Everyone loves a dog in a pool. Watching a puppy paddle its snout just above the surface of the water is such a popular pastime that we even named a swim stroke in its honor. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should assume you can toss any dog into a pool without a life jacket because you think natural instincts will get the upper hand – it turns out that not all dogs swim easily, and so does it There are a number of things to keep in mind before lounging by the pool with your pooch, choreographing a summer photo on the beach, or romping around in the river.
Which breeds of dogs are good swimmers – and which are not?
Some dogs are naturally athletes and will walk to a body of water as if it were covered in bits of floating bacon. Others … not so much what to consider before trying to take them with you for a swim. Many of the best swimmers are thoroughbred and specially bred to hunt in the water (you can’t tell me that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Otterhound, or Portuguese Water Dog exist for any reason other than the express purpose set out in their names) .
Once you deviate from the list of dogs that naturally pleasant in the water, Keep in mind that your puppy may need help with bathing. As Michele Godlevski, certified professional dog trainer, said the American Kennel Club, your dog’s swimming ability depends on his physique. “There are … some breeds that have a weight distribution that makes it impossible for them to swim very well without a life jacket,” said Godlevski.
Bulldogs, for example are excellent skateboardersbut their low center of gravity makes swimming difficult as well as their flat faces, stocky stature and short legs. Mean the same biological factors many pit bulls (i.e. American Pit Bull Terriers) will have difficulty swimmingeven if they enjoy it because their bottom is higher in the water than their head, which is an obvious problem, especially when they start to get tired, Notes PitBullTribe.com. According to the dog food manufacturer Hill’s Pugs don’t swim well either because their face shape makes it difficult to keep water out of their noses, while short-legged breeds like Corgis and Daschunds have difficulty staying above the surface. (Hill’s has gathered a long list of dogs that are better off on dry land.)
Yes, dogs can wear life jackets
Just as you would have a child wear a life jacket when learning to swim, you should do the same with a dog. A life jacket will help a nervous dog use less energy and be less frustrated or scared of waves or the current in a body of water. (This video helps you figure out how to accurately measure your dog for a life jacket.)
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Here’s how to get your dog used to water
If your dog does not naturally jump into the pool with enthusiasm, you will need to gradually get him used to the water. Since some dogs seem to find water a bizarre environment, you have to, uh, take it easy.
Puppyleaks recommends Start in shallow water and gently lure your dog further outside with his favorite toy – but only if he is comfortable enough to move around on his own:
Encourage your dog to follow you into shallow water. Praise him when he follows you and keep encouraging him to follow you. Once your dog is comfortable in the shallow water, you can try to lure him out a little further with one of his favorite toys.
Another way to get your dog used to the water is to introduce them to other swimming dogs. Basically, find a dog who is leading by example and have your dog chase him around a body of water (while wearing a life jacket) in the hopes that they’ll be splashing around together soon.
Know the water before you go swimming with your dog
Be careful with the temperature of the water as excessive cold can cause a muscle strain injury known as cold tail or supple tail. A good rule of thumb, according to Godlevski, is to make sure the water and air temperature combined are at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
It may seem harmless to let your dog drink while they swim, but they really shouldn’t drink from most bodies of water – especially lakes, ponds, or the ocean. If the water is particularly teeming with blue or green algae, this is another sign that you may want to leave your dog on land. If you find yourself by a freshwater stream (or something similar) that is clean enough for people to drink, just make sure your dog isn’t consuming too much water or he may start throwing up. And always monitor the area for other animals and wildlife that could be a hazard.
After a successful swim, it’s a good idea to give your dog a bath that shouldn’t seem out of the way, as you’ll likely want one yourself after you’ve spent the day with a wet dog.
This post was originally published with no information about pit bulls as stated in the headline.
