D.C. hosting a dog day afternoon

For those water-loving dogs out there, D.C. is hosting its third annual Doggie Day Swim for pets and their owners on Saturday Sept. 10 at the Upshur Pool and Banneker Pool. Held from noon to 4 p.m., admission is free for D.C. residents.

Just like swimming is a great, low-impact exercise for older humans, veteranarians say it’s a good excercise for doggies getting on in their years. As dogs age, their joints begin to ache and they are less likely to run and exercise as they used to, so are more susceptible to putting on weight (which can also shorten your dog’s life).