Finally summertime is about to arrive. The grass is green, the trees are covered in new growth, and the warm weather will soon be back with us. Unfortunately we're German shepherd people and shepherds like it cool. Of all the shepherds I've owned over the past fifty odd years, not one would give up the air conditioning for a spot in the ninety degree shade. Often one or the other would look at me on my way out the door, wondering why I persisted in pushing a lawn mower around in what had to seem to be sub-tropical heat. Once the temperature gets above eighty degrees, I'm very careful about the type of exercise my dog gets. Everyone knows that you don't leave a dog in an enclosed car or truck at that temperature, but a dog can get heatstroke from strenuous exercise even in moderately warm temperatures. The solution is swimming. The demand for swim-time has resulted from a number of reasons. Basically four types of owners are swimming their dogs on a regular (2-3 times a week) basis. As more and more orthopedic veterinarians have discovered the benefits of this low-impact exercise, they have prescribed swimming for their recovering patients. Dogs benefit from swimming because they can build up muscle tone while allowing damaged limbs to heal at their normal rate. Second, show dogs are swimming as owners have found that their dogs "look better" in the competition rink. Third, geriatric dogs are kept in shape by swimming several times a week. Degenerative diseases such as arthritis, spondylosis, and degenerative myelopathy can sometimes be kept at bay, allowing these senior citizens to enjoy a longer life. Finally dog owners are swimming their dogs for general exercise.
Pictured above: "Echo" dancing with waves. With the heat and humidity of the summer almost upon us, swimming is an exercise that all dogs can enjoy even in the hottest times of the day. Overall benefits include: decrease swelling, increases in circulation, increased endurance, increased flexibility, improved range of motion, increase in balance and coordination, and increased muscle strength. Swimming eliminates stress to injured and over-worked joints and muscles allowing the dog to work its cardiovascular and muscular systems thus expediting the dog's return to soundness. A critical aspect for dog owners who are planning to swim their dogs as part of a rehabilitative effort is the degree of experience that the swim facility offers. Some centers show you the pool and that's about it. Others swim your dog for you, while others provide swim staff support if you want it. Some dogs can't wait to get into the pool, while others need some emotional support the first one or two times. Likewise some swim centers charge their customers on a single swim rate, while others offer swim plans where multiple swims are purchased at a reduced individual swim rate. Either way, check with your vet before starting any exercise program, including swimming. Dogs who are coming off of surgeries and are in a rehabilitative situation should also have their swim sessions (length and frequency) veterinarian directed. There is no doubt in my mind that I've shared more time with my senior dogs because I took the time to swim them than if I hadn't. Check with your local veterinarian to see if there's a swim center in your area. If that doesn't pan out, then check out http://www.mzjf.com/. That's the Jack Flash website dedicated to helping dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The last time I checked, they had a list of canine swimming pools by state.
*This article is lovingly dedicated to Shalimar, who I lost late last October, and to my sister, Susan Bufano, who passed away suddenly in November, 2003. When Shali got on in years and had trouble getting around, Susan would come over and "baby-sit" her. I hope they're together now.
Copyright© 1999-2004,
justshepherds.com, Babycass's Den and
Hot Diggety Dawg Photo Contest |
