Tips For Teaching Your Dog to Swim

If you like swimming, you’re probably enjoying the sweltering weather. Swimming in a pool is a great way to cool down on a hot day. Swimming is another activity that many of our canine companions enjoy. However, much like humans, dogs must learn to swim. Continue reading for suggestions on teaching Fido to swim from a local Coles County, IL  veterinarian.

At What Age Should Puppies Learn To Swim?

As a general rule, four months is considered a decent age. By then, Fido has a strong grasp on all how to work all of his legs and understands the fundamentals of being a dog. This is also the time to introduce your animal companion to new adventures. If you wait too long, your dog may develop a fear of the water. If Fido were any younger, he might not be strong enough to actually swim properly.

Of course, if your puppy has any health issues, you should follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Wait until little Fido has fully healed after being spayed or neutered.

Can You Teach an Elderly Dog to Swim?

Despite the old saying, you can teach an old dog new tricks. That includes swimming! Older canines can still swim safely. Swimming can actually be an excellent workout for senior dogs. As you may be aware, arthritis is prevalent in older dogs. Swimming may provide Fido with a good workout while also being gentle on his bones and joints. It’s also a terrific method to stay cool on hot summer days!

However, you do not want to force the issue. With older dogs, you’ll need to take a few extra measures. For example, senior dogs are more sensitive to temperatures. They will also get tired out sooner than younger pets. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Can Every Dog Swim Naturally?

No. Some pups are naturals, but this isn’t a given. Even puppies who are generally outstanding swimmers, such as Golden Retrievers, do not always take to the water like fuzzy ducks.

Most dogs can learn to execute a simple doggy paddle or navigate in the water while wearing a flotation device. But that doesn’t mean they can swim safely. For example, pups with long spines and/or short legs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, may not be able to steer well in water and can swiftly get into trouble. Plus, Pomeranians and other toy breeds can drown in just a few inches of water. Because of their narrow airways, brachycephalic puppies like bulldogs and pugs are at great risk of drowning. Furthermore, many large dogs and some seniors are not well-suited to the task.

Preparing Your Dog For Swimming

Take Fido for a short walk before he goes swimming. You need to warm him up a little bit. However, you do not want to go too far. Your canine companion shouldn’t be exhausted for his swim lesson!

Purchase a Doggy Life Jacket

Start Fido out with a pet lifejacket. This will improve both buoyancy and stability. It’s also a good idea to help your pet become accustomed to wearing them, for safety reasons. If you take him boating or camping near bodies of water, he will undoubtedly need to wear one. This can also help him feel more confident in his ability to navigate the water.

You can have your dog wear his lifejacket around the home to get used to it. Make certain that it fits nicely! (Remember to take some cute photos, too!) 

Choose A Suitable Location

You don’t want to throw Fido into the deep end and expect him to figure it out. That’s really hazardous! even if your dog learns to use the doggie paddle, the experience may be traumatic for him. He may end up with a lifelong fear of water, as well as distrust for you.

You’ll want to go somewhere shallow, with a gentle slope. It is fine to go to a beach that allows dogs.

Select the Right Time

You should choose a moment when the water is at a suitable temperature and smooth. If the water is too cold or turbulent, Fido may not appreciate it. However, it should not be unbearably hot.

Fido’s Swimming Instructions

When you’re ready to dip your toes—or, more accurately, your pet’s paws—into the water, proceed with caution. Talk to Fido gently. 

It’s best to just go into the water with your dog. Fido will feel safer if you’re with him. You’ll also be able to support him in the water by holding him or grasping the handle of his canine lifejacket.

Normally, we recommend using goodies (treats) as a motivator when training. In this scenario, however, you’ll want to stick with praise and compliments until your furry student’s four paws are back on solid ground.

After the lesson, rinse Fido off after he’s been in the water to remove any salt, sand, or chlorine from his fur.

Your canine friend will have incredibly delicate paws after swimming. When dogs’ toe beans get wet, they become delicate and wrinkly, just like our skin. Your pup may develop painful blisters and abrasions while running on hot or rough surfaces such as sand or pool decks.

Keep your canine companion on soft ground after his lesson. 

What Dogs Are Best Suited for Swimming?

It’s not surprising that many pups are excellent swimmers. Several of our canine companions were first assigned swimming-related tasks. Many retrievers, for example, would return ducks and other game to their owners. Some dogs even have webbed feet and slick coats to aid them with this.

Here is a list of dogs who normally adore 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
• Barbet
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Setter
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Brittany
• Cocker Spaniel
• Schipperke

Pool Safety Guidelines for Dogs

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

The first thing you should do is show your dog where the steps are. This is crucial! If Fido fell in while no one was looking, this could save his life! You want to ensure that the knowledge truly sinks in, so take your time with this training and put your pet to the test. You may also wish to place a visual sign, such as a life buoy, near the pool stairs.

Something else to consider when it comes to pools? The swimming pool cover. Fabric covers  may not be able to bear Fido’s weight. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that your pooch will mistake it for a solid surface and run onto it. This can be very dangerous. Take precautions and keep the pool gated off while not in use.

Of course, the most important thing is never to leave your dog near water unattended. Even well-trained canine swimmers can become panicked if they accidentally fall in. Always keep a very close eye on your pet when he’s in or near water.

Make An Appointment With Your Coles County, IL Pet Clinic

Do you have any concerns regarding your dog’s health or care? Please contact us, your neighborhood Coles County, IL pet hospital, at any time. We are committed to providing outstanding care!