Does your dog jump up and down at the sight of water? A brook or pond may be too tempting for your pup to ignore. Maybe your dog hates water and would do anything to avoid it. Every dog is unique, and not all dogs enjoy getting wet. What about swimming?
Depending on the breed, your dog may be a natural swimmer or find it difficult. Whether your dog enjoys swimming or prefers to stay on dry land, his safety needs to become familiar with water. You may go boating, to the beach, or rent a cottage together. You may even own or visit a pool in your backyard. Read on for advice on teaching your dog to swim and water safely.
Not Every Breed Can Swim
A breed's traditional purpose implies that some will be drawn to water. Certain breeds are born swimmers due to their water jobs. For example, the Labrador Retriever. These canines were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Some species, like the Portuguese Water Dog, were named after water, like the Irish Water Spaniel, with its curly, water-repellent coat. These canines are built to swim, and most will like playing in the water.
Some species seem to know how to swim when they encounter a body of water, while others don't see the purpose. "Some breeds (like Bulldogs) have a weight distribution that prevents them from swimming successfully without a life vest." Some breeds, like the Dachshund, have trouble swimming. Do all dogs swim? No matter what breed you have, with a life jacket and your help, any dog should be able to swim.
Choosing a Dog Float
Whether your dog is a novice swimmer or needs extra buoyancy, choose the suitable model of the life jacket. Even seasoned swimmers need a properly fitted life vest. The added buoyancy will help your dog feel safe and secure if they get tired or disoriented. Then there's the canine life jacket. If your dog slips overboard, that life vest could save their life.
Look for a life jacket that is tough and waterproof. It should also be adjustable to provide a good fit. If you plan to go boating at night, consider reflective trim. Similarly, brightly colored fabric improves visibility. If your dog needs more assistance, you might check for a flotation device beneath the chin.
Also, make sure it has a handle. The handle can assist you in raising your dog out of the water, helping him swim, and guiding him as he learns. But, according to Godlevski, the handle should be strong enough to lift the dog out. Look for a D-ring where you can attach a leash. This is useful at public beaches.
Your Dog Can Swim
It's important to get your dog into the water before starting dog swimming training. Encourage your dog to go into the water on his own, whether it's with you or a toy. So bring a toy or a ball. If your dog approaches you from the coast or edge, you can carry him in the water while clutching the life vest's handle. Wear a life vest, and don't drag your dog into the water. If your dog panics, he may climb on you to flee, putting your safety in danger.
Find a friend with a dog who is already a confident swimmer. Ask your dog to swim with the other dog. Allow your dog to follow the other dog around, wearing a life vest." Using this method, your dog can learn while having fun in the water.
Begin in shallow water, close to your dog. Allow your dog to become used to damp feet. Keep your dog in the shallows until he looks content. Praising and positive reinforcement are key — if you reward your dog for being in the water, he will want to go back in. Try again later if your dog seems overwhelmed. Move to shallower water or dry land.
Teach your dog how to exit the water. While swimming, Godlevski suggests pointing your dog to the shore or pool ramp. If you can't enter the water with your dog, she recommends waiting near the exit to help him find his way. Replicate until your dog understands how to exit the water.
You can teach your dog to swim anywhere, from a lake to a pool, but Godlevski says a gradual slope into the water is best. She adds that the brilliant blue water may be odd to dogs, making them afraid to enter. (Another reason to join them!) "Usually a pond or lake feels more natural for the dog, but water is water," she adds. It doesn't matter what color the water is if they don't like it!
Dogs and Water Safety
Precautions must be taken whenever your dog is around or in water. The first is heat. Before letting your dog swim, Godlevski suggests checking the water and air temperatures. If the water is too cold, your dog may have a hardtail, also known as a limber tail or swimmer's tail: the tail droops and no longer wags or lifts. Hypothermia is considerably more dangerous for your dog. "If your dog goes into too cold water and begins to shiver or not use his tail, please contact a veterinarian immediately," adds Godlevski.
Godlevski also warns against water poisoning. This happens when a dog swims too fast—throwing up after swimming is an indication. Godlevski advises swimming for no more than 10 minutes to avoid water poisoning. "Do not put a big toy in the water for your dog," she adds. The best toy is a soft flying disc. Feed your dog dry or freeze-dried food after swimming to assist absorb extra water in the stomach."
Of course, if your dog is swimming in a natural body about water, Godlevski warns of water snakes and snapping turtles. Alligators inhabit saltwater and inland coastal waters in the south. And the sea might be even riskier. Finally, Godlevski thinks baited fish hooks pose a problem in natural bodies of water. "Dogs will eat fish bait - hook, line, and sinker – in seconds. If this happens, get to an emergency vet right away." Never leave your dog unattended near water, and watch out for risks.
When your dog is out in the sun, make sure he has access to shade and clean water. Otherwise, your dog may be lured to drink from the pool, ocean, or lake, which is not advised. Not to mention sun protection. Chinese Cresteds and other hairless or light-coated dogs can get sunburned. Godlevski also recommends applying sunscreen to a dog's pink nose.
So what if your dog refuses to swim despite your encouragement? He may still like water sports or a minor form of swimming, especially on hot summer days. For kids, Godlevski offers a plastic kiddie pool. Many dogs are terrified of the slick surface of a baby pool. Put kennel decking or a rubber drainage mat (with circular holes) on the bottom to offer traction for your dog."
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