Why Pit Bulls Can’t Swim Well and What Else You Need to Know Before Taking Your Dog Into the Water
Everyone loves a dog in the pool. Watching a puppy rowing, muzzle just above the surface, is such a favorite pastime that we even named the swimming paddle after him. However, this does not mean that you should assume that you can throw any dog into the pool without a life jacket, assuming that natural instincts will prevail – it turns out that not all dogs swim easily, and there are a number of things you should consider. before relaxing with your dog by the pool, having a summer photo shoot on the beach or taking a walk in the river.
Which dog breeds swim well and which don’t?
Some dogs are natural athletes, and they walk into the pool as if it were strewn with floating bacon bits. Others … not much to know about before trying to swim. Many of the best swimmers are purebreds specially bred for hunting in the water (you can’t tell me that the Nova Scotia Duck Retriever, Otterhound, or Portuguese Water Dog exist for any reason other than a specific purpose as stated in their names).
Once you stray from the list of dogs that are naturally comfortable in the water, keep in mind that your puppy may need help while bathing. As Michelle Godlewski, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, told the Kennel Club of America , your dog’s ability to swim depends on its body type. “There are … some breeds whose weight distribution does not allow them to swim well without a life jacket,” Godlewski said. Bulldogs, for example, areexcellent skateboarders , but their low center of gravity makes swimming difficult, as do their flat faces, stocky stature, and short legs . The same biological factors mean that many pit bulls (i.e. American Pit Bull Terriers) will have trouble swimming , even if they enjoy it, because their backs will sit higher in the water than their head, which presents an obvious problem, especially as they start to get tired, notes PitBullTribe.com . Dog food maker Hill’s says pugs don’t swim well either , because the shape of their faces makes it difficult to keep water away from the nose, while short-legged breeds like corgi and dashundas will have trouble keeping above the surface. (Hill’s has compiled a long list of dogs that are better off dry land .)
Yes, dogs can wear life jackets
Just as a child will wear a lifejacket while learning to swim, you should do the same with your dog. A vest will help a nervous dog use less energy and be less upset or intimidated by waves or currents in a body of water. ( This video will help you understand how to accurately measure your dog for a life jacket.)
How to train your dog to water
If your dog doesn’t naturally enjoy jumping into the pool, you will need to gradually train him to the water. Since some dogs think that water is a strange environment, you will have to proceed with caution.
Puppyleaks recommends starting in shallow water and gently guiding the dog further with a favorite toy, but only if it seems comfortable enough to keep moving on its own:
Encourage your dog to follow you in shallow water. Praise him when he follows you, and continue to encourage him to follow you. Once your dog is comfortable in the shallow water, you can try to lure him out a little more with one of his favorite toys.
Another way to train your dog to water is by pairing it with other dogs that can swim. Basically, find a dog that sets an example and have your dog chase it around the pool (in a life jacket) in the hopes that they’ll splash together soon.
Learn the water before swimming with your dog
Be aware of the water temperature, as excessive cold can cause muscle injury known as a cold tail or floppy tail. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the temperature of the water and air combined is at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Godlewski said.
It may seem harmless to let your dog drink while swimming, but it really shouldn’t be drinking from most bodies of water, especially lakes, ponds, or the ocean. If the water is particularly rich in blue or green algae, this is another sign that you might want to leave your dog on dry land. If you are by a fresh water stream (or something similar) that is clean enough for people to drink, just make sure your dog is not drinking too much water, as this can make him vomit. And always keep an eye on the area for other animals and wildlife that may be dangerous.
After a successful swim, it is recommended that you bathe your dog, which shouldn’t seem out of the ordinary as you probably want one yourself after spending the day with a wet dog.
This post was originally published with no information on pit bulls, as evidenced by the title.