1. Swimming slows down joint wear and tear (called osteoarthritis). Joint wear is caused by damage to the cartilage (= the inner lining) of the joints.

When swimming, the joints are moved without being loaded. Not putting weight on the legs reduces the pressure on the joints, which causes less cartilage damage and makes it less painful to move already worn joints. Exercise also produces more synovial fluid. This fluid nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joint. Sudden sharp turns cannot be made in the water, such as when playing with a ball on a lawn. These ball games overload the joints, tendons and ligaments. They promote joint wear and tear and can cause tearing of the tendons and ligaments.

2. The rectilinear movements that the hind legs make while swimming properly train the gluteal muscles. Strong muscles ensure that the joints fit together properly. Which is important for proper development of the hips.

3. Swimming in calm water is good for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of dogs with a long back, such as the Dachshund. When swimming, the dog has the advantage that the water partially lifts the weight hanging from the back, which reduces the strain on the spine.

4. Running water massages the muscles.

5. The salty water of the sea helps heal and prevent many forms of skin inflammation.

Which dogs are allowed/cannot swim?

1. Dogs under the age of six months are only allowed under supervision!

2. Dogs that often suffer from ear infections due to water or persistent diarrhea with or without vomiting.

3. Dogs: with a short snout, for example the English Bulldog and the Boston Terrier, and with short legs and a heavy body, for example the Basset Hound.

4. Dogs that love water and will dive in but can't swim. So see if your dog can swim and keep his/her head above water. Swimming is not just about using your front legs. The hind legs also have to make powerful propulsive movements.

How should I teach my dog to swim?

First of all, gently introduce your dog to the water.

Never forcefully pull or push the dog into the water. The dog always has a fear of the water.

Put your dog at ease and show that it is not scary to go into the water.

Once in the water, call the dog back or take the dog back and reward the dog so that the dog knows: “That's quite fun and I get a reward for it too!”

To teach the dog to swim well, approach the dog with care and patience. Reassure your dog.

The dog has just learned that it is fun to go into the water. We want to keep it that way.

Take the dog into the water.

As soon as the dog no longer feels the bottom, he/she may panic and start thrashing with its front legs.

Stand behind the dog and grab the dog's flanks so that the back of the dog comes up.

The dog is now lying horizontally on the water. Hold the dog firmly and reassure it.

Once the worst of the struggling is over, release the dog and you will see that the dog is swimming. Naturally, the dog will receive a reward again when it returns to shore.

Do not do this exercise too often in a row. It is quite tiring for the dog because 5 minutes of intensive swimming is equivalent to walking the dog 8 kilometers.

Learning to swim can also be done with the help of a life jacket. Guidance is also required in this case.

After a few practices you will see that the dog starts to enjoy swimming.

But nevertheless, always keep an eye on the dog! Watch your dog swim and stay close to the dog and if you have any doubts about your dog swimming, put a life jacket on the dog as a precaution.

There is no shame in your dog swimming with a life jacket on.

This is for the dog's own safety, but also for your own safety.