Swimming for Sighthounds

Cold is the first problem

Open water is often simply too cold for a sighthound. Our pool is indoors and heated to 28–32°C, and we fit a jacket as much for warmth as for buoyancy. If a dog starts to shiver, the session ends there, whatever the clock says. Every hound is towelled and dried before the car, and a coat for the journey home is a good idea in winter.

Retired racers

Many ex-racing Greyhounds come to us with stiff joints or muscle that has faded since they stopped running. Gentle, supported swimming lets them move without the sudden sprinting and stopping that suits the track but not a middle-aged body. Any diagnosed arthritis or injury should be discussed with your vet first.

Patience with doubters

Sighthounds are sensitive and can freeze at the edge. We go at their pace: sniff the ramp, stand in the shallows, a few supported strokes, then out. A first visit that ends without real swimming still counts as progress. Sprinters also fatigue quickly in water, so short intervals suit them better than continuous laps.

Muscle strains

Whippets that run hard sometimes pull muscles. Once your vet is happy for controlled exercise, the water gives a smooth, low-impact way back to fitness with no sudden acceleration.

Before and after a hound's swim

Arrive with your hound in a coat and take it off only at the poolside. Many sighthounds dislike slippery floors, so walk slowly and let them take their time on the ramp. A familiar blanket or bed in the car makes the journey home more comfortable, and a warm, quiet spot at home afterwards helps.

Greyhounds are often gentle and easily worried by noise; we keep the pool calm and avoid splashing around them. Some hounds prefer their owner in the water alongside the coach, which is fine. Build up slowly: a couple of minutes of actual swimming may be all a nervous hound manages at first, and several short visits usually achieve more than one long one.

If your hound has corns, sore feet or a recent injury, mention it when booking so we can plan the entry and exit carefully.

Sighthounds: owner questions