Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Swimming is a great all-around exercise for most dogs. This low-impact activity strengthens all the major muscle groups, improves circulation, builds endurance, burns energy, and relieves stress while not causing any joint trauma. Not all dogs know how to swim, though, so teaching them at an older age may not be ideal. Regardless of how well your dog can swim, never leave them unsupervised, and have them wear a properly fitted doggie life vest.

So, where can Fido swim? Some areas have canine fitness centers that have pools or offer hydrotherapy. Your own bathtub (for small dogs) will do! If you’re looking for outdoor options, think about temperature, depth, and the quality of the water. The water needs to be above 45 °F (7 °C) and not too deep that you can’t stand in it to assist your dog if needed. It’s important to note that dogs, especially those with compromised immune systems, are susceptible to infections (e.g., giardia, bacteria, fungus) from public bodies of water. Don’t let your dog swim in lakes or ponds where blue-green algae is present. Rivers and oceans aren’t ideal since the environment is ever-changing, and currents and tides can be strong.