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.
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.
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.
As with all good things, there are some potential hazards we recommend watching out for when swimming with your dog.
If your pooch seems unwell after swimming, or you think they may have ingested contaminated water, contact your vet straight away.
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!
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!
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!