Everything You Need To Know About Taking Your Dog Swimming

As we embrace the summer months, going outside for a swim becomes an appealing thought. This desire is shared with our pups too! Most dog breeds will embrace any opportunity to cool down out of the heat. Swimming can be a fantastic way to keep your dog cool, so keep reading to find everything you need to know about taking your dog swimming.

Can All Dogs Swim?

Some breeds of dog are natural-born swimmers, while for others swimming is more challenging. Breeds like Labradors and Portuguese Water Dogs absolutely love being in the water and were even bred to swim! They are fantastic examples of water-loving pups. However, breeds like Boxers and Corgis may be less keen on swimming as their bodies are less adapted to being in water. 

Is Swimming Good For Your Dog?

If your pooch enjoys swimming, it can be great fun and a fantastic form of exercise. Swimming is a low-impact activity and can benefit dogs who struggle with other ways of exercising. We often see swimming as a primary form of exercise for elderly pups who may have joint issues, or overweight pooches who struggle to walk. On the other hand, if you have a high-energy breed and find they have some pent-up energy, taking your dog swimming provides some variety and challenge to their exercise!

If you’d like to take your dog swimming, we recommend bringing their favourite toy with you. It can be great fun for them to retrieve a floatable toy from the water, enhancing your bond and working on your dog’s mental stimulation too.

Best Places For Taking A Dog Swimming

• Beaches: It is no surprise that the beach makes this list! A trip to the beach can be great fun for everyone, but we advise you to make sure the beach you intend to visit allows dogs during that time of year. You may also want to check tide times, current strength, and always be aware of potential hazards such as broken glass or leftover food.
• Lakes: Calm and shallow water spots can be excellent spots for swimming and keeping your dog cool on a hot day. Remember to check out the spot for steep banks and make sure your pup can easily get in and out of the water though.
• Rivers: Shallow rivers with slow-moving water are also good spots for dog swimming. We recommend being aware of others using the water and any dangers that come with this.
• Dog Swimming Pools: These can be a safe and fun place for your dog to swim as they are created with dogs in mind! An alternative to beaches, these pools will usually offer hydrotherapy sessions for pups with joint issues or for those who are recently recovered from surgery so they don’t miss out on any fun!

Potential Hazards

As with all good things, there are some potential hazards we recommend watching out for when swimming with your dog. 

• Algae: To spot this, look for a blue-green sheen on the surface of still water. This is extremely toxic for dogs so definitely don’t let your pooch drink or swim in water with this in.
• Sewage: Sewage outflows into rivers and seas which could make your dog sick if they swim or ingest it. It is a good idea to avoid swimming in these areas for a few days after a storm when outflow is more likely. 
• Leptospirosis: This is a certain type of bacteria which presents in stagnant water which wildlife has urinated in. Warmer weather during the summer helps the bacteria multiply so make sure your pup is up to date with their vaccinations before any walks!

If your pooch seems unwell after swimming, or you think they may have ingested contaminated water, contact your vet straight away.

Essential Preparation Before Swimming

There are several things we recommend considering before you take your pooch swimming:

- Consider where you are planning to take your dog swimming. Are dogs allowed in the water? Is there any nearby wildlife you should be aware of? 

- It is also best practice to make sure your pooch is well trained and has good recall before your swimming trip. If you are swimming with your dog, you never know when you might need to call them back to you quickly.

- We also recommend bringing fresh water and a collapsible bowl with you, especially on days your pooch will be doing a lot of exercise. Swimming will usually make your pup thirsty so bringing fresh water is a great way to keep your dog cool.

- Our ADAPTIL Calm Collar is a great choice for reassuring your dog when they are out and about. Due to being waterproof, you can even keep the collar on during freshwater swimming trips!

Introducing Your Dog To Swimming For The First Time

You can introduce your dog to swimming as soon as they are protected by their primary vaccinations. Pups and smaller dogs can get colder quicker than older pups, so try to keep sessions short and make sure you have a towel to dry them off afterwards.

Try to make their experience as positive as possible. You can do this by choosing a safe, quiet spot with shallow and slow-moving water. Then you can encourage your pup to step into the water by using their favourite toy and some praise. You are likely to see great results if you make the experience positive and fun for your pup. If necessary, you may also need to help support them in deeper water when they first experience not being able to touch the bottom. 

Swimming with your dog can be such a great experience, just remember to let them go at their own pace. Keep sessions in the water short when you start and always keep an eye on your pup during this time. It may be beneficial to bring along a dog friend who enjoys swimming to entice your pup into the fun!

Aftercare

Once you’ve all had your fun in the water, you can now move on to your pup’s aftercare! We recommend rinsing your dog off with fresh water after a dip to prevent any substances from irritating their skin. 

Another thing to consider is drying your dog’s ears carefully. These are very sensitive areas so take extra care when handling them. Floppy-eared dogs may be particularly vulnerable as the moisture can become trapped, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. We recommend contacting your vet if you notice your dog rubbing their ears or scratching at them consistently following a swimming trip. 

Going for swims with your dog can be so much fun. With the right preparations and precautions, it’s a fantastic way to keep your dog cool and encourage exercise for a healthy pup. 

Do you have any swimming trips planned with your pooch? We love hearing about all your canine adventures so please share the photos with us on social media! 

You can also check out all our other blogs for further advice, or else sign up to our newsletter for the latest ADAPTIL info!