Swimming in a pool is a great way to cool down on a hot day. many of our canine companions also enjoy it. However, much like humans, dogs must learn to swim. An Emerson, NJ vet offers some doggy swim lessons tip in this article from Animal Care of Oradell, also serving Emerson, Bergen County, NJ and surrounding areas.

Time It Right

What is the optimal age to teach a dog to swim? As a general rule, four months is considered a decent age. Of course, if your puppy has any health issues, you should follow your Emerson, NJ veterinarian’s recommendations. It’s also important to wait until little Fido has fully healed after being spayed or neutered.

Why four months? By that age, Fido has a strong grasp on all of his legs and understands the fundamentals of canine life. This is also the time to introduce your animal companion to new adventures, as it’s within that socialization window. If you wait too long, your dog may develop a fear of the water. Fido could still not be strong enough to learn to swim safely if he is too young.

Give Your Senior A Chance

Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Older canines can still swim safely. Swimming actually can be an excellent workout for senior dogs. As you may be aware, arthritis is prevalent in older dogs. Swimming can give Fido a good cardio workout while also being gentle on his bones and joints. It’s also a terrific method to stay cool on hot summer days!

However, you do not want to force them. With older dogs, you’ll need to take a few additional measures. For example, senior dogs are more sensitive to temperatures. They will also get tired sooner than younger pets.

Don’t Assume Fido Can Swim

Most canines can paddle or swim with a flotation device. But that doesn’t mean they can swim safely. For example, pups with long spines and/or short legs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, may not have the ability to steer well in water and can soon get into difficulty. Pomeranians and other toy breeds can drown in just a few inches of water. Because of their narrow airways, brachycephalic puppies like bulldogs and pugs are also at great risk of drowning. Furthermore, many large dogs are also just not well-suited to it.

However, even puppies who are generally outstanding swimmers, such as Golden Retrievers, do not always take to the water like fuzzy ducks. Fido still needs to learn how to swim. He could perhaps simply dislike it.

Take A Walk First

Take Fido for a short walk before he goes swimming. You need to warm him up a little bit. However, you do not want to go too far. Your canine buddy shouldn’t be exhausted for his swim lesson!

Purchase a Doggy Life Jacket

Start Fido out with a pet lifejacket. This will improve both buoyancy and stability. It’s also a good idea to help your furry friend become accustomed to things for safety reasons. If you take him boating or camping near bodies of water, he will definitely need to wear one. This can also help him feel more confident in his ability to navigate the water.

To get your dog used to his lifejacket, you may have him wear it around the home. Make certain that it fits nicely!

Pick The Right Spot

You’ll want to go somewhere shallow, with a gentle slope. If possible, go to a beach that allows dogs. Make sure the spot is cleared for swimming.

Select the Right Time

You should choose a moment when the water is at a suitable temperature and smooth. If the water is too cold or turbulent, Fido may not appreciate it. However, it should not be unbearably hot.

Fido’s Swimming Lessons

When you’re ready to dip your toes—or, more accurately, your pet’s paws—into the water, proceed with caution.

You don’t want to throw Fido into the deep end and expect him to figure it out. That’s really hazardous! Furthermore, even if your dog learns to use the doggie paddle, the experience may be traumatic. He may have a lifelong dread of water, as well as fear of you.

Talk to Fido gently. It is helpful that you go in the water with your dog. This will increase Fido’s sense of safety. You’ll also be able to support him in the water by holding him or grasping the handle of his canine lifejacket.

Normally, we recommend utilizing goodies as a kind of motivator when training. In this scenario, however, you’ll want to stick with praise and compliments until your furry student’s four paws are back on solid ground.

After the lesson, you’ll want to rinse Fido off, to remove any salt, sand, or chlorine from his fur.

One thing to keep in mind? He will have incredibly delicate paws after swimming. When dogs’ toe beans get wet, they become delicate and wrinkly, just like our skin.

After his lesson, keep your canine companion on soft ground. After swimming, he may develop painful blisters and abrasions while running on hot or rough surfaces such as sand or pool decks.

What Breeds Are Best At Swimming?

Several of our canine companions were first assigned swimming-related tasks. Many retrievers, for example, would return ducks and other game to their owners. Some dogs even have webbed feet and slick coats to aid them with this.

Here is a list of dogs who normally adore the water:

• Irish Water Spaniel
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Standard Poodle
• Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever
• English Setter
• Otterhound
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Labrador Retriever
• Newfoundland
• Curly-Coated Retriever
• Boykin Spaniel

Pool Safety Guidelines for Dogs

If you have a pool or are taking Fido to someone who does, you need to take some extra measures.

The first thing we recommend is that you show your dog where the steps are. This is crucial! This could be a lifeline for Fido if he were to slip and fall when nobody is watching! You want to ensure that the knowledge truly sinks in, so take your time with this training and put your pet to the test. You may also wish to place a visual sign, such as a life buoy, near the pool stairs.

Something else to consider when it comes to pools? The swimming pool cover. Fabric covers often cannot bear Fido’s weight. However, Man’s Best Buddy may mistake it for a solid surface and run onto it. This can be quite risky. We recommend that you take precautions and keep the pool gated off while not in use.

Of course, the most important thing is never to leave your furry best friend near water unattended. Even well-trained swimmers can become panicked if they accidentally fall in. Keep a very close eye on your furry friend when he’s in or near water.

Make An Appointment With Your Emerson, NJ Pet Clinic

Do you have any concerns regarding your dog’s health or care? Please contact us at Animal Care of Oradell, your Emerson, NJ neighborhood pet hospital, also serving Emerson, Bergen County, NJ and surrounding areas, at any time. We are committed to providing outstanding care, and are always happy to help!