Dogs are natural swimmers and will do wonderfully well in the water.
This is something you are going to notice when you take specific dog breeds to a lake and/or to the beach. They are just going to hop in and start swimming like they are professionals!
However, when you are trying to control how much a dog swims, you will want to figure out the right schedule to ensure they don’t burn out. This includes asking, how long should dog swim for a good workout?
Dogs should swim at least 10-20 minutes per session for a good workout. As they get stronger and develop more endurance, it is possible to allow the dog in the water for up to 30 minutes.
It’s recommended to start slow when swimming with a dog. You don’t want to overdo things and fatigue the dog to the point of utter exhaustion.
This article will provide tips on how long a dog should swim when working out.
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Tips On How Long Dogs Should Swim
1. Start with a Small Pool
Before heading over to a local lake or beach, you have to start with the basics.
This means it is smarter to start with a small pool. By doing this, you are going to allow the dog an opportunity to get used to being in the water without getting hurt or fatigued.
At least take them into a swimming pool up to 5-6 times before heading out to a big body of water. Just by doing this, you are going to have a far better chance of keeping the dog happy when it is swimming.
Dogs love to swim but they will still need to adjust.
If you are not giving them to the time to adjust, it can become dangerous for their health. This is a lot to burden them with especially if they are not used to it already.
By using a swimming pool for your dog, it will provide peace of mind and they will still get to learn in a safe environment. It’s a win-win.
2. Build Endurance With 10-20 Minute Sessions
You will want to start building endurance when it comes to a dog’s ability to swim.
Yes, most dog breeds can swim but that doesn’t mean you should go into it without a plan. You will still need to set up a plan to make sure the dog isn’t overdoing it right off the bat.
This includes simple 10-20 minute sessions where the dog swims around.
Once the time is over, you should make sure the dog comes out of the pool.
This is a must because the dog’s heart needs to adjust to the amount of pressure that is going to be put on it. Remember, swimming is a difficult cardiovascular exercise and one that is going to push them.
Most dogs will adjust but make sure it happens over the course of weeks rather than going all-in immediately!
3. Only Go Up To 30 Minutes Per Session
When teaching a dog how to swim, you will want to understand what the maximum amount is before they need to come out.
This mark tends to be approximately 30 minutes per session.
After this point, you will want to ensure the dog is not swimming any longer and is out of the pool/lake.
A lot of people don’t do this and forget the amount of effort a dog is putting into swimming.
They can get tired and this doesn’t bode well for their ability to remain in the water without struggling. You don’t want to hit this point with your beloved pet.
Keep things simple and make sure you are getting the dog out of the body of water within 30 minutes.
Related Questions
1. Is Too Much Swimming Bad For Dogs?
Yes, too much swimming can be bad for dogs as it will fatigue them and lead to injury. It is best to keep all swim sessions underneath the 30-minute mark even with fitter dogs.
2. Is It Ok For My Dog To Swim Every Day?
It’s ok for a dog to swim every day as long as it’s not extended sessions. If they are spending 10-15 minutes in the pool every day, this will not harm them and it’s good for their mental health.
Final Thoughts
How long should dog swim for a good workout?
It is best to have a dog swim for 30 minutes before taking them out. This is enough to get the heart pumping and make sure they are healthy without compromising their ability to stay safe.
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