Swimming has similar benefits for dogs as it does for people. The water therapy provides humans with plenty of benefits from cooling off, to a form of exercise to stay in shape, and then It is also no co-incidence that man's best friend is a dog!
“Water therapy is beneficial in a variety of areas. From a preventative perspective, hydrotherapy is good for fitness, body
condition, and a great source of aerobic exercise that has low impact on
the bones and joints. It is a great tool to help your dog stay in
optimal shape.”
When it comes to fitness, strength, and conditioning, aquatic therapy is
an exercise that can be done year-round for dogs as young as a year old.
Aside from it being a great way for your dog to stay active, while cooling off, swimming allows pets that are usually restricted to running
or walking on a leash exercise without feeling restrained. “I think the
biggest benefit is fun,” says Liff. “Most of these dogs that willingly
swim love it, and they reap the benefits.” And while swimming alongside
or watching him paddle may be just as much fun for you.
Another common reason why dogs are brought in for aquatic therapy is to help them recover, following surgery (for something like an ACL tear), or to help arthritic dogs work their joints, maintain muscle mass, and move around comfortably all while minimizing discomfort.
Some dogs may need to work out in warm water as opposed to cool water. Block explains that colder water is typically used for athletic dogs who are training or exercising because it helps them maintain a normal, balanced body temperature. Warm water helps loosen tight muscles, and is used more often for therapy or recovery sessions.
However, there are water safety tips, A must read. See HERE
