How Therapeutic Dog Swimming Works

Titan went once a week to his therapeutic dog swimming class. He worked with Tanya, who had specialty training on how to promote mobility and joint relief in the pool. His one hour session consisted of alternating between swims and “floating” exercises.

Notice how there is a wooden deck at one end of the pool. There is a ramp at one side for the dog to easily transition from swimming to walking in the water to work different muscles and joints with less resistance than on land. There is a resting area where the dog can pause for a minute and get muscle massage in the warmth of the water. This stimulates blood flow and circulation to joints, muscles and limbs that have been sore on land and under-used due to pain and mobility limitations.

Therapeutic swimming is a great mental and physical workout for dogs of any age, whether they have health issues or just want a challenge!

Have you taken your dog for a therapeutic swim? What was your experience?