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 vital, as hot temperatures can put your dog at risk of heat stroke. The best way to exercise during hotter days is by swimming. It can help dogs cool down and even stay active while having fun.
As we continue, we will emphasize the importance of swimming for canines and why it deserves a spot in their routine activities.
Why Swimming Is Important for Dogs
Everyone knows dogs love to swim, but it does not end there. Although a low-impact exercise, swimming comes with numerous health benefits for your animal companion and can considerably enhance their quality of life.
Here are five ways swimming can improve your canine’s general well-being.
1. Healthy for Overweight Dogs
If you’re looking for a less risky and demanding exercise to slowly lower your obese dog’s weight, swimming is a great choice that does not exhaust their joints and muscles. 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 necessary to maintain their preventative treatments. Routine vaccinations, booster shots, and parasite prevention can safeguard them from lethal pet conditions they may encounter outdoors and in social settings.
2. Provides Stimulation
If your pet does nothing but lay on the couch and sleep all day, they might be feeling bored. Like people, pets need stimulation from socialization or activities to release their energy healthily. For numerous dogs, swimming can be a perfect and relaxing solution.
3. Promotes Overall Health
Did you know that one minute of swimming equals four minutes of running? This makes it one of the most complete forms of exercise for dogs. It increases metabolism, reinforces the heart and lungs, decreases inflammations, and enhances 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 improves 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 your vet oncologist about the frequency and limitation of exercise safe for their condition. If you’re looking for professionals to examine your pet with cancer, you may search for “vet oncologist near me” to see specific results.
4. Improves Heart Health
Swimming is a perfect cardio for pets. Like humans, it can increase lung proficiency, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and improve heart strength. Swimming has been shown to produce notable health benefits as it trains the body to effectively use oxygen. This helps keep their cardiovascular system healthy.
Keeping their oral health in check is also a way to preserve their heart health. Routinely taking them to professionals that offer dental care for pets can prevent gum disease, a common culprit for systemic conditions affecting the heart, kidney, and liver.
5. Relieves Pain
Hydrotherapy is an exceptional therapeutic exercise for senior dogs and those recovering from joint pains and injuries. It can relax their muscles, boost blood flow, and reinforce the joints. These are all necessary for your pet’s recovery process.
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 entire body when going against the water’s resistance. Additionally, it develops muscle strength and endurance and promotes cardiovascular and respiratory health. Swimming is a relaxing and enjoyable exercise your pet will surely like to have in their regular activities.
