Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Evergreens

How to safely swim with your dog this summer

By
Add as a preferred source on Google

The weather is finally warming up, and we all know what that means. No more bundling up under numerous layers of bulky, itchy wool. No more going to work and coming home in complete darkness. As we welcome the oncoming warmth, it’s time to start planning summer activities in advance. Whether you live near the ocean, a lake, or you have your own pool, all pet parents know that swimming with dogs is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

But safety should always come first. Here’s everything you need to know about swimming with your dog the safe way.

An underwater shot of a golden retriever swimming in a pool.
Denis Moskvinov / Shutterstock

Does my dog need a life jacket?

The answer to that question is a complex one. Some breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, Frenchies, and boxers, have flat faces and barrel-shaped chests, making them susceptible to breathing difficulties in hot weather. They’re also top-heavy because of their builds, so they may not be able to swim well without the additional support of a life jacket. Thinner dogs, like greyhounds and whippets, may sink like a stone because they have very little body fat. Similarly, dogs with very short legs, like dachshunds, may have difficulty treading water and sink to the bottom of the pool.

Recommended Videos

If you’re taking your pup to a lake or the ocean, you should always outfit them with a life jacket. Even strong swimmers can tire out, especially young puppies, dogs with health problems, and senior dogs. If your dog doesn’t tolerate wearing a life jacket, we recommend sticking to your pool and staying close to your pup at all times. You should never leave your dog unattended in the water. So, if you’re still wondering if your dog needs a life jacket, our final answer is, “Probably. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

How far can my dog swim?

Not only is swimming enjoyable, but it’s also a fantastic, low-impact workout for older pups with arthritis since the water supports their weight and relieves joint pressure and inflammation. But a senior dog won’t be able to swim as far as a younger, healthier dog. Young puppies still have tiny legs, and they get tired easily. Certain dog breeds, like golden retrievers and Portuguese water dogs, are natural-born swimmers who may be able to swim for miles.

However, your teacup chihuahua probably won’t be able to swim very far at all. Depending on your dog’s breed, the average, healthy dog can typically swim for approximately 100 yards for small and medium-sized (or up to three to four miles for larger breeds) before he becomes too tired to keep going.

A chocolate brown lab swims with a pink toy in his mouth.
stodolskaya2 / Shutterstock

How can I ensure my dog doesn’t jump on me?

We know how it is: it’s hot out, the sun is shining, and you want to take your dog for a dip in the local swimming hole.

Not so fast.

Even dog breeds famous for their love of water might be intimidated the first time they go for a swim. If your dog has never been swimming before, you’ll want to start off slowly. Dogs who are unfamiliar with water might potentially panic, and a frightened dog can easily become a safety hazard — to himself and to you. Here’s how you can prepare your dog for your aquatic adventures:

Train your dog not to jump

A solid foundation of obedience training is essential if you want to swim with your pup. Make sure he knows how to follow basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” Don’t reward your dog for jumping. Remember, your dog wants your attention, so the best way to train him not to jump is to ignore him completely until he sits back down.

Introduce your dog to water the right way

No matter how much you’re tempted to invite your pup into the swimming pool right away, it’s better to take baby steps. Make sure your dog tolerates standing in a bathtub full of water first. Once he’s comfortable there, try getting him his own swimming pool. Only when your dog is perfectly happy to play in his pool should you introduce him to a larger body of water.

Practice swimming safely

As we’ve already mentioned, you shouldn’t leave your dog alone in the water. Even seasoned swimmers can suffer from muscle cramps or suddenly lose momentum. Dogs don’t know their own limits, and many dogs playfully bite at the water, which could result in water intoxication if your pooch swallows too much. Even worse, if your dog tires out while you’re not in the area, he could drown. Even if your pup is wearing a life vest, you should keep your eyes on him at all times.

A golden retriever hangs out with his paws on the side of a swimming pool.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Swimming with your dog is a fantastic bonding activity that allows you both to soak up the sun, enjoy the warmth, and get in some exercise. That being said, even fun in the sun can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper steps beforehand. Make sure your pup enjoys swimming, never force your dog into the water, stay with him at all times, and make sure he’s wearing a life jacket if you’re swimming in a large body of water. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen. You and your pooch should both wear SPF.

Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Former Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

Can dogs eat cheese? Here’s what you should know
Is cheese bad for dogs? Here's what to know before treating your dog to cheese

Maybe this is a hot take, but cheese could truly be its own food group. It can be enjoyed any time of day — in breakfast omelets, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s nothing like a heaping plate of Mac ’n cheese on a cold winter’s day. It can be an appetizer, snack, or the entire meal. In some cultures, it’s common to have cheese as a dessert!
It’s fun to include our dogs in our meals, but not all our favorite foods are healthy for our pets. For example, another popular dessert food, chocolate, is a no-no for dogs. Other people foods, such as apples and some berries, are fine — and even healthy for dogs — in moderation. But can dogs eat cheese?
The short answer is yes. However, there is some essential information to keep in mind. Here’s the 4-1-1 on two of life’s greatest pleasures: dogs and cheese.

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Read more
How often do dogs really need vaccines?
What is the dog vaccine schedule? The answer can vary
A dog getting vaccine vet holding syringe

As a pet parent, you want what's best for your dog. Ensuring your pet stays up to date on vaccinations is essential. With human health, the recommendations are usually more straightforward — professionals recommend that people in certain age groups or with specific conditions receive vaccines at certain times. Some, like the flu shot, require regular boosters. Others provide long-term — and even lifelong — immunity.

What about pets, though? How often do dogs need vaccines? The answers aren't always so straightforward, so working with your veterinarian to determine the best course for your dog is vital. This guide to dog vaccinations will provide a blueprint and hopefully spark a helpful conversation about your pet's health with their veterinarian.
How often do dogs need vaccines?

Read more
Why do dogs stretch when they see you? There’s more than one reason
Here are the 3 main types of stretches and what they mean
Brown dog stretching on door mat with tongue out

Coming home to a happy dog might be one of the best feelings in the world. When you walk in the door, your pup may jump up and down or give a little yip of excitement. But why do dogs stretch when they see you? Once you take a moment to think about it, a stretch seems like a weird way to say hello. To get to the bottom of this unusual canine activity, we have to define what type of stretch we're talking about. We'll walk you through three different kinds.
Why do dogs stretch when they see you? A play bow

There's an easy way to distinguish this from other stretching: Look at the elbows. If a dog is extending themselves and their elbows are bent, meaning the forearms rest on or near the floor, this is a play bow. Interestingly, wolves and even lions have been observed using the play bow as a signal that it's time for the games to begin. That tells us that this innate move has meaning across species. You probably instantly know when your pup pup wants to play and will also have a lot of context around this behavior. For example, if you already have their favorite squeaky toy in hand, a play bow makes a lot of sense.

Read more