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Teaching Fido to Swim

June 1, 2024

Do you like to swim? It’s always wonderful to cool off on a hot day by having a dip in the pool. Many of our canine buddies like swimming. However, although some pups are natural swimmers, most of them must learn how to swim. Continue reading for advice from a local Jefferson County, PA  veterinarian on teaching Fido to swim.

Can All Dogs Naturally Swim?

Not necessarily. Most dogs can master the basic doggy paddle or learn to navigate in the water while using a flotation device. However, this does not mean that they can truly swim safely. For example, puppies with long spines and/or short legs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, lack the ability to steer well in water and can quickly get into trouble. Toy breeds, such as Pomeranians, often struggle even in shallow water. Brachycephalic puppies, such as bulldogs and pugs, are in grave danger of drowning due to their small airways. Furthermore, many huge dogs and certain elderly are simply not cut out for it.

However, even pups who are generally excellent swimmers, such as Golden Retrievers, do not always enjoy the water. Fido will still have to learn to swim. He may also not like it.

What Is the Best Age for Teaching a Dog to Swim?

As a general rule, approximately four months is a suitable age. By then, Fido has a decent command of all those legs and understands the fundamentals of being a dog. This is also the stage when you should introduce your pet to new experiences. If you wait too long, your pooch may become wary of the water. Any younger, and Fido may not be strong enough to learn to swim safely.

Of course, if your puppy has any health problems, you should follow your veterinarian’s advice. If Fido has recently been spayed or neutered, wait until he or she is fully healed.

Can You Teach an Older Dog to Swim?

Even older canines can learn to swim safely. However, you do not want to force the issue. You should also take some extra measures with senior canines. For example, senior dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes. They will also be worn out faster than younger dogs.

Swimming, however, can be an excellent workout for senior dogs. As you may be aware, arthritis is extremely frequent in older dogs. Swimming may provide a fantastic aerobic workout for Fido while also being gentle on his bones and joints. It’s also an excellent method to chill off on hot summer days!

Preparing Your Puppy for Swimming

Before taking Fido swimming, go for a short stroll. You’d want to warm him up a little. However, Your dog should not be worn out before his swim lesson!

Get A Doggy Lifejacket

It’s a good idea to start Fido off with a doggie lifejacket. This will improve buoyancy and stability. Furthermore, it is good for Fido to get accustomed to these for safety reasons. He would undoubtedly need to wear one if you ever take him boating or camping near bodies of water. On top of that, he may gain self-assurance in his ability to swim after doing this.

You could have your canine companion wear his lifejacket around the home to get him acquainted with it. Make sure it fits properly!

Choose The Right Spot

You don’t want to just throw Fido into the water and expect him to figure things out. That is really risky! Furthermore, even if your dog eventually learns to use the doggie paddle, the experience may be traumatic for him. He may develop a lifelong dread of water, as well as a fear of you.

You’ll want to go somewhere shallow, ideally with a moderate slope. A dog-friendly beach is OK.

Choose The Right Time

Choose a time when the water is at a pleasant temperature and at least somewhat smooth. Fido may not appreciate the experience if the water is cold or turbulent. However, it should not be too hot outside.

Fido’s Swim Lesson

When you’re ready to dip your toes—or, more specifically, your pet’s paws—into the water, proceed with caution. Talk to Fido in a soft voice. It’s great to get in the water with your dog. This will help your furry pal feel safe. You will also be able to support him in the water by holding him or clutching the handle of his doggy life jacket.

Normally, we would recommend utilizing goodies as motivation throughout training. In this scenario, however, you should stick to praise and compliments – save the treats for when your furry student’s four paws are back on solid ground.

After The Lesson

Once Fido has exited the water, clean him off to remove any salt, sand, or chlorine from his fur.

One thing to be mindful of? His paws will be quite tender after swimming. Dogs’ toe beans, like our skin, become delicate and wrinkly when wet.

Keep your pet on soft ground after his lesson. After swimming, he may develop painful blisters and abrasions from running on hot or rough surfaces like sand or pool decks.

What Dogs Are Best Suited For Swimming?

Many of our canine companions were first assigned tasks that required swimming. Many retrievers, for example, would return ducks and other games to their owners. In fact, some dogs have webbed feet and slick coats that help them with this.

Here’s a list of pups who usually enjoy the water:

  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Newfoundland
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever
  • Standard Poodle
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • English Setter
  • Otterhound
  • Curly-coated Retriever
  • Boykin Spaniel
  • Irish Setter
  • German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Brittany Cocker Spaniel
  • Schipperke

Keeping Your Dog Safe At The Pool

If you have a pool or are taking Fido to see someone who does, you should take some extra measures.

The first thing we recommend doing is showing your canine companion where the steps are. This is extremely important! If Fido fell in while no one was looking, it could save his life! You want to make sure the knowledge actually sinks in, so take your time with this training and put your pet to the test. Go to the other side of the pool, opposite from the stairs, and call him to you. You may also wish to place a visible sign near the pool stairs, such as a life buoy.

Another thing to consider when it comes to pools? The pool cover. Fabric covers can be very dangerous. They may not support Fido’s weight. However, your dog may mistake it for a solid surface and run out onto it. We urge that you play it safe by keeping the pool fenced off while not in use.

The most important thing is never to leave your dog near water unattended. Even dogs that are skilled swimmers can panic if they slip in by accident. Never let your furry bestie out of your sight – even for a minute!

Book An Appointment At Your Jefferson County, PA Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Jefferson County, PA pet hospital, at any time. We are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care and treatment and the best customer service around.