Swimming is one of the best overall exercises for dogs and it works every major muscle group in the body. Not only is it a total body workout, but swimming is a blast for water-loving dogs! The physical and mental benefits of swimming adds to the sense of freedom your dog experiences while playing in the water.

As with humans, immersion provides buoyancy and support for joints.

The resistance of water requires more strength than moving through air, so can improve/increase muscle density.

The warmth of the water can reduce joint pain and promote circulation.

The actions of moving in water are different to that on dry land, so can provide a complimentary range of motion to land based activities.

But not all dogs are natural swimmers and may not enjoy it. Dogs should never be forced to swim. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Each dog is very different and how long he can swim will vary. Dogs that are new to swimming can often only swim for 10 minutes at a time.

Gentle progressive exercise is considered the best approach.

Each visit should increase his stamina.

A 30-minute swim session is industry standard for the average strong and confident swimming dog.

You can take your dog swimming once each week to start with (if they are not used to it).

Once his stamina builds up and conditioning improves, you can increase the swim sessions to three or four times each week.

As he becomes a pro swimmer, you can take him swimming every day.

However, you should always monitor your dog to ensure they are not over exercising and you should never force your dog to swim.

Many veterinarians suggest that swimming burns up to 4 times the number of calories that walking would achieve in the same amount of time.

Because swimming is a low or no impact activity, dogs can exercise longer burning more calories than walking or even fetching a Frisbee, which can cause unnecessary stress on joints and ligaments.

Plus -

Walking can be a challenge in winter. Cold, icy pavements and roads are dangerous and uncomfortable. Salt laid to prevent ice would be dangerous for your dog if ingested and may cause salt burns to their feet.

Walking can also be a challenge in summer. Hot sand, concrete, tarmac etc., can burn their feet. Excessive direct heat from the sun or an increase in body temperature will lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Indoor swimming can be a way to achieve the exercise benefit for your dog whilst avoiding some of the seasonal risks.

He should not swim if he has an open wound/recent operation/current infection.

Please do not attend the facility if he has an injury unless you have sought advice from a vet and can provide us a safe-to-swim letter.

Some injuries/conditions can be improved with swimming, some not. Please consult a specialist.

Please see our Terms and Conditions.

The chemicals chlorine and bromine are safe when used in their correct dilutions. Concentrated chlorine is dangerous to health and our supplies are safely stored. Dosing the water is only done when no visitors or dogs are in the pool, so you won't see us doing it. From a risk management standpoint, a dog is more likely to become ill from taking a swim in a standing pool of water or lake, that may be filled with unknown microorganisms, than they are from swimming in a properly maintained chlorinated pool.

Pool water contains very dilute levels of chlorine, and is unlikely to cause chlorine poisoning to humans and animals. However, drinking chlorinated water may cause an upset stomach and much like humans, may cause some eye irritation. It may cause dryness, flakiness and irritation of the skin so dogs should be rinsed after a session. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's health.

Drinking excessive amounts of water (not necessarily chlorinated) can be contributory to bloat, a condition that can be life threatening and requires immediate vet attention to assess its severity. Eating then exercising immediately after is also a risk factor.

Please refer to Terms and Conditions.

We encourage all of our dog owners to swim with your dogs, especaily if they are new to swimming or still finding their confidence.

Some dogs need the reassurance of their owner nearby but we understand not all people like to swim, so a member of staff will swim with your dog if you don't want to. However you are required to maintain responsibilty for your dog at all times.