Do your dogs love the water? Swimming can be excellent exercise for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. In fact, it can be a great rehabilitation activity for dogs who are recovering from injuries. There are so many different games you can play in the water with your dogs. From going to the beach and playing fetch at the nearby pond to the dog sport of dock jumping, there are plenty of water-based dog fitness activities for you and your dog.

Your Dog’s First Swim

If your adult dog or puppy has never actually swam before, it might get quite wary of going into the water and swimming. The first time we took Keeda to the dog beach she was afraid to touch the water! We had to literally coax and even carefully dunk her in for her to see that no harm will come from a little swim. She still doesn’t like big waves, but happily runs in the water chest-deep at the dog beach and swims freely at the nearby pond. Unless your dog is a known water-loving breed (and even then you can’t be 100% certain!), don’t expect your dog to hop on in at the first sight of water.

Different dog owners take different approaches when it comes to their dogs’ first swim. Some lure their dog in, some wait for the dog to get curious and wade in by itself, others choose to physically put their dog into the water and let it go (all dogs can swim, unless they’re injured of course). How you introduce your dog to the water really depends on your training method and, most importantly, your dog’s temperament. Some dogs handle stress better than others.

Underwater Debris Safety for Swimming Dogs

If you and your dog are going on a trip to water you’re unfamiliar with, make sure that the surface where your dog will enter the water is free from sharp debris and bottles. Preferably the water will be clear and you’ll be able to see if it’s safe for your dog to wade in. Be very careful if the water is muddy and you can’t see where your dog is going!

Staying Safe in Lakes

If a lake has a strong unpleasant odor, if you can see dead fish, or if you see large growths (“blooms”) of algae (especially blue-green algae) on the lake, steer clear! These can indicate bacteria that may be harmful to you and your dog.

Dogs and the Pool

Some dogs are lucky enough to grow up around a pool, which is great! You can introduce them to the water when they’re young (although remember that you might need to help them get out and learn where the stairs are when they’re small). If chlorine agitates your dog’s skin, you can rinse them off with fresh water after the swim.

Going for a swim can be a great day for your dog to cool off on a hot day and swimming coupled with water resistance can prove to be a great exercise session for your dog.

JTDNTB from the Australian Purebreed & Crossbreed Dog Forum kindly allowed me to post some photos of her dog Bailey at the river, check them out: