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Is 70-degree pool water safe for my dog, especially older ones?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 55 lbs

How cold is too cold for a dog to swim in a pool? I run a home boarding and some of our guests love swimming so much, they will swim no matter how cold it is. The water temp right now is 70 degrees. Air temp next week is going to be 60-70 degrees. The dogs typically swim for about 2 hrs but they get out and run around a lot. Should be safe right? How about for an older lab with arthritis? Would swimming in 70 degree water not be good for her?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those dogs are amazing! It should be okay for dogs to swim if they want to, as long as it is sunny and they have access to dry bedding/towels. For the lab with arthritis, swimming is actually great exercise as it is low impact - just be careful with her getting in and out of the pool. I hope this helps and that all is well!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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