Key result
Aquatic exercise in dogs yields higher heart rates during initial sessions and varies by size.
Why the study?
Heart rate responses during aquatic exercise in healthy dogs of different sizes were not well characterized to guide safe exercise duration.
How does aquatic exercise affect heart rate in healthy dogs of different sizes and experience levels?
How does aquatic exercise affect heart rate in healthy dogs of different sizes and experience levels?
p-value: p=<0.05
Aquatic exercise induces significant heart rate changes in dogs that vary by breed size and habituation, suggesting exercise limits of 15-30 minutes depending on breed.
May require size-specific heart rate monitoring in initial canine aquatic sessions; leaves open standardized veterinary protocols.
This study was divided into two experiments. For the first experiment, heart rates during exercise of 21healthy male dogs were recorded. The animals were brought to swim every 2 days, 8 times in all, for 10 minutes.Heart rates were measured every minute using a pulse watch. For the second experiment, 134 healthy adult dogswere categorized into three groups: small (41), medium (51) and large breed (42). Their heart rates were measuredevery minute for 34 minutes after the 5th swimming. In the first experiment, the heart rates during the 1st–4thswimming were significantly higher (p<0.05) than during the 5th 8th swimming. In the second experiment, the heartrates were significantly different (p<0.05) between small, medium and large dogs. No correlations were foundbetween weight, age, and heart rate. From the results of the second experiment, we were able to formulate anequation for predictable heart rate of each group of dogs (small, medium and large dogs). From the results, werecommend that the limits on the length of time spent for aquatic exercise should be 15–30 minutes, depending on thebreed (size) of dog. Moreover, there should be trainers observing each dog to prevent over-exercise.
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Nganvongpanit et al. (2011) studied Healthy dogs (n=155). Aquatic exercise (swimming) was evaluated on Heart rate during exercise (p=<0.05). Heart rates during aquatic exercise were significantly higher during initial sessions compared to later ones (p<0.05) and differed significantly between small, medium, and large dogs (p<0.05).
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