Summertime is bathing time – this also applies to dogs! Especially on hot days, cooling off in the lake is a welcome change for four-legged friends who love to swim. But swimming is not only a lot of fun for most dogs, but it is also healthy at the same time. Because swimming strengthens the muscles and the cardiovascular system. In dogs with joint problems, for example, osteoarthritis, swimming even has a therapeutic effect. As with aqua training in the veterinary practice, the joints are gently trained, and the muscles are massaged. Swimming is therefore also very suitable for older dogs.
GET THE DOG USED TO WATER
Every dog can swim from birth – one better, the other a little worse. Most dogs like water when they are used to it from a young age. Some dog breeds such as golden retrievers or labradors are gifted swimmers – it is more difficult to get a small pug into the water. Dogs with a short nose and consequent difficulty in breathing should swim, if at all, only in shallow water and under close observation. Some dogs are also a bit clumsy at the beginning. With a little more swimming experience, your four-legged friend can still become a real water rat.
Slowly get your dog used to the water. First, let him explore the shore. For every paw that touches the water, you should give your dog lots of praise. With (swimming) toys, the dog can get used to the water more easily. To do this, first practice in shallow water and work your way into the deeper water. It is important that you never force your dog to go into the water, let alone push them into the water. That would destroy any chance of getting used to the water and only achieve the opposite effect. In addition, your dog should have good basic swimming obedience so that you can call him out of the water quickly if you need to.
SAFETY WHEN SWIMMING WITH THE DOG IS PARAMOUNT
When swimming with your dog, the most important rule is: never leave your dog unattended by or in the water! In addition, you should consider the following safety tips when swimming with your dog:
- Basically, only dogs that are in good health should swim. Dogs with severe heart disease, open wounds, or ear infections, for example, must stay on the bank.
- As with humans, swimming on a full stomach is taboo!
- Take off the dog collar when swimming to be on the safe side – the dog could get his paw caught on it or get caught somewhere.
- You shouldn’t let the dog jump into the cold water immediately in very hot temperatures, but first, slowly lead him to the cool water.
- Do not expose the dog to the blazing sun for too long, even in the water, but take breaks in shady places.
- Do not let your dog swim in places with strong currents.
- Make sure that nothing pointed or sharp protrudes from the bottom that your dog could injure itself on.
- If you are swimming with your dog, keep enough distance from the dog so that it cannot injure you with its claws.
- Observe swimming bans and show consideration for other bathers in places where swimming with dogs is allowed.
THE RIGHT SWIMMING ACCESSORIES FOR DOGS
A large lake is great for dogs not only to swim, but also to play. There are now numerous swimming toys in specialist shops, but of course, a simple floating piece of wood is also sufficient for playful retrieval in the water. Some dogs have a lot of fun diving. Then heavy dogs toys are suitable for being brought back to the surface by the dog in shallow water (preferably only knee-deep).
Water sports are exhausting, so always take a bottle of water with you for the dog to drink – especially when the dog is out in the sea.
Dogs exhaust themselves very quickly in the water and cannot divide their strength properly. In the event of exhaustion, the dog may no longer be able to swim on its own. The life jacket for the dog offers safety in such a case. It keeps your four-legged friend afloat even if he runs out of breath and is particularly suitable for longer trips. Life jackets for dogs are available in different sizes, most of which are based on weight. A good vest is also padded on the stomach. When buying, make sure that the life jacket does not constrict the dog and that he can still run free. Never leave your dog unsupervised in the water despite the life jacket!
BACK TO THE DRY
At the end of a swim, you should dry your dog properly with a towel. In the case of dogs with long ears, be sure to dry them carefully with a cloth over your fingers (never with a cotton swab). Dogs that have been out in the ocean should take a short shower to rinse the salt from their fur and avoid skin irritation. Give your dog water to drink and let him rest for a while after the extensive training.