The benefits of swimming for dogs
Some dogs love a paddle, while others are a bit hesitant. As well as being great fun, swimming has lots of benefits for dogs. It's a fantastic way for them to cool off on hot summer days, and it's a gentler, kinder way to exercise their bodies.
The benefits of swimming
A dog that loves to swim has many benefits. It’s a great way for them to cool off on hot summer days, and if you enjoy swimming too, it’s a brilliant activity to do together. You can also use swim time for fun water games and gentle exercise.
Of course, some dogs are more sceptical about water than others. In these cases, it’s a good idea to introduce them to water slowly. With a little patience and training, you can help your dog grow to love water and maybe even swimming.
While most dogs instinctively paddle their paws when they touch water, not all can swim straight away. Many dogs need to get used to the water and learn the right technique. It’s also true that not all dogs feel comfortable in the water. If your dog isn’t keen on swimming, you can try to train them to enjoy it more. However, never force your dog to swim. Instead, gently acclimatise them to water through play, treats, or by letting another dog who loves swimming lead the way.
Start practising in easy, accessible places. A calm, shallow beach is a great place to begin, so your dog can feel safe and choose their own pace. Avoid slippery rocks when first introducing swimming.
Toys: If your dog loves toys, bring a few along as an alternative to focusing on the water. They can focus on playing instead, and soon forget their reservations about the water, concentrating instead on the fun of playing and paddling.
Treats: Another good option is to use treats. Place them in the water so your dog can walk in to get them at their own pace. Once they’re comfortable paddling, place treats further out so they have to swim a little to get them. If, after a few tries, your dog still isn’t enjoying the water, you have to accept it. Some dogs just don’t like water.
Your dog might look a little scared the first time they swim. Their front legs might be above the water’s surface, and they might splash a lot before they figure it out. But once they realise they’re floating, they usually calm down quickly, and the swimming technique often comes naturally. To help reassure them, you can use a life jacket for their first swim. Most have a handle on the back, which you can hold to offer extra support.
Here are a few other things to consider before you go swimming:
Always supervise your dog when swimming. If your dog has a strong hunting instinct and might swim out towards birds, for example, you must keep them under control. Swimming should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. Ensure the swimming area is permitted for dogs, and remember that some people may be afraid of dogs. Always be respectful, and stick to dog-friendly areas. Many local councils provide specific dog swimming spots.
Check the water quality for algal blooms before you go. If blooms are present, do not let your dog swim, as it can cause life-threatening algae poisoning.
After swimming, dry your dog thoroughly, especially if they’re prone to skin conditions like eczema or ‘happy tail’. Damp eczema is more common in hot, humid weather, and ‘happy tail’ (inflammation of the tail) can occur if the tail gets too cold after swimming.
If your dog loves swimming and doesn’t know when to stop, make sure to build in regular rest breaks. Dogs that adore swimming can get very intense, so moderation is key to prevent them from becoming overly tired.
When boating with your dog, it’s recommended they wear a life jacket, just like humans. Choose one that’s the right size and weight for your dog.
