowing them to exercise with a full range of motion, which in turn helps to strengthen their muscles and support themselves better out of the water.
This can also help your dog lose weight, making the arthritis easier to deal with. As your dog ages and does less exercise, it can be natural for them to put some weight on, but swimming will help to keep your dog lean and fit.
Firstly, contact your vet. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not swimming is safe for your dog, and they may even put you in contact with a physical therapist for hydrotherapy.
Life jackets are also essential, especially for dogs that are not born swimmers and may not stay afloat like Dachshunds. Arthritis and joint issues can cause your dog’s ability to swim to deteriorate, which means that a life jacket will keep them floating no matter what.
“I don’t know why I have to wear this big jacket, but I think it kind of suits me!”
You should also ensure that the area you’re swimming in is safe. Try to avoid areas with potentially poisonous plants, sharp rocks, or strong currents!
Can dogs swim in pools? Yes, many dogs can swim in pools safely, provided proper precautions are taken. Ensure the pool has easy entry and exit points, and always supervise your dog while they swim.
Finally, always dry your dog afterwards, especially around its paws and ears, as this will help to prevent any infections.
“I like to shake myself dry, but my human always insists on the big blue towel. It’s nice when it’s warm out of the dryer too.”
Introducing your dog to swimming can take time, especially if they’ve never really swum before.
To start, introduce your dog to shallow water first. This can be in a bathtub or wading pool, which will allow them to get used to being wet.
Next, you can use things such as toys and treats to ease them into deeper water, praising them when they get in, which will help them to attribute it as something positive.
Once your dog is comfortable in shallow water, begin to use a life jacket and lead them into deep areas so that they can begin swimming.
Only swim for short periods or distances at first, increasing it gradually.
Always be sure to end each swim with plenty of praise and treats to encourage your dog to participate further!
Senior dogs can suffer from a lot of issues in their later years, and your vet might not be able to solve them all, which is why specialists exist.
These can include physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, all of whom are happy to help get your dog the treatment they need!
“I don’t like the idea of meeting the friends of the vet, but I also want to spend more time with my human, so I’ll put up with it!”
A physical therapist’s role is to help your dog’s physical condition in any way they can. This might involve things like hydrotherapy and working with you as an owner to create a routine exercise plan to keep your dog fit and healthy.
Working with a rehabilitation specialist can have many benefits. They’re trained and qualified in their field, which means they’ll be able to assess your dog’s needs and provide them with the right treatment for each case.
They’ll also help you understand more about your dog’s condition so that you can make the necessary adjustments needed to improve their quality of life.
If your senior pooch’s health or mobility has begun to deteriorate, or you have any specific concerns about their behavior, then your vet will be able to provide you with an assessment and will put you in contact with the right specialists.
Whether it’s structured sessions of swim therapy for dogs or simply enjoying a swim in the pool, water activities are ideal for reducing stress on an older dog’s joints and body, while increasing the fun.
Not only is swimming good for senior dogs, but it also provides a holistic approach to their well-being, addressing physical fitness, mental stimulation, and overall health.
Evie Randall is a talented writer at KnowMyDog.com who specializes in creating content that provides senior dog owners with the knowledge they need to take care of their furry friends. Her passion for dogs and her exceptional writing skills have enabled her to create engaging and informative articles that cover a wide range of topics related to senior dog care, from the importance of regular veterinary checkups to tips on managing age-related health issues.
Through her writing, Evie has helped to build a community of dog owners who rely on KnowMyDog.com for guidance and support in caring for their aging pets. Her dedication to providing high-quality content that is both informative and easy to understand has earned her a loyal following among dog owners, who appreciate her expertise and her ability to make complex topics accessible. Overall, Evie’s work at KnowMyDog.com has made a significant impact in the pet industry, and her commitment to helping senior dogs and their owners is sure to continue benefiting countless pets and their human companions for years to come.
