Pet parents love to spend time with their animal companions when the sun is up and the day looks perfect for walking or jogging. 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 warmer days is by swimming. It can help dogs cool off and remain active while having a good time.
As we proceed, we’ll emphasize the importance of swimming for dogs and why it deserves a spot in their regular activities.
5 Reasons Swimming Is Important for Dogs
Everybody knows dogs love to swim, but it does not end there. Although a low-impact workout, swimming comes with several health benefits for your animal companion and can substantially enhance their quality of life.
Here are five ways swimming can enhance your dog’s general well-being.
1. Provides Stimulation
If your pet does nothing but lay on the couch and sleep all day, they might be feeling bored. Like humans, canines require stimulation from socialization or activities to release their energy healthily. For many dogs, swimming can be a perfect and relaxing solution.
2. Improves Heart Health
Swimming is a perfect cardio for pets. Just like in humans, it can increase lung proficiency, reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, and improve heart strength. Swimming has been shown to produce considerable health benefits as it trains the body to effectively utilize oxygen. This helps keep their cardiovascular system healthy.
Keeping their oral health in check is also a way to maintain their heart health. Regularly taking them to a cat dentist can prevent gum disease, a common culprit for systemic conditions impacting the heart, kidney, and liver.
3. 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 an excellent choice that does not strain 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 vaccinations, booster shots, and parasite prevention. These preventive services can protect them from life-threatening pet diseases they may encounter outdoors and in social settings.
4. 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 canines. It increases metabolism, reinforces the lungs and heart, reduces inflammations, and improves blood 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 enhances their tone and overall strength.
Although swimming is a great exercise with less risk of injuries, caution should still be observed, particularly for canines with severe conditions like cancer. If you plan to introduce swimming to their routine activities, consult a professional that offers pet cancer care about the limitation and frequency of exercise safe for their condition.
5. Relieves Pain
Hydrotherapy is an excellent therapeutic exercise for senior pets and those recuperating from joint pains and injuries. It can relax their muscles, boost blood flow, and reinforce the joints. These are all vital 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 fun exercise your dog will surely like to have in their regular activities.
