Fitness & Exercise

Swimming is a low impact activity and can burn more calories when compared to walking. Many veterinarians suggest swimming burns four times the number of calories than land based exercise does in the same amount of time.

General fitness sessions are designed for dogs without a medical need for hydrotherapy using a safe controlled environment. With the emphasis on exercise and fun, these sessions are a way to vary your dog’s exercise regime and provide them with different enrichment styles to keep their brains and bodies active. They can also be used to build up fitness as it is a great cardiovascular workout and would benefit dogs who regularly participate in activities such as flyball and agility, or as conditioning sessions to help keep your dog in tip top condition.

Swimming is low-impact, non-concussive, and non-weight bearing, meaning it allows your dog to enjoy all the benefits without putting stress on their joints and tendons. When submerged, the water takes on most of your dog’s weight, supporting their body and relieving their skeletal system from the stress of jarring impacts that can occur when exercising on land. Furthermore, swimming gets dogs moving in a different way than they usually would on solid ground, which improves their range of motion.

Not only is swimming great for your dog’s physical health, but it also improves their mental wellbeing. Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation in the form of play, fun, and varied activities that differ from the norm to help them stay sharp and happy. After a hydrotherapy session your dog will look forward to going home and sleeping, allowing them to reap the restorative benefits of a good sleep.