Can All Dogs Swim? How Do you Teach Them?

You enjoy swimming, and it’s a fun way to beat the heat. While taking a dip in the sun, you may be wondering if your pup can cool off with you. Yes! Dogs can swim. Dogs can learn to swim just like humans, and much faster.

Many dogs are already skilled swimmers before entering a pool or other body of water. The dog will immediately start swimming in a puppy paddle fashion, which is adorable. With more practice, your dog’s ability to swim will improve and appear less restless and splashy in lakes and pools.

There are a few things to know about dog swimming. First, are there some dog breeds that won’t or can’t do this? Next, are there any benefits or risks? Finally, what’s the best way to swim with your puppy? Grab your best swimwear and dive into this article to find out.

Learn the Basics of Dog Swimming

For dogs who have never swum before, a canine life jacket is recommended as the buoyancy gives the dog more confidence in the water. In addition to the wearer’s ability to swim, life jackets are also essential in the event of an accident or other unexpected event such as a dog slipping off a boat.

Even if a breed avoids water initially, it can usually be taught to swim. Regardless of the breed, always start with a calm, controlled environment, such as a backyard swimming pool. Beginner swimmers may benefit from starting in the tub. After your dog is comfortable with wet paws, move to deeper water. Before they become familiar and all four legs start paddling, grab the handle of your dog’s life jacket.

benefits of swimming

In addition to playing, your dog will benefit greatly from swimming. Your dog is working harder to swim against the resistance of the water than to run or walk on land. They will increase muscle strength and tone while strengthening the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems without the potential hazards of concussive activity on land. A surprising fact is that one minute of dog swimming is roughly equal to four minutes of running.

recover

The overall health and recovery of a dog with a medical condition that limits or prohibits concussion movement depends largely on swimming. For example, every plastic surgery procedure requires exercising the supporting muscles before the procedure. Swimming, on the other hand, allows for supportive, non-oscillating exercise to help grow muscle, whereas walking is an inappropriate exercise.

weight management

It can be challenging to adequately exercise an overweight dog on land without placing undue stress on the bones and joints. Swimming is an assistive exercise that increases your metabolic rate and burns calories.

Combining a healthy diet and swimming can help overweight dogs achieve a healthy weight. Whether your dog is healthy or you want them to enjoy themselves while exercising, swimming is excellent. It can also improve their mood if they have physical health issues and need to swim to increase their mobility, range of motion, and overall physical condition.

what breed likes to swim

It is generally believed that all dogs are born with the ability to swim, or at least perform what is known as a “dog paddling.” Although that may not be the case. This is a very good reason not to throw the dog in the pool right away. Several breeds are generally better swimmers. These canids have the ability to fetch water for several generations in their blood. Here are just a few of these dog breeds listed:

dog breeds that may not swim

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), breeds that can’t swim often share several characteristics. Brachycephalic animals, for example, or those with flat faces or incredibly small noses, are often poor swimmers because their noses can easily get water in, increasing the risk of drowning. Dogs with long bodies and short legs, as well as dogs with large, barrel-shaped bodies, are difficult to float. Long-haired dogs with a thick double coat may have difficulty swimming. Finally, the bodies of some breeds can not handle the physical shock of cold water immersion.

Risks of Dog Swimming

Many dogs experience a “dry drowning” or “near-drowning” event each year with water in their lungs, followed by inflammation and other problems. It’s not just for people or inexperienced swimmers in wild lakes and oceans. In ponds or even home pools, dogs may suck up water.

temperature and chlorine

When your dog is playing in the water, keep the water temperature in mind, as the colder the water, the faster they will tire. If your dog isn’t turning off the switch, keep an eye on their energy levels and stop playing when they show signs of fatigue. Chlorine can dry out human hair and skin, and dogs are no exception.

Dogs who regularly swim in a home pool may experience dry, itchy skin and dry, dull coat due to the chemicals in pool water that deplete the skin and coat of natural oils. Also, black coats may be affected by mild bleaching from chlorinated water, while light coats may even turn green.

algae

Be aware of these and learn how to spot and avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs). If you and your pup spend time in seawater, you need to become familiar with them. Red tides, such as red tides, can cause serious, disabling and even fatal problems for people and animals.

water flow

A strong and dangerous current, or rip current, that flows vertically away from the shore. They take animals and people into the sea, some with devastating consequences. Contrary to popular belief, rip currents are not limited to the ocean.

They can occur in any body of water with breaking waves, including larger lakes such as the Great Lakes and the ocean. Proceed with caution and learn how to spot and stay away from rip currents as warning signs are not always displayed.

dogs with health problems

Dogs with conditions such as arthritis, dementia, seizures, or vision loss are more vulnerable around swimming pools and other bodies of water. These factors can make unintentional falls more likely and make it more challenging for animals to swim to safety. Even well-trained dogs can easily become confused and frightened after an accidental fall into the water. This can be a humorous moment if you’re there to help keep your pet safe. However, if your pet goes outdoors and no one notices, things are going badly.

How Long Can Dogs Swim?

If you’re not sure how long your pup should be swimming for a healthy workout, start with five to ten minutes and go from there based on their response. Dog breeds that are good swimmers can usually tolerate longer swims.

However, don’t be fooled by your dog’s boundless enthusiasm; you must end the session when you decide it’s over. When is it excessive? If your dog is sluggish, showing signs of fatigue, or taking significantly longer than the previous training session.

Some dogs need 10-15 minutes of pure swimming, while others need 20-30 minutes for effective exercise. The type of swimming exercise a dog does depends on their age and general health. This can take anywhere from five to sixty minutes, as different dogs are more enthusiastic than others.

in conclusion

Okay, so dogs and water can make for an epic combination. On hot days, you and your dog can take a dip in the pool or lake. Just keep in mind that chlorine pools can dry out their skin a bit, and there are some water hazards. Dogs not made for water can still swim, but with more attention and care.

If you’re lucky enough to have a water dog, keep them safe! Swimming with your pup can also give you a great workout. Older dogs may need more support in the water, such as a dog life jacket, but they will be easier to exercise than walking or running. Now that you know how dogs swim, share it with others so they can swim with their dogs.

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