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Teaching Your Dog to Swim
A dog playing in the water

Teaching Your Dog to Swim

Published 28th Mar 2020

Safety First

First off, invest in a quality lifejacket. Accidents can happen even to the most aquatic of dogs, and when learning to swim, being able to support your dog while they get used to the motion of paddling will give both you and your dog peace of mind. Taking your dog to the store with you in order to get a nice and secure fit is a good idea.

Believe it or not, not all dogs instinctively know how to, or even can, swim. This can be true of short legged (such as dachshunds), squashed face (such as pugs) or skinny dogs (such as whippets). Some dogs will even sink like a stone if thrown into the water for an instant ‘lesson’, such as greyhounds and bulldogs. Don’t worry though; all dogs can learn to love the water, with the added flotation of a lifejacket and a bit of quality time.

Fun in the Sun

Start by teaching your dog that water can be fun, and doesn’t necessarily mean bath-time and a sponge. It’s best to begin somewhere that gently slopes into the water, so that your dog can gradually walk deeper and deeper without having to take a sudden plunge. If you don’t have access to a suitable spot, a child’s paddling pool is a good way to begin the introduction.

Arm yourself with lots of their favourite treats and toys, and begin to lure your dog into the water. Just paw deep at first is fine; you just want to build up a positive association. Have some good games or food rewards, even tossing them into the water for your dog to fetch out.

Doggy Paddle

Over time, you can start to move the fun deeper and deeper. With a lifejacket on they may not even notice as their paws leave the floor. If your dog is struggling, support underneath their stomach to encourage them to kick with their back legs. Many dogs paddle stronger and stronger with their front paws and forget about the back, causing their bottoms to sink.

Keep encouraging and rewarding your newly paddling pooch, and pretty soon they will be diving in and out to retrieve their toys and food rewards, or to cool off out of the sun.

Drying Off

Remember to thoroughly wash and dry your dog after they have been swimming, to remove any algae, toxins or chlorine from their coat. Don’t ever throw your dog into the water either; if any gets into their ears it is difficult for them to get out and makes them very prone to ear infections.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet