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Dog Tips

Can All Dogs Swim? The Surprising Truth About Our Furry Friends

While many believe all dogs are natural swimmers, this article exposes the risks of such assumptions by exploring breed-specific swimming skills and the need for careful water introduction.

Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

• 5 min read
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can all dogs swim

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Not all dogs are natural swimmers; breed, body structure and their own experiences with or exposure to water all factor in to whether or not they can swim — and whether or not they enjoy it
  • Breeds with short legs and long bodies, like dachshunds, or breeds with flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, often find swimming challenging
  • Medium-to-large sized breeds with water-resistant coats and webbing between their toes are typically strong swimmers; breeds that tend to love the water include Newfoundlands, standard poodles, Portuguese water dogs and Labrador retrievers
  • Regardless of breed, it’s important to introduce your dog to water gradually and in a controlled environment
  • Even if your dog is a seasoned swimmer, don’t leave him unattended; also, recognize that some dogs may never enjoy swimming and shouldn’t be forced to do so

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bark & whiskers disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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