Aftercare: What To Do After Your Dog Swims
For owners wanting to look after their dog properly between sessions.
The session does not end when your dog leaves the water. Drying, ear care and the following 24 hours all affect whether swimming stays comfortable and enjoyable.
Here is what we do at our end and what is worth doing at yours.
Key points
- Every dog gets a towel-down and hair-dryer here before leaving.
- Dry ears properly — it is the most commonly skipped step.
- Mild next-day tiredness is normal; lasting soreness is a signal.
Drying properly
A wet dog loses heat fast, and thick or double coats hold water close to the skin long after the outer coat feels dry. That is why the towel-down and hair-dryer are part of every session rather than an optional extra.
At home, another quick towel or a warm dry bed is enough. A blanket in the car helps on cold days.
Ears and eyes
Ears get dried as part of the routine here. For dogs with heavy drop ears who swim regularly, it is worth keeping an eye on them between sessions and mentioning any head-shaking or scratching to your vet.
The rest of the day
Fresh water and a quiet space. Most dogs sleep deeply after swimming — it is a genuine workout and the tiredness afterwards is one of the reasons owners with high-energy dogs keep coming back.
A short, gentle walk later in the day helps dogs who tend to stiffen up.
Reading the next 24 hours
Pleasant tiredness and normal movement means the session was pitched right. Noticeable stiffness the following morning means slightly too much, and the next session should be shorter.
Limping, obvious pain or reluctance to move is a vet question, not a scheduling one.
Common questions
Do you dry the dogs?
Yes — every dog gets a warm towel-down and time with the hair-dryer before leaving, including their ears.
Should I bathe my dog after swimming?
Not routinely. Ask your vet if your dog has sensitive skin or an existing skin condition.
Is my dog meant to be this tired?
Deep sleep after a swim is normal — it is hard exercise. Lasting soreness or lameness the next day is worth a vet's opinion.
How soon can my dog swim again?
Most dogs are fine weekly. Let recovery guide it: stiff the next morning means shorter or less frequent for now.
Book your next session
Tell us how your dog got on last time and we'll pitch the next one accordingly.
What Happens Next?
- 1. We review your enquiry
- 2. We call or text to confirm
- 3. Bring your dog and a towel!
Related guides
Safety checklist
For owners who want to know the risks and how they are managed.
ProcessHow many sessions
For owners planning a realistic swimming routine rather than a one-off.
PreparationWhat to bring
For owners packing for a booked session and wanting nothing forgotten.