Swimming with a dog with osteoarthritis: How to train them properly
Your dog has osteoarthritis – and you’re almost too afraid to let him move. Every walk becomes a balancing act: too much? Too little? You watch him get up stiffly, see him hesitate. And you ask yourself: is there any form of exercise left that’s actually good for him?
Yes. Swimming.
At a glance (TL;DR)
- ✅ Swimming takes the strain off the joints by up to 90 per cent of the dog’s body weight
- ✅ Not every dog with osteoarthritis can go into the water straight away – swimming is off-limits during acute flare-ups
- ✅ Dog swimming pools with warm water are safer than cold lakes
- ✅ Swimming works best when combined with joint-supporting dietary supplements
Why swimming is the secret training method for dogs with osteoarthritis
Imagine if your dog could move around – without every step putting pressure on their damaged joints.
That’s exactly what happens in the water. Buoyancy takes almost all of your dog’s body weight off them. Their muscles work, their joints are moved through their full range of motion – but without the strain that makes every step on land a torment.
This isn’t a trick. It’s physics.
Veterinary physiotherapists have been using hydrotherapy specifically for dogs with joint problems for years. The reason is simple:
- Joint relief: In the water, your dog bears only 10–20 per cent of their weight
- Muscle building: Water offers natural resistance – your dog exercises the muscles that stabilise their joints
- Mobility: In the water, your dog can perform movements that would long since be painful on land
- Blood circulation: Warm water promotes blood circulation and can alleviate inflammation
In short: swimming gives your dog back some of the freedom of movement that osteoarthritis has taken away.
When swimming helps – and when you should avoid it
As good as swimming is – it isn’t always suitable. Before you take your dog into the water, you need to know when it’s safe and when it isn’t.
Swimming is beneficial for:
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis without acute inflammation
- Stiffness after periods of rest – swimming helps loosen up the joints
- Excess weight + osteoarthritis – a double benefit: joint-friendly exercise that helps with weight loss
- After surgery – in consultation with the vet, often from 6–8 weeks onwards
- Muscle wasting in older dogs that hardly move at all on land
Swimming is not recommended in the case of:
- Acute flare-ups – swollen, warm, painful joints need rest, not exercise
- Open wounds or skin conditions
- Heart problems or shortness of breath
- Fear of water – stress makes everything worse. Never force them.
- Advanced, end-stage osteoarthritis – in this case, only with veterinary approval
Important: Speak to your vet beforehand. Not every form of osteoarthritis responds in the same way to swimming.
Dog swimming pool vs. lake vs. sea – which is best?
Not all water is the same. And for a dog with osteoarthritis, the difference makes a big difference.
Dog swimming pool (best option)
- Warm water (28–32°C) – ideal for stiff joints
- Controlled environment – no current, no uneven bottom
- Professional care available (hydrotherapy with a veterinary physiotherapist)
- Underwater treadmill as a gentle introduction
- Cost: approx. 20–50 euros per session
Lake or river
- Water temperature varies – cold water can cause joints to stiffen
- The entry point must be shallow and non-slip – steep banks are dangerous
- The current can be overwhelming
- Free – but you’re on your own
- Best in summer, when the water is warm enough (from around 18°C)
Sea
- Saltwater has a mild anti-inflammatory effect
- Waves can knock dogs with osteoarthritis off their feet or be too much for them
- Sand is soft to walk on, but uneven
- Only recommended in calm, shallow bays
Recommendation: Start with a doggy pool. The controlled environment is safer, and the warm water is better for the joints. In summer, you can then move on to the lake.
How to get your dog with osteoarthritis safely into the water
Before swimming
- Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of slow walking. Never go into the water when cold.
- Put on a life jacket: Even if your dog can swim. With osteoarthritis, muscles tire more quickly – a life jacket provides safety.
- Support the joints: Many owners give their dog joint tablets containing green-lipped mussel and MSM before exercise to prepare the joints optimally for movement.
In the water
- Short sessions: Start with 5–10 minutes. Gradually increase to a maximum of 20–30 minutes.
- Take breaks: Let your dog stand still or rest on a ramp from time to time.
- Watch closely: Is he panting heavily? Is he swimming crookedly? Is he refusing to continue? Get him out immediately.
- Don’t throw a stick: Wild jumping and sudden turns put strain on the joints – exactly what you want to avoid.
After swimming
- Dry them thoroughly – wet dogs cool down quickly, which increases stiffness
- Allow them to rest – swimming is more tiring than it looks
- Keep an eye on your dog : how is it moving in the hours afterwards? Stiffer than before = too much. More relaxed = perfect.
Swimming + dietary supplements: the combination that works
Swimming on its own is good. But swimming plus targeted joint support from within is better.
This is because swimming exercises the muscles and moves the joints – but it doesn’t rebuild cartilage that has broken down. For that, your dog needs building blocks from within.
Ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid provide precisely these building blocks. They support cartilage maintenance and synovial fluid, and can reduce inflammation.
Veddelholzer Joint Tablets combine precisely these active ingredients – and most dogs eat them like treats. Combined with regular swimming, you’re giving your dog the best chance of greater mobility.
How often should a dog with osteoarthritis swim?
A good starting plan:
| Week | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Once a week | 5–10 mins |
| 3–4 | 1–2 times a week | 10–15 mins |
| From week 5 | 2–3 times a week | 15–20 mins |
Rule of thumb: It’s better to swim more often for shorter periods than rarely for longer periods. Your dog should be relaxed after swimming – not exhausted.
Always keep an eye on them the following days. If your dog is stiffer the next day than before, it was too much.
FAQ
Can all dogs with osteoarthritis swim?
Not necessarily. Dogs with acute flare-ups of inflammation, heart problems or open wounds should not swim. Always speak to your vet first.
My dog is afraid of water. What should I do?
Never force him into the water. Try an underwater treadmill – the water only comes up to his belly, and your dog has solid ground under his paws. Many dogs who are afraid of deep water take to this well.
How cold can the water be?
Warm water (25–32°C) is ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis. Below 18°C, the joints can stiffen and the beneficial effect is reversed. So in winter, it’s better to take them to a dog swimming pool rather than a lake.
At what age can my dog with osteoarthritis start swimming?
There’s no minimum age – as long as the vet gives the go-ahead. Older dogs also benefit enormously. For senior dogs in particular, who can barely move on land, swimming can enable a real comeback.
Can swimming cure osteoarthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis is incurable. But swimming can slow its progression, reduce pain and give your dog a much better quality of life. Combined with the right diet and supplements, you’ll get the most out of it.
Does my dog need a life jacket?
Yes, especially if they have osteoarthritis. Weakened muscles and stiff joints increase the risk of your dog getting tired in the water. A life jacket with a handle at the top also allows you to pull them out safely at any time.
When to see the vet
Swimming is no substitute for veterinary treatment. See your vet if:
- Your dog is noticeably stiffer after swimming than before (not just slightly tired)
- He suddenly no longer wants to or is unable to swim in the water
- You notice swelling or warmth around the joints – this indicates acute inflammation
- Your dog is limping or favouring one leg after swimming
- He shows general signs of deterioration – loss of appetite, withdrawal, whimpering
Swimming should help, not harm. If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready for it, have them checked over by the vet beforehand. It’s best to specifically ask for a referral to veterinary physiotherapy – there, your dog will be given a personalised training plan.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.