Whether you already own a German Shepherd or are hoping to get one, you may wonder exactly what you can and can’t do with your dog. One thing many want to enjoy with their dog during the warmer months is swimming. This may have you wondering if your German Shepherd can swim with you and what you need to do for safe swimming with your pet.
German Shepherds, like most dogs, are able to swim but may not be natural swimmers due to the fact that the breed was not created for swimming purposes. However, most dogs can enjoy swimming if provided the opportunity to do so and some training.
If you are hoping to take your German Shepherd for a swim, do not be surprised if your pup does not take to it quickly. If you have an older dog, you may find that they are never super comfortable with the water but are likely to try swimming if encouraged. Younger dogs or puppies may need a higher amount of safety precautions but may be more likely to attempt swimming and even enjoy the activity. We’ll cover all of this, and more tips and tricks, below.
Why Aren’t German Shepherds Natural Swimmers?
While the ability to swim may not naturally come to them, most German Shepherds are athletic, high endurance, and have good strength, allowing them to learn to swim easily. If they do not take naturally to the water, a little coaxing and some training can go a long way.
If you own a German Shepherd, you know firsthand how athletic and high energy they can be. However, they often do not take naturally to swimming and some may even struggle with their swimming ability. This all comes down to the fact that they were not bred to be good swimmers and don’t naturally have that ability.
Most modern dogs were bred in the past for specific jobs or duties. Dogs that are naturally good at swimming are so because they were bred to swim well. Adaptations have been made to some breeds over time to make them good swimmers, but German Shepherds do not have these adaptations.
Instead of being good swimmers, German Shepherds have been bred for different work. This is why they are now used for military and police purposes. You may also find that they natural herd other animals or even your playing children.
Benefits Of Swimming For Your German Shepherd
Dogs can actually learn to love swimming and it can improve their overall health greatly. Just as swimming is a good, healthy exercise for humans, it can be beneficial to your German Shepherd. Some of the many ways it can help your pup are:
- Improves Overall Health – Swimming is a great form of exercise for your pet, allowing them to burn four times the energy and calories of basic running. You will find that dogs that swim often are happier, have more endurance, have improved muscle tone and strength, and have less risk of injury. Also, swimming can increase metabolism, strengthen the heart and lungs, and help improve circulation, overall making it a great activity for your pup.
- Relieves Stress – If you have noticed that your German Shepherd is particularly nervous or struggling with some behavioral issues, stress can be a huge factor. Learning to swim or taking regular swims can be a great way to relieve your dog’s overall stress levels and burn off energy. Partaking in any form of exercise, and particularly swimming regularly may lead to a happier, better behaved pet.
- It is Great for Older Pets – A problem that many pets begin to endure as they age, but specifically larger breeds like German Shepherds, is joint pain and inflammation. While staying active is still critical to your dog, it can be more challenging for them to run around without feeling pain afterward. Swimming is a great form of exercise that does not put an overwhelming about of stress on any joints, often great for dogs with join disorders like arthritis or dysplasia.
- It Can Relieve Pain – Swimming in warm water in particular can be a great form of therapy for dogs, and help aid in the recovery process for dogs with injuries. If you do not live in an area with naturally warm water, heated pools are great for recovering pets. Of course, there may not be many in your area that allow pets, but it’s worth looking into it, or if possible, install your own.
- Its Great for Overweight Dogs – If your dog is overweight, it can be difficult to help them lose weight and encourage exercise. Swimming is a great activity for most dogs as it supports their body and works practically every muscle. In addition, swimming can improve metabolic rate without risking injury like other activities.
Disadvantages Of Swimming For Your Dog
The positives of swimming often far outweigh the negatives of swimming for most pets. In fact, most negatives can be avoided with proper care and attention from you as a pet owner. However, if you want to take your German Shepherd swimming, some negatives to keep in mind are:
Water Intoxication
This is a rather avoidable and not frequently occurring issue that happens when dogs drink too much water in a short period of time. This gulping of water can cause a disruption in the dog’s electrolyte balance and lead to a disturbance in brain function. This can lead to a variety of issues like brain damage, heart failure, and unfortunately death.
Luckily, this is not an issue most pet owners will ever have to deal with. You want to make sure that your dog never consumes a large amount of water while swimming. You should monitor the amount they consume and ensure you offer fresh drinking water periodically during the swim.
Ear Infections
This is a more common side effect that can unfortunately come from swimming and happens when water enters the ear canal during the swim. The moisture level inside the ear increases and the normal bacteria found there will worsen. This leads to inflammation and ear infections, which can cause pain and discomfort for your pet.
You will often find that if your dog has an ear infection it can have a foul smell. You should take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect they have an ear infection caused by water and bacteria. The vet can help prescribe medication if needed and offer any suggestions.
Swimmer’s Itch
Humans and dogs alike can get swimmer’s itch but it is more serious of a condition in dogs than people. Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash caused by parasites (Source). However, it can be challenging to find this rash initially because your dog’s hair can cover up the condition.
The initial symptoms of most cases of swimmer’s itch are a rash or lesions on the skin. This is caused by parasites, and the parasites can begin to spread throughout the body. Once the parasites spread, it can lead to deeper issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and at worst liver failure.
Swimmer’s itch itself often occurs if your dog has been swimming in water that is at risk of parasites, like shallow or dirty areas. This is not as likely caused by swimming, but can occur from some lakes or stagnant ponds. If you suspect your dog has the condition, seek help. To avoid it, rinse your dog well after each swim.
Stomach Problems
While ingesting some water when swimming is normal, you never want your dog to ingest too much water. Dogs may actively drink water while swimming, which can lead to the beforementioned water intoxication. However, even smaller amounts of water can lead to gastrointestinal tract issues.
If your dog drinks chlorinated water, or even water from a lake, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other stomach issues. Overall, it is best that you do not allow your dog to drink water that is not fresh.
The Basics Of Taking Your German Shepherd On A Swim
Some German Shepherds will take to swimming quicker and more easily than others. You will want to take things slow and trust the process. You should never take your dog swimming if you do not plan to be patient and offer them encouragement along the way.
Often, if your dog is afraid of water, they will also be deeply afraid of swimming. Some dogs are naturally afraid of water and it can be very difficult to teach a dog that is afraid of water to swim and may not be worth it. While there are countless benefits, if your find that your dog is terrified or very resistant to the water, it may be best to find a different activity for your pup.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Afraid Of Water?
If your dog is very afraid of water, it can be challenging to get them past this. You will want to ensure that your dog is eased into the process and that you do not force them into the water. In fact, it may be best to find a professional dog trainer for assistance.
However, some basic tips that may help if your German Shepherd is afraid of water that can encourage swimming are:
- Always Go Slow – Do not rush your pup into the water. They will show you their comfort level and do not push far past this. If you force your dog into the water or push / throw them into the water, it can actually cause them to regress and be even more afraid.
- Offer Incentives – You can often encourage your dog to enter the water by offering them treats. Another popular option is to throw toys or sticks into the water to encourage the dog to chase after them.
- Join Them In The Water – This may seem self-explanatory but joining your pup in the water can encourage them to swim. You will want to show them the water is not something to be afraid of and that you can have fun together in the water.
- Try With A Small Body Of Water – You can start familiarizing your dog with water by using smaller kiddie pools, water hoses, the bathtub, etc. Often, swimming in deep water or large bodies of water can be intimidating for your pet. Starting with smaller water sources can help them get over their fears.
How To Teach Your Dog To Swim
If your dog is not necessarily scared of water, but is not an avid swimmer, you will want to assist them with this process. Working with a dog that is not afraid of water is much easier. However, there are some basic steps you need to take to ensure your dog feels comfortable and remains safe.
- Step 1 – Start your swimming process in a shallow area where you can easily walk with your pet into the water. We will further discuss swimming safely with your pet. However, you will want to put your dog’s life jacket and leash on at this point and walk them slowly in the water.
- Step 2 – Walk with your dog into the shallow water and back out again. This is especially important if your dog is in a new body of water so that they can understand how to exit the water if needed. Your dog should always be aware of how to exit the water if there is an incident or they feel overwhelmed.
- Step 3 – Always monitor your dog’s behavior during this process. If they seem confident or do not mind the water, you can begin going into deeper water. If they are hesitant, you may not want to go into deeper water during this session.
- Step 4 – If your dog is comfortable in the water, begin taking them into deeper water where they will have to paddle to stay afloat. If needed, you can use your arm to provide support to your dog’s belly. This is very important if you notice your dog is not using their rear and front legs together to paddle or seems to be struggling.
- Step 5 – Continue to monitor and support your dog as needed in the deeper water, keeping your first swim sessions fairly short. A common mistake for dogs that are not natural swimmers, like German Shepherds, is they only paddle with their front legs. This can make your dog tire more quickly or swim more erratically. Make sure to monitor for this and signs of exhaustion.
- Step 6 – Monitor your dog’s mood while swimming and always back into shallower water if you notice panicking. You want to keep your swimming sessions short and slowly work up your dog’s stamina to longer swims.
- Step 7 – Once you are finished with your swim, show your dog again how to safely exit the water. Make sure to praise your pup for their hard work, offering treats or rewards. Verbal encouragement can help them associate swimming with positive attention.
- Step 8 – Soon after your swim, give your dog a good rinse with fresh water. This helps avoid any parasites from lakes or oceans. Also, do this if swimming in a pool to help avoid any chemical residue.
Swimming Safety For Your German Shepherd
Even if your dog is an avid swimmer and catches on quickly, you want to keep things as safe as possible. If your dog is hesitant or not a great swimmer, you will want to take every safety precaution possible. This becomes even more important in moving water where your dog could get swept away.
Some basic safety precautions that you need to have in mind are:
Never Assume Your Dog Can Swim
German Shepherds are not natural born swimmers, and you should never just assume that they can swim. If your dog naturally takes to the water, they may still need assistance. Lack of fear does not always mean they are able to swim. Closely monitor your dog when learning to swim and anywhere that safety may be a major concern.
Invest In A Life Jacket For Your German Shepherd
If your dog is learning to swim, putting them in a life jacket is extremely important. Many dogs will start by only paddling their front legs and this can cause them to sink or become exhausted quickly. Offering a life vest will keep them afloat if an issue arises or if they are not mastering swimming quickly.
If your dog is nervous in the water, you may find that a life vest can be very helpful. They can feel more secure with the vest holding them up and keeping them above water. Also, the likelihood of drowning while wearing a life jacket is greatly lowered and even in strong currents, your dog is much safer.
You want to find the right size life vest so that it can better protect your dog. You can take your dog into a local pet store and try on some of the vests to find the perfect one.
Don’t Let Your Dog Drink From The Swimming Water
Again, make sure that your dog does not drink water from the pond, lake, ocean, or swimming pool that you are swimming in. Not only can this lead to the very dangerous water intoxication, but you simply do not know what is in the water. Most natural water sources will have organisms and bacteria that can be harmful to your dog.
Since the ocean is salt water, drinking too much can make your dog extremely sick. Drinking salt water causes something called an “osmotic effect,” which pulls the liquid from your dog’s intestines. This can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Always bring along a bottle of water along to ensure you have a fresh water source for your dog. You can find travel water bowls that make supplying fresh water to your pet easier.
Check For Beach Closures And Weather Advisories
Ensure that there are no beach advisories in place when you bring your dog for a swim. Most beaches and some other public water sources will have advisories posted should there be an issue. Some common issues you may see are high bacteria levels, which can lead to beach closures.
You also want to look to see if there are certain areas marked for rip tides or restricted areas. You can often find these markings at the entrance of any public beach or dog beach. Also go over the rules for the area to make sure you are following them.
Look at the weather forecast for the day as well. Never take your dog swimming on a day when there is a chance of storms, as lightening can be very dangerous when in water.
Avoid Areas With Blue-Green Algae
Never enter ponds or lakes that have blue-green algae as it can be very dangerous to you and your pet. This is found in calmer water and the algae is made up of a cyanobacteria. For dogs, if they are exposed or ingest this water, it can be fatal.
If you are in a new area, scope out the edges of the water and look for any blue-green algae that may be present. You should avoid going into these areas or simply avoid this body of water entirely. If you see any suspicious looking algae, keep your dog away!
Always Wash Your Dog After Swimming
We touched on this slightly, but it is always best to wash off your dog after swimming. If you are swimming in fairly clean water or most pools, you can simply rinse your dog off with fresh water. However, if you are in a pond or lake, it may be best to give your dog a bath entirely.
Bathing your dog will get rid of any bacteria or chemicals that may have been in the water. Even after you have gotten home from your swim, your dog may lick themselves and ingest these unwanted chemicals or germs. A bath will prevent your pup from getting any rashes, itches, or even parasites.
If your dog has dealt with ear infections in the past or has had issues with ear problems, you will want to take the time to dry out your dog’s ears after swimming. Here’s an article on How To Clean A German Shepherd’s Ears.
Can Dogs Swim In Pools?
If you own a pool, you can safely take your German Shepherd into the water for a swim. If you have a pool that is chlorinated, it should not be harmful to your pet. The biggest concern is that pool chemicals can cause skin irritation, but this is often avoided if you do the simple rinsing process mentioned above.
If you notice that your dog is getting some dry or red patches on their skin, you will want to avoid swimming in the pool for a few days. Monitor the chlorine levels and do not put any chemicals into your pool around the time you plan to swim with your pup.
Can Dogs Damage Pools?
Your German Shepherd is probably a quite large dog, and can take up a lot of room in a smaller pool. It is probably best to only bring your dog into the pool if you have a larger pool area. Some dogs love a small kiddie pool of their own to splash around in, but dogs can actually cause some damage to pools.
Some common issues you may find with brining your dog into the pool are:
- They can scratch the liner – You always want to keep your dog’s nails trimmed so that they do not pose a risk to the liner of your pool. Longer dog nails can scratch the liner or even poke holes into it, which can be very costly or involve a complete replacement.
- Dogs can bring in a lot of debris – Dogs can leave much more debris in the pool than a human will. They have a lot more hair, which can get into the water and end up in the pool and stuck in the filtration system. Also, dogs tend to have more dirt, pollen, fecal matter, parasites, and other germs that can end up in your pool water.
Overall, if you plan to bring your dog into the water, you want to ensure they are clean and well groomed. Also, always make sure you are cleaning your water regularly to avoid any germs that your dog may bring into the water.
While German Shepherds may not be the best swimmers in the dog world today, they can learn quickly and are often physically fit enough to become avid swimmers. Remember to keep things slow and be patient when it comes to teaching your dog to swim, going at a pace that fits their needs. You also want to ensure to keep them safe during their swimming session.
Sources:
PetMD, theSprucePets, Emborapets, Puppyleaks, topdoghealth, thebark, vin, wagwalking