Is Swimming Exasperating for Dogs?

Is swimming exasperating for dogs? Can it cause ear infections, breathing problems, or soreness? These are some of the common problems dogs experience when swimming. Read on to find out more about this topic. It's possible that your dog is in need of a swimming lesson. Your vet can help you decide whether swimming is right for your pet. Afterwards, your veterinarian can provide a treatment plan.

Does Swimming Exasperate Dogs?

Do you want to know if swimming will exasperate your dog? Swimming is good for a dog's health for several reasons. First of all, it helps them strengthen their cardiovascular system. According to veterinary surgeon and canine physiologist Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, one minute of swimming is equivalent to 4 minutes of jogging. Swimming also helps to burn excess energy and stimulates the dog's mind. A bored dog is likely to misbehave or develop behavioral problems.

Second, the chemicals in swimming pools can irritate your dog's fur and skin. It can also cause an upset stomach. You can minimize the amount of time your dog spends in the pool by keeping a bowl of fresh water nearby. Third, you can buy a mineral purifier for your swimming pool. This product reduces the concentration of chemicals in the water, which can cause upset stomachs and dry skin.

Does It Cause Soreness and Stiffness?

Soreness and stiffness in dogs can be a normal part of the recovery process after a swim. Swimming can be good exercise for your dog, but it should be done gradually to prevent a strained or overworked body. If your dog seems to be sore for a long time after swimming, you should consult with your veterinarian. Swimming is a great way to get your dog moving and getting plenty of exercise. If your dog is new to swimming, however, you may want to start out small and gradually build up their confidence.

The length of the swim time will also play a role in the severity of the soreness. In humans, swimming can increase the heart rate. However, in dogs, excessive swimming can lead to an increased heart rate. This may be due to increased peripheral circulation in warmer water. The best way to avoid the pain is to allow your dog to swim for only a short period of time at a time.

Does It Cause Ear Infections?

Dogs with ear infections often experience redness around their ears. This is medically termed erythema and can range from mild redness to a tomato red color. An ear infection is caused by a buildup of bacteria or yeast. Your dog may have multiple allergies and may be more susceptible to the infections due to these factors. If you notice your dog shaking his head frequently, you should see a veterinarian.

While the common cause of swimmer's ear in dogs is bacteria, a more complex issue is a dog's anatomy. Dogs have a more vertically shaped ear canal than humans, which makes them more susceptible to ear infections. Dogs can also have a condition called stenosis, which is an abnormally narrow ear canal. Stenosis can be a normal variation in some dogs, but it can worsen with recurrent infections. If it's untreated, stenosis can completely block airflow into the ear canal, creating a pocketed environment of moisture and warmth. This makes it difficult for your dog to clean out their ears, and is an emergency situation that should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Does It Cause Breathing Problems?

If your dog is an avid swimmer, you need to be wary of the dangers of dry drowning. While the water itself won't kill your dog, it will affect the gas exchange in the lungs. This will cause breathing problems and eventually lead to pneumonia. It can happen hours or even days after you take your dog swimming. If you are worried about your dog's safety, you should consult a veterinarian.

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to breathing issues than others. The French Bulldog and the English Bulldog have nasal passages that are narrow and constrictive. The French Bulldog also has a narrow trachea and long soft palate. Regardless of the breed, water can be a risk for these dogs. For these reasons, swimming should be avoided. You can also monitor the chemical content of the water in your dog's pool.