Posted December 30, 2025
Whether it’s the cold, dark depths of winter or the dog days of summer, a dip in the pool can buoy both bodies and spirits! We all know that recreational swimming is great exercise for dogs. It is also a fun and social activity for dogs and owners. Not only that, it allows for a controlled environment that is beneficial both physically and physiologically.
Why Choose a Pool Over a Lake or Pond?
For anyone who has been to a local lake or pond in the late summer months, it is not a surprise that an indoor swimming pool is a cleaner environment. Lakes and ponds can spread bacteria, giardia and other undesirables to your dog. Plus there’s no mud to track back to your car, house and your shoes!
Health Benefits of Recreational Swimming for Dogs
The health benefits of recreational swimming are undeniable. Swimming provides excellent cardiovascular conditioning and helps maintain muscle mass. Swimming is a great weight control exercise and alleviates stress on the joints so that overweight dogs can get back into the swing of things while reducing risk of injury.
Swimming is an energy outlet, for sure. A tired dog is a happy dog, and oftentimes a tired dog makes for a happy owner. As in humans, swimming gets those endorphins going-which is great for overall well-being but it can also be therapeutic for behavioral disorders or for dogs that are just plain bored or tired of being cooped up in the house.
The Social Benefits of Swimming for Dogs
Swimming provides social benefits, as well. Aerobic exercise can reduce depression in dogs that have exercise restrictions. Of course, you’ll need approval from your veterinarian before starting a swimming exercise program. Swimming can also boost confidence and it encourages dogs to learn from other dogs.
Building the Bond Between Dog and Owner
Perhaps most importantly, recreational swimming provides an opportunity to build the bond between dog and owner. It’s a great way to spend time with your dog without distraction. It’s a time to step away from the daily grind and spend one-on-one time with your pet and serves as a reminder of why pets are so important in our lives. They give us so much and spending time with them is all they ask of us.
Recreational Swimming vs. Hydrotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Now that we’ve covered the many benefits of swimming, let’s discuss the difference between recreational swimming and hydrotherapy.
- Recreational Swimming: At our facilities, recreational swimming is for healthy dogs that enjoy water and have no physical issues that require supervision and assistance.
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is utilized for dogs with physical issues that require supervision by a rehabilitation therapist. Our therapists are rehabilitation-certified veterinarians, physical therapists, and certified veterinary technicians. The ultimate goal is to graduate the patient to the recreational pool once they are strong and healthy enough to swim recreationally.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Dogs
Rehabilitating a dog with water has many benefits. One is decreased weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise, which reduces pain. In the water, gentle range of motion of all four limbs is accomplished, and strengthening is provided by the water’s resistance. The therapy water is heated to around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps relax the muscles and increase circulation. Hydrotherapy is also used for neurological re-education. There seem to be psychological benefits for the dogs as they can exercise without pain.
Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is used for a variety of reasons, including:
- Recovery from surgery
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, or hip dysplasia
- Obesity or weight management
- Sports conditioning
When to Choose Hydrotherapy Over Recreational Swimming
The benefits of recreational swimming and hydrotherapy are both phenomenal. However, the key difference between the two lies in the state of your dog’s physical health.
- If your dog is generally healthy, swimming is a great way to stay active and keep muscles strong, helping to prevent injury in the future.
- If your dog is injured or has a health condition, swimming may not be appropriate. Hydrotherapy is necessary for them to get back into the game (or pool).
Health Conditions That May Require Hydrotherapy
If your dog has been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, swimming may not be appropriate:
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disease
- Seizure disorders
- Endocrine diseases
- Open wounds or infections
- Fecal incontinence
If your dog has any of these conditions or is not in good health, we recommend a rehabilitation exam to determine if swimming and/or rehabilitation is best for them.
Get Started with Canine Swimming or Hydrotherapy
The Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group (CRCG) offers year-round swimming 7 days a week at its Englewood and Broomfield locations. Open and private swim times are available. Rehabilitation is offered 7 days a week.
Give us a call or visit our website at www.dog-swim.com for more information on our services and find out how you and your canine companion can start making a splash!