How warm is the water?
Unlike horses, which need cold water because they generate much body heat, dogs need warm water. Swimming them in cold water would constrict their blood vessels and rob their muscles of blood and oxygen, risking pain and muscle strain. Unfortunately for much of the year in the United Kingdom, water in the sea, lakes, rivers or streams is cold. This means swimming in natural waters is not usually therapeutic. The water in our pool ranges from 25 to 40 degrees C. Such a temperature range encourages the blood vessels to open and oxygen to flow to the extremities, so providing the needed therapeutic effect.
