Can All Dogs Swim? Why Swim Lessons are a Good Idea

Does your dog run with excitement to every body of water in sight? Maybe you can’t walk past a creek or pond without your pup diving in. Or maybe your dog treats water like the enemy and will do anything to stay dry. Every dog is different and not all are born with a love of getting wet. But can all dogs swim?

Depending on the breed, your dog might be a natural in the water or swimming might be challenging. However, whether your dog enjoys taking the plunge or prefers staying on land, it’s essential for safety that your dog learn to be comfortable in and around water. You might want to go boating together, go to the beach, or enjoy a vacation. You might even have a backyard swimming pool or visit somebody who does, so here’s the 411 on doggie swimming…

Not Every Breed Is a Natural Swimmer

If you think about a breed’s traditional purpose, it becomes obvious that some will be drawn to the water. Certain breeds were born to swim because they were developed for water jobs. Consider the Labrador Retriever or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. These dogs were bred to retrieve water birds for the hunter. Some breeds even have water in their name like the Portuguese Water Dog who was developed to work in the water as a fisherman’s helper or the Irish Water Spaniel with the distinctive curly and water-repellent coat. These dogs have the physical structure to be excellent swimmers and most will love nothing more than playing in the water.

According to Michele Godlevski, NADD Dock Diving Judge, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, and owner of Teamworks Dog Training in Raleigh, NC, some breeds seem to know how to swim from the moment they see a body of water whereas others just don’t see the point of swimming. “There are also some breeds who have a weight distribution (Bulldogs for example) that would not make it possible for them to swim very well without a life vest.” Short-legged, long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds can also struggle in the water. So, can all dogs swim? Although it’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers, with a life vest and some dog swimming lessons from you, every breed should be able to get around in the water.

The Importance of a Dog Life Jacket

Let’s be honest, a life vest is always a good idea. And purchasing and fitting a dog flotation device is the first step in their dog swimming lessons. Buy your dog a life vest that fits them comfortably. No matter what breed you have, you always want that first experience to be fun, and not scary!

Which means never tossing your dog in the water and letting him figure things out on his own. Throwing a puppy or young dog in the water is not only a terrible idea, but it may, in fact, damage the dog’s courage about swimming for life. Dog swimming is all about courage. Which is another reason for the life jacket. A first-time swimmer in a life vest will have more confidence and therefore feel braver than one without.

Even dogs who seem confident, such as those running into the water as they chase a toy or another dog, can end up in trouble. They often can just chase that dog right into the water without realizing that the surface has changed. You don’t want your dog to panic upon realizing the ground has disappeared.

Godlevski says, “In my experience, dogs who run into the water for the first time, do so like a cartoon character running off a cliff. In other words, the drop-off is a complete surprise.” Dogs in a life vest will simply float while they get their bearings and realize they can paddle their feet. But the dog without a flotation device might panic, gulp water, and drown in the few seconds it takes for the paddling reflex to kick in.

Another reason for the life vest for the newbie dog swimmer is what is referred to as “front wheel drive.” In other words, dogs learning to swim only paddle their front feet while their rear legs dangle down usually trying to find the bottom. On the other hand, if you have a life vest on a dog, the dog’s back stays level with the water. When the dog’s back is level, it occurs to the dog that they actually do have “four-wheel drive” and all four paws paddle. Before you know it, your dog is moving through the water smoothly and confidently.

Choosing a Dog Flotation Device

Whether your dog is a swimming breed just starting out or a breed who needs some extra buoyancy, be sure to choose the most suitable style of life jacket. And even the experienced swimmer should have a properly fitting life vest. Your dog might become tired or get disoriented and the extra buoyancy will help with safety and confidence. Finally, a doggie flotation device is essential for boating. If your dog falls overboard, there could be rough water or strong currents, and that life vest could be a life-saver.

Look for a life jacket that is durable and made of waterproof materials. It should also be adjustable so you can ensure a snug fit on your dog. Consider reflective trim if you plan on any evening water-based activities. Along the same lines, brightly colored fabric is a bonus for visibility. You might also look for an extra flotation piece under the chin to help keep your dog’s head above water if that kind of extra support is needed.

Also, ensure the device has a handle. This can help you lift your dog out of the water, grab them if they are struggling, and guide them as they learn how to swim. However, ensure that the handle is sturdy enough to actually lift the dog out of the water. You might also look for a D-ring that will allow you to attach a leash. That can be useful at public beaches, lakes, etc. 

Teaching Your Dog to Swim

When you start dog swimming lessons, it’s key that you entice your flotation-device wearing dog into the water. Whether it’s playing with you or with a toy, create a situation that encourages your dog to enter the water on his own. Godlevski suggests, “Bring a toy or a ball. If your dog will come to you from the shore or edge, you can carry the dog around in the water, holding the handle of the life vest, to allow your dog to paddle.” Don’t pull your dog into the water and be sure to wear a life vest of your own. If your dog panics, he might climb on you to escape, and particularly with a large dog, this can put your safety at risk.

Another method Godlevski recommends is finding a friend with a dog who is a confident swimmer already. “Arrange a time for your dog to watch the other dog swim. If the two dogs are friendly, let your dog follow the other dog around, wearing a life vest.” With this technique, your dog can watch and learn, but even more importantly, see how fun the water can be.

If possible, start in shallow water and be close to your dog. Let your dog get used to simply having wet feet. Don’t move out of the shallows until your dog seems happy where he is. Encourage gradual movement into deeper water, and use lots of praise and positive reinforcement – if you reward your dog for being in the water, your dog wants to go in the water again. Anytime your dog seems overwhelmed, move to shallower water or the dry land and let your dog calm down before trying again.

It’s also important to teach your dog how to exit the water. Godlevski advises pointing your dog to the shore or pool ramp while you’re swimming together. If you’re not able to enter the water with your dog, she says it’s important you stay near the exit to help your dog find the way. Continue to repeat these steps until your dog understands how to get out of the water.

There are many places to teach your dog to swim, from the lake to the pool, but Godlevski advises that it definitely helps to have a gradual slope into the water. In addition, she says the bright blue water in a pool can look unnatural to dogs which may make them reluctant to get in. (Another reason to get in there with them!) However, she stresses, “Usually a pond or lake seems a bit more natural for the dog, but water is water. If they don’t like being wet, it doesn’t matter what color the water is!”

Water Safety Tips for Dogs

There are a number of precautions to take whenever you have your dog in or near water. The first is temperature. Making sure the water temperature plus the air temperature equals at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit before letting your dog swim. When the water temperature is too cold, you risk your dog suffering from cold tail, also known as limber tail or swimmer’s tail. This is a condition where the tail will droop and no longer wag or lift up. Your dog could also experience hypothermia, which is even more serious. Puppies are particularly sensitive, and if your dog jumps into water that is too cold and begins to shiver or not use his tail, please see a veterinarian immediately.

Water toxicity is another issue to watch out for. This is when a dog swallows too much water while swimming. A common sign is throwing up after swimming. To prevent water toxicity, keep swimming sessions short, 10 minutes maximum. Also, do not throw a large toy in the water for your dog. A flat, small toy, like a soft flying disc, is best. After your dog comes out of the pool, you can feed your dog some dehydrated or freeze-dried food, to help absorb the excess water in the stomach.

And of course, if your dog is swimming in a natural body of water, PLEASE be cautious of other critters such as water snakes or snapping turtles. There can even be alligators in saltwater or inland coastal waters in the south. And the ocean can present even more dangers.  Finally, fish hooks with bait on them are another risk in natural bodies of water. Dogs will gobble up fish bait – hook, line, and sinker before you know what happened. If this happens, get to the emergency vet as soon as possible. Never leave your dog unsupervised in or near the water and keep your eyes peeled for hazards.

And whenever your dog is outside in the sun, be sure to provide access to shade as well as fresh, clean drinking water. Your dog might otherwise be tempted to sip from the pool, ocean, or lake, and that isn’t the healthiest choice. And don’t forget the sun protection. Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested or even light-coated dogs can get bad sunburns. And do not forget to put dog safe sunscreen on the pink nose of any dog.

So, what if your dog never takes to swimming despite all your lessons and encouragement? He may still enjoy water-side activities or a sized down version of taking a swim, particularly on a hot summer’s day. A cooling jacket or a plastic kiddie pool. While some dogs love a baby pool, many dogs are afraid of the slippery surface. You can make that surface less scary by putting kennel decking or a rubber drainage mat (the kind with circular holes in it) on the bottom to provide traction for your dog.

About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL

At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

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