Facts You May Have Missed About Dogs Equipment and Experiences in Water
Having a dog swim ladder has many benefits and is a good way to get your dog into the water. However, dogs are not natural swimmers. A life jacket can help your dog stay afloat. However, allowing your dog to swim in the water has risks.
Dogs Aren’t Good Swimmers
Despite their large sizes, some breeds of dogs are not very good swimmers. These dogs tend to sink to the bottom of the water. Breeds with short, stubby faces may also be bad swimmers.
Small breeds may be able to swim, but they might panic when they’re in the water. Therefore, it is best to introduce a dog to swimming gradually. If you’re unsure whether your dog can handle the deep water, start by taking it to a shallow pool.
While some dogs like the water, many don’t. A few breeds, such as Labradors and Newfoundlands, are bred to swim and will do so naturally. But, unfortunately, most dogs don’t start with these instincts. As a result, some dogs won’t enjoy the water, and some will never learn to love it.
Nevertheless, water-loving dogs can learn to swim. You can teach your pup to swim with patience and a little encouragement. It’s best to begin slowly and supervise your dog whenever he’s near the water.
Life Jackets Can Help Your Dog Stay Afloat in the Water
Life jackets are a great way to protect your dog in the water. However, there are some things you should know before you buy one. First, you should consider your dog’s size. Life jackets are usually adjustable and can be adjusted to fit different breeds of dogs. While a small dog might fit into a medium life jacket, a large dog will need a large life jacket.
To select the right size life jacket, measure your dog’s length, girth, and torso. In addition, it would help to weigh your dog to determine its weight rating. Life jackets are designed specifically for smaller dogs and others for larger dogs.
Dog life jackets are also available in fun designs. The Jaws life jacket, for example, has a shark fin on the front. This type of life jacket can also be used in shallow waters. These life jackets are especially good for dogs that have difficulty swimming.
Common Characteristics of Breeds that Can’t Swim
Some breeds are not naturally suited to swimming and struggle to keep their head above water. This makes them vulnerable to drowning. Dogs with flat faces and short snouts are particularly at risk of drowning. Like those with long or double coats, those with barrel-shaped bodies are also at risk. Lastly, breeds that cannot tolerate cold water may also suffer from this problem.
Fortunately, some breeds can swim. Dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog and the English Shorthaired Pointer are both good swimmers. These breeds were bred to hunt birds, and their thick, webbed coats helped them float. Their compact size and athletic build also make them good swimmers.
Bull Terriers and Shih Tzus have large heads, making them very unsuitable for swimming. In addition, their short legs and thick coats make it difficult for them to paddle above the water. In addition, Pomeranians and Yorkies are susceptible to weakened tracheas, making them difficult to swim.
Health Dangers of Allowing your Dog to Swim
Allowing your dog to swim in a pool is much health dangerous. The most obvious danger is that your dog can drown. However, it is possible to protect your dog by following some safety precautions. First, make sure that your dog wears a life jacket. In addition, be sure to keep your dog away from submerged objects and toxic algae blooms. Also, don’t allow your dog to chase or harass waterfowl or other local wildlife. And remember that swimming is more tiring than running, so monitor your dog closely to avoid over-exertion. Look for signs of fatigue, such as trembling or heavy panting.
While most swimming pools are safe for dogs, you should always be sure to supervise your dog when he is in the pool. Aside from being a safety hazard, parasites can contaminate the water. Therefore, you should also ensure that you give your dog fresh water when he is not swimming.
