What do you call a dog that likes to swim underwater?
A subwoofer!
This “dad joke” may (or may not!) have you swimming with laughter, but the scorching hot summer days practically require a trip to the local watering hole to cool off while having fun with your puppy.
With the Olympics in full swing and the summer sun blazing high above, your thoughts turn to dreams of you and your puppy winning the gold in the Doggy Paddle Relay. Doggy paddling may be the only stroke your dog knows (or maybe even you), but you just feel a first-place finish is in the air!
What are the dog days of summer without playing in or around water? From a backyard splash pad to the beautiful beaches of Colliefornia, most dogs love wading and leaping into a body of water – sometimes when they aren’t supposed to! However, not all dogs are suited for swimming.
Dive into summer water safety for dogs to have peace of mind when you take your puppy on adventures involving water play this summer.
Benefits of Swimming For Puppies
Puppies are always up for fun activities, and they can experience much more than just a good time bonding with you. There are many benefits of swimming for puppies that help their bodies and minds. You’re able to meet your dog’s exercise requirements, especially important when you have a high-energy dog like a Border Collie, Mini Australian Shepherd, or German Shorthaired Pointer who is always on the go. Remember, a tired puppy is a more well-behaved dog! The movement of swimming keeps their joints and skeletomuscular system healthy and prevents obesity in dogs. Swimming relieves stress by giving puppies an outlet to exercise their brains in new ways, providing a great opportunity for mental stimulation for puppies. It’s a win-win all around!
Preparing Your Puppy to Swim
Many dogs are natural-born swimmers and love to swim. They may even have the word “water” in their breed name! However, these factors are not indicative that they are automatically strong swimmers. You’ll need to assess your puppy’s skills and comfort level with water before you plan your day of fun in the sun.
Ease into swimming
Start small before you allow your puppy to jump off the boat into open water to see how he swims. Get your puppy used to low-stakes, safe water activities like splashing around in doggy pools, splash pads, or sprinklers in the yard. Start in shallow water with a well-fitting life jacket for dogs and support or hold them steady on their bellies and back, checking out their paddling technique. Use a calm, upbeat, encouraging tone of voice to associate water play as a positive activity.
Know your breed’s characteristics
Some dogs are built for the water, while other dog breeds will need more care when considering swimming. Various Retrievers and Spaniels love to swim, and breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs and Newfoundlands have storied histories of water rescues. These breeds have adapted to swimming with webbed paws, powerful back legs, and otter-like tails that serve as rudders.
However, if you have a deep-chested or brachycephalic dog with a flat face, such as an English Bulldog, French Bulldog, or Pug, check with your veterinarian to determine if your dog should swim in the first place. They are more likely to inhale water straight into their lungs due to the shape of their nostrils and respiratory systems, making them more prone to drowning. At the minimum, these dogs will need a life jacket and always stay by your side, checking frequently for any signs of distress.
Pick a dog-friendly swim spot
Always abide by local laws and signs to see if dogs are allowed to swim. Obtain permission if your favorite spot is on private property, but never assume it will be okay to allow your dog to plunge into the water without knowing for sure if you have explicit permission to be there.
In addition to avoiding places where dog swimming is not allowed, make sure the water is safe. Remember that you are entering animal habitats, and in some parts of the country, that could mean alligators! Bad weather or recent rains could cause murky water, fog, reduced visibility, or flooding conditions. A busy lake or rough waves can create currents that will sweep your dog away in an instant. Stagnant or polluted waters can even be fatal to puppies due to amoebas, fungus, bacteria, and other toxins, so check conditions before you go.
Here are some excellent, dog-friendly swimming options to consider:
- Lakes and ponds
- Creeks and rivers
- Local swimming hole
- Stand-up Paddleboards
- Dog parks with swimming options
- Oceans with specialized dog beaches
- Pool “paw”ties: Check dog facilities and private pools. Some water parks even have special doggy days.
- Boats: Kayaks, canoes, pontoons, and other watercraft. If there is a motor, cut it off before allowing your puppy in the water.
Be prepared with the necessary supplies
Even if they're excellent shakers, all wet dogs will need a towel ready despite dousing everyone nearby with the water they fling. Bring a life jacket for dogs that fits your puppy well. Put your puppy on a leash to lead them to the swimming spot, and don’t forget the waste bags! Fecal matter can pollute the waterways and wreak havoc on the local animal population, not to mention humans.
Does my dog need sunscreen?
You may think sunscreen is just for humans, but did you know there is sunscreen for dogs designed for particular circumstances? Check with your vet to see if your puppy needs sunscreen, especially if they have white or light-colored fur, a thin, short coat, skin conditions or irritations, or exposed skin due to any recent procedures.
Water-related Sports For Dogs
If you find your puppy is a natural in the water and excels at swimming, consider water sports for dogs to explore.
Dog surfing: Yes, you can train your dog to surf! While more common on the West Coast of the US, your puppy can learn to catch a gnarly, bodacious wave and hang 10…er, more than 10! You can work on the skills yourself or even enroll them in a dog surfing class.
Dock diving: The sport of dock diving, also called dog jumping or diving dogs, is when dogs jump off a dock about 40 feet long into a body of water to retrieve an object. Dogs are categorized by size and can compete in various versions, such as hydro dash, distance, or air retrieval.
Water rescue trials: For strong dogs with a solid understanding of obedience commands and swimming skills, water rescue trials may be a great fit. Dogs complete a series of exercises and simulations involving “rescuing” humans to demonstrate their life-saving abilities.
Everything Will Go Swimmingly With a Pawrade Puppy
Do you love to swim but wish you had a four-legged buddy to practice doggy paddling? Pawrade is the premier puppy adoption service that matches pawrents like you with adorable puppies from trustworthy breeders. Our scam-free, seamless process will make adopting a puppy so easy that the only difficult decision will be picking out which dog beach you will visit together first!
Our Puppy Concierge Team is waiting to see which of our puppies for sale you choose and will help you every step of the way. Happy swimming and boating with your new furry friend!
