Why do dogs swim

Exercise: The biggest effect of swimming is exercise, which is true for both humans and dogs. During the swimming process, the dog needs to constantly tread water and make movements such as stretching and curling up. This requires the cooperation of the muscles of the whole body, so it can exercise all the muscles of the whole body.

Relieve stress: Most domestic dogs today are very energetic but have nowhere to vent. A large amount of boring time will cause dogs to have very serious anxiety and stress, which will lead to behavioral problems such as housebreaking and barking. appear, and swimming can help them release excess energy into exercises that keep them active and healthy.

Cooling: It is difficult for dogs to enjoy the cool feeling in the hot summer. Because of the difference in body structure, they can only dissipate heat through the fleshy pads of their feet and panting. Therefore, when they are submerged in high temperatures, even a small swimming pool is of great help to dogs.

Auxiliary treatment: If a dog with hip joint disease does some sports such as running, it is likely to cause damage to the hip joint. Swimming can use the buoyancy of the water to hold up the dog's body, not only It can reduce the load and wear on joints, and can give muscles a strong and relatively gentle exercise.

Dogs are not born good swimmers

In the minds of many owners, dogs are born good swimmers, so there is no need to teach them how to swim. In fact, this is A very wrong and extremely dangerous idea. Countless dogs have died because of this ridiculous idea.

In April this year, the tragedy of a French bulldog drowning in a pet store in Quanzhou due to a staff error is a bloody lesson.

The swimming talent of dogs is closely related to their body structure. For some dogs with special shapes, swimming is not easy. When these dogs want to have close contact with water, Owners need to pay more attention and be careful.

Dogs with short legs, such as dachshunds, corgis, bulldogs, etc., have difficulty generating enough thrust in the water to keep them afloat;

Another example is French bulldogs and English bulldogs, which are relatively compact dogs with short tails. Their hind limbs are more likely to sink when they are in the water;

There are also dogs with flatter faces, short nasal cavities, narrow nostrils, long mouths, and collapsed tracheas. These characteristics will greatly limit their breathing function when in water.

In addition, dogs with impaired exercise ability also need to pay special attention when swimming, such as elderly dogs, dogs that have not recovered from trauma, and dogs that have just undergone surgery and have not yet recovered.

Preparations before swimming

Water and food: Enough clean drinking water and an appropriate amount of dog food, as well as a food bowl that the dog is used to, familiar supplies can relieve their nervousnessEmotions, help them eat normally and replenish the energy their body needs.

Traction tools: The owner needs to prepare a strong and easy-to-use chest-and-back leash or a professional dog life jacket. If necessary, wear a muzzle to ensure that the dog is within control.

Cleaning tools: Prepare a large towel, a hair dryer and a mat to keep the car clean so that the water on the dog can be dried as quickly as possible. Otherwise, if the dog's body surface remains in a moist state for too long, it will easily breed bacteria or fungi, and it will also be easier to "incur" troublesome parasites outdoors.

Others: The owner needs to bring the dog certificate and dog tag, but do not hang them on the dog to avoid losing them. They also need to prepare some medicines to prevent motion sickness, allergies, and emergency treatment of trauma, and ask the veterinarian in advance for usage and dosage.

In addition, owners need to do preventive work on external deworming of dogs in advance.

Selection of location

Choose a swimming pool with clean water, but you should be careful to avoid swimming pools with excessive chlorine content. Excessive chlorine in swimming pools can not only induce lung diseases, but can also cause cancer in severe cases.

You can also choose some rivers and streams with qualified indicators, but be careful about the bacteria and parasites in the river water that are harmful to your dog’s health. The most secure place is a swimming pool specially prepared for dogs, where the water level and water quality are more suitable.

Precautions when swimming

For those dogs that are swimming for the first time, the owner must do it step by step, so that the dog can gradually adapt and learn how to maintain balance and float in the water, and do not push it into the water recklessly. in water.

Be sure to keep an eye on your dog during the entire process and don't let it stray into deep water. It is best to tie it with a chest-and-back traction rope to facilitate timely rescue in case of danger.

Like humans, dogs will also encounter some emergencies when swimming, which may even endanger life safety in serious cases, such as cramps, so owners must be very alert to take care of their dogs. If the dog appears abnormal, he should be taken ashore immediately for first aid.

Obese and thin dogs have different characteristics. For some obese dogs with poor physical strength, swimming time should be reduced. Pay attention to the dog's demeanor when swimming. If it appears obviously tired, do not let it continue swimming.

Cleaning after swimming is essential

If possible, take a shower immediately and blow-dry your hair. If you cannot bathe your dog right away, prepare a towel for your dog to dry as much water as possible. For short-haired dogs, it’s best to wipe them with a strong absorbent towel; for long-haired dogs, it’s best to have two spare towels. No matter how hot the weather is, dogs should not be allowed to dry naturally in the sun.

It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive and thorough deworming work for the dog. If necessary, you can take your dog to a pet store for thorough cleaning and inspection to see if there are any health problems.Accidental scratches, punctures, etc. occur.

When you return home after swimming, pay attention to your dog for signs of cold. If so, you should give your dog medicine or see a doctor as soon as possible, and pay attention to check the dog's skin condition, because if the chlorine and salt are not rinsed thoroughly, it will cause skin diseases.

All procedures must be completed as quickly as possible to avoid unexpected disease attacks.