AUTUMN PET WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE
At Aquapaws, we’re launching our Autumn Weight Loss Swim Challenge to help pets shed excess
weight safely and comfortably using either our Underwater Treadmill (if not safe to swim) or our
heated hydrotherapy pool.
Obesity affects joints, mobility, heart health and overall quality of life — but swimming is a
low-impact, joint-friendly way to burn calories, build muscle and improve gait without placing
stress on painful joints.
We’re inviting our local veterinary partners to get involved and refer suitable patients who
would benefit from a structured, supervised hydrotherapy based exercise program
.
🏆 The Winner will be announced at the end of Autumn
🎉 Prize: An Aquapaws Swim Card and Aquapaws Tote Bag valued at $250
Each participant will receive:
✔️ Individualised Swim sessions or Underwater Treadmill sessions
✔️ Weight and body condition monitoring
✔️ Muscle building and mobility support
✔️ Progress updates available for referring vets
Let’s work together to improve long-term health outcomes for our shared patients 💙
Some swimming facts - Swimming Burns More Calories than walking!
• Water Resistance: Water provides roughly 12% to 14% more resistance than air. This forces a dog
to use more energy for every movement, strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular health.
• Full-Body Engagement: Unlike walking, which focuses on the legs, swimming engages nearly every
major muscle group simultaneously to stay afloat and propel forward.
• Reduced Impact: Swimming is low-impact, meaning it removes weight from the joints while still
providing high-intensity exercise. This is especially effective for overweight or senior dogs, as
they can exercise longer without pain.
Winston’s starting weight was 56.6 kg. At this stage, he is not yet ready to begin swimming due
to reduced stamina and overall strength. He is also managing elbow dysplasia. Winston has
commenced his weight-loss journey in the underwater treadmill, where exercise intensity can be
carefully controlled to support his joints while building strength. He is already 1 kg down —
fantastic progress so far. You’ve got this, Winston!
