Do you like summer? Swimming enthusiasts are undoubtedly enjoying the heat. It’s always wonderful to cool off on a hot day by having a dip. Many of our canine buddies really like swimming. However, Fido does need some help here: dogs, like humans, must learn how to swim. Continue reading for advice from a local Southern Utah veterinarian on teaching Fido to swim.
What Is the Best Age for Teaching a Puppy to Swim?
As a general rule, approximately four months is a suitable age. By then, Fido should have decent command of all of his legs and understand the fundamentals of being a pooch. This is also prime time for socialization, which is the stage when you should introduce your pet to new experiences. If you wait too long, your dog 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 Southern Utah veterinarian’s advice. If Fido has recently been spayed or neutered, wait until he or she is fully healed. Ask your vet for more information.
Can Senior Dogs Learn To Swim?
Even older canines can learn to swim safely … and yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. However, you do not want to force the issue. You should also take some extra measures with senior canines. For example, aging pups are more sensitive to temperature changes. They will also fatigue 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!
Can Fido Swim Naturally?
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 imply that they are able to 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 soon get into difficulty. Toy breeds, such as Pomeranians, often struggle even in shallow water. Brachycephalic puppies, such as bulldogs and pugs, are in grave danger in the water, due to their restricted airways. Furthermore, many pups—including many huge dogs and elderly pooches—are simply not suitable for it.
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 just not like it.
Preparing Your Puppy for Swimming
Before taking Fido swimming, go for a short stroll. You’d want to warm him up a little. Just be careful not to go overboard. Your pooch shouldn’t be too exhausted for his swimming class!
Get Your Pup A Doggy Lifejacket
It’s a good idea to start Fido off with a doggie lifejacket. This will improve buoyancy and stability. Furthermore, it will help your pet in getting used to them for safety reasons. He would definitely need to wear one if you ever take him boating or camping near bodies of water. This can also boost his water navigation confidence.
You might want to have your canine companion wear his lifejacket around the home to get him acquainted to it. Make sure it fits properly!
Pick An Appropriate (And Safe) Spot
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 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 make Fido feel safe. You will also be able to support him in the water by holding him or clutching the handle of his doggy lifejacket.
You don’t want to just throw Fido into the water and expect him to figure things out. That is really dangerous! Furthermore, even if your dog eventually figures out 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.
Normally, we would recommend utilizing goodies as motivation throughout training. In this scenario, however, you should keep to praise and compliments until 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? Your canine pal’s 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. Otherwise, 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:
Of course, there are no guarantees that even a Golden Retriever will like the water. It also varies from dog to dog!
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 essential! 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. You may also wish to place a visible sign near the pool stairs, such as a life buoy.
Another item to consider when it comes to pools? The pool cover. Fabric covers may not support Fido’s weight. However, your canine companion may mistake it for a solid surface and run out onto it. This can be extremely dangerous. 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 pup near water unattended. Even dogs that are skilled swimmers can panic if they slip in by accident.
Book An Appointment At Your Southern Utah Pet Clinic
Do you have any questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Southern Utah pet hospital, at any time. We are dedicated to providing excellent treatment!
