Dog Swimming Safety: Keeping Your Pup Safe in the Water

Many dogs love the water, and swimming is excellent low-impact exercise — a great addition to your dog's fitness routine alongside other activities covered in our guide on how much exercise your dog needs. But not all dogs are natural swimmers, and water poses real dangers if proper precautions aren't taken.

Not All Dogs Can Swim

It's a common myth that all dogs instinctively know how to swim. Some breeds struggle due to their body structure:

Breeds That Often Struggle

• Bulldogs — Heavy chests, short legs
• Pugs — Flat faces, difficulty breathing
• Dachshunds — Long bodies, short legs
• Basset Hounds — Heavy, low to ground
• Corgis — Short legs, long bodies
• Boxers — Heavy chests

Natural Swimmers

• Labrador Retrievers
• Portuguese Water Dogs
• Irish Setters
• Golden Retrievers
• Standard Poodles
• Newfoundlands

Teaching Your Dog to Swim

Even natural swimmers need introduction to water:

1. Start shallow — Begin where they can touch the bottom
2. Go slow — Let them set the pace
3. Support their body — Hold under their belly at first
4. Use toys — Encourage with floating toys
5. Stay close — Be within arm's reach
6. Keep sessions short — 5-10 minutes initially
7. End on a positive note — Stop while they're still having fun

Never force it

If your dog shows fear or resistance, don't push them. Some dogs simply don't enjoy water, and that's okay.

Pool Safety

Pool Rules for Dogs

• Never leave them unsupervised — Even great swimmers can tire or panic
• Teach them where the exit is — Show them the stairs or ramp repeatedly
• Check water chemistry — Chlorine is generally safe, but rinse them after
• Trim their nails — Prevents liner tears
• Install a pool fence — Prevents unsupervised access

Pool Hazards

• Exhaustion — Dogs don't know when to stop
• Unable to exit — Smooth walls are impossible to climb
• Drinking pool water — Can cause stomach upset
• Cover dangers — Pool covers can trap dogs underneath

Beach and Lake Safety

Natural bodies of water have unique hazards:

Currents and Waves

• Strong currents can overwhelm even good swimmers
• Waves can knock dogs down and disorient them
• Rip currents are dangerous for dogs too
• Keep them close to shore

Water Quality

• Blue-green algae — Toxic, can be fatal
• Saltwater — Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea
• Parasites — Some lakes harbor giardia and leptospirosis
• Pollution — Check local water quality reports

Beach Hazards

• Hot sand can burn paw pads
• Broken shells and glass
• Jellyfish and sea creatures
• Fishing hooks and lines

Life Jackets for Dogs

Consider a life jacket for:

• Dogs learning to swim
• Breeds that struggle with swimming
• Boating and water sports
• Open water or currents
• Senior dogs or those with health issues (learn more in our senior dog care guide)

Choosing a Life Jacket

• Proper fit (measure your dog carefully)
• Handle on top for grabbing
• Bright colors for visibility
• D-ring for leash attachment
• Quality buoyancy in chest area

After Swimming

Post-Swim Care

• Rinse thoroughly — Remove chlorine, salt, and contaminants
• Dry their ears — Moisture causes infections
• Check for debris — Inspect paws, ears, and coat
• Provide fresh water — They may be thirsty
• Watch for fatigue — Swimming is exhausting

Signs of Water Intoxication

If a dog swallows too much water (common with fetch-in-water), watch for:

• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Glazed eyes
• Excessive drooling

This is an emergency — seek veterinary care immediately.

Boating With Dogs

• Use a life jacket (required!)
• Create a non-slip surface for them
• Provide shade and fresh water
• Know how to get them back on board if they fall
• Watch for signs of seasickness

Making Water Fun

Safe ways to enjoy water together:

• Kiddie pools in the backyard
• Sprinklers and hose play
• Shallow creek walking
• Dock diving (supervised)
• Water retrieval games

With the right precautions, water activities can be wonderful exercise and enrichment for your dog!

Sources

• American Kennel Club. "How to Teach Your Dog to Swim"
• ASPCA. "Hot Weather Safety Tips"
• Pet Poison Helpline. "Blue-Green Algae Toxicity"