Physiological effects of water temperatures in swimming toy breed dogs

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of water temperature on heart rate and respiratory rate during swimming, as well as changes in rectal temperature, blood glucose and blood lactate before and after swimming. Twenty-one small breed dogs (male = 9, female = 12) were used as subjects of this study. Dogs swam for 20 min in different water temperatures: 25°C, 33°C and 37°C. Heart rate and respiratory rate were monitored every 5 min during swimming. Blood samples were obtained before and after swimming for analysis of glucose and lactate levels. Rectal temperature was measured before and after swimming. The results showed that dogs that swam in 25°C water had the highest heart rate and serum glucose level (significant difference, P<0.05). The highest respiration rate was found in dogs that swam in 37°C water (P<0.05). Serum lactate significantly (P<0.05) increased after 20 min swimming at all water temperatures. Thus, the dogs should swim in 33°C water to prevent tachycardia, hyperventilation and hyperthermia.