Can all dogs swim naturally?

Are dogs born to swim? Is it okay to throw the dog into the water? Since “dog paddling” is one of the earliest swimming methods humans learned from dog swimming, many people have concluded that dogs are born with the ability to swim and are “good swimmers” from birth. 

Today, I would like to share some popular science about dog swimming. I hope dog owners realize that swimming is a small thing that can kill a dog if not done correctly.

“It only takes a few minutes to let your dog go swimming and say goodbye forever.”

I still remember a few years ago when a video of a dog swimming went viral. It reminds dog owners not to assume their dogs can swim.

In the video, after a pit bull was thrown into a pet store swimming pool, it did not start swimming freely in the water like other dogs but kept flopping and flopping as if it was about to drown. But its owner didn’t take it seriously then and even thought it was funny. He just recorded the video on his mobile phone and ignored the incident of the dog drowning.

Finally, when the dog’s body began to sink, the owner realized the seriousness of the problem. When he was sent to the doctor, there was no cure, and his life was “trapped.” The process lasted only a few minutes but broke tens of thousands of hearts.

How to tell if your dog can swim?

1. From the perspective of variety

They are all-natural swimmers like golden retrievers, Portuguese water dogs, Spanish water dogs, American water dogs, etc. We can find that dogs like this have been trained to work in the water, so as long as they are a little familiar with the water, they can stay in the water all day long and be called “swimming coaches.”

Labrador retrievers, poodles, etc., are also talented in swimming and have excellent water skills. Swimming is a piece of cake for them.

Of course, there are also landlubbers among these dogs. Golden Retriever drownings occur from time to time but are relatively rare.

Breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds, and Bulldogs are not naturally suited to swimming due to their body structure: short legs, short noses, high bone density, and muscular development. If they are forced into the water, their lives are at risk.

2. Judge based on how the dog feels about water

Love of water: Some dogs get excited when they see water. Whether it is a dilemma or a small ditch, dogs will rush into it regardless of their safety. Generally speaking, these dogs will have good water skills. 

Fear of water: Some dogs tremble at the sight of water. Even when being dragged along by their owners, they long to stay away. These dogs are probably landlubbers.

What should you pay attention to when taking your dog swimming?

1. Check the water quality

Choose a place with clean water when taking your dog out to swim. If it is a swimming pool, know if the water in the collection is disinfected regularly. Otherwise, your dog may develop skin diseases. Also, it’s best not to take your dog to areas with deep water. It is worth noting that after the dog finishes swimming, it is best to rinse it with clean water and then dry it.

2. Prepare towels, hair dryer, etc.

Some poop scrapers believe that if the dog’s hair is concise, there is no need to wipe it with a towel.,which is not a right idea. Whether your dog has long or short hair, be sure to have an absorbent towel for them. If it is a long-haired dog, wiping it with a towel must also be dried with a hair dryer to avoid skin diseases.

3. Control dog swimming time

For puppies, it is best to swim for at most 20 minutes at a time. Even adult dogs must know how to time their swims. When they cannot swim and are exhausted, ask them to rest ashore to prevent the dog from cramping in the water.

4. Observe whether the dog has cold symptoms

If the temperature is not high or the dog is not dried after swimming, it may cause the dog to catch a cold. Therefore, when your dog comes home from swimming, you should also pay close attention to its condition to see if there are any symptoms, such as sneezing or runny nose. It would be best if you considered whether the dog has a cold.

Dog swimming is also a science that needs to be understood and mastered by dog owners. After all, swimming can strengthen dogs’ body. Taking your dog swimming regularly is also suitable for their health.