Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
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Pug Dog Swimming
A reader sent in a question regarding Pug dogs and swimming. We will discuss all aspects of having your dog join you in the water to increase the chances that your pet will enjoy this activity.
Q: Can My Pug dog go swimming? Do all dogs know how to swim without teaching them and are the chemicals in my pool bad for him? ~ Tony G.
A: Hi Tony, great question. It is very important to be aware of water safety in regard to your Pug dog. You do not mention how old your dog is; however one will want to be particularly careful with a small puppy.
All Pug dogs will be able to swim purely out of a natural and inbred instinct to survive. This does not mean that a dog will enjoy it!
Sadly, some dog owners simply throw their dog in, expecting that their pet will instantly know what to do and paddle around happily. In most cases, the dog will be swimming for his life, as adrenaline kicks in for him to survive. It is best to let your Pug dog get used to water in a pool where their are boundaries and you will be able to retrieve him easily should he swim away. If this is not feasible, your next option would be to start off teaching your dog in a very small pond.
Your dog's first time in the water will affect their feelings toward this activity. Therefore how you introduce this concept is important. For your dog's safety, be sure that:
A: Hi Tony, great question. It is very important to be aware of water safety in regard to your Pug dog. You do not mention how old your dog is; however one will want to be particularly careful with a small puppy.
All Pug dogs will be able to swim purely out of a natural and inbred instinct to survive. This does not mean that a dog will enjoy it!
Sadly, some dog owners simply throw their dog in, expecting that their pet will instantly know what to do and paddle around happily. In most cases, the dog will be swimming for his life, as adrenaline kicks in for him to survive. It is best to let your Pug dog get used to water in a pool where their are boundaries and you will be able to retrieve him easily should he swim away. If this is not feasible, your next option would be to start off teaching your dog in a very small pond.
Your dog's first time in the water will affect their feelings toward this activity. Therefore how you introduce this concept is important. For your dog's safety, be sure that:
- The water temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.55 Celsius)
- The pool or pond is clear or obstacles
- Have an older, experienced dog in the water with you
- Toys that your dog may wish to swim to
You may coach your dog to join you or you may hold him or her as you enter slowly. Offer them plenty of time to adjust to this new sensation. If your dog swims for shore or appears frightened, allow them to exit and just watch for a while. You may then try again. Most dogs, when given a pleasant experience will continue on to love cooling off this way.
Regarding chemicals: Just as pool chemicals can irritate a person's skin, they will affect your dog also. The Pug dog has very sensitive eyes. Limit the time to 5 or 10 minutes and evaluate if the chemicals have given rise to bloodshot eyes. If so, remove your dog. If your dog seems to be able to tolerate the chlorine, you may add on 5 or 10 minutes each time. If irritation does occur, gently wash out your dog's eyes with fresh, clean water using a dropper.
It is highly recommended to use chloride alternatives which will keep your pool just as clean without hosting elements that could cause reactions to your Pug's eyes. At any rate, no matter where you are swimming with your dog, be sure to rinse your Pug off very well after you are done.
Regarding chemicals: Just as pool chemicals can irritate a person's skin, they will affect your dog also. The Pug dog has very sensitive eyes. Limit the time to 5 or 10 minutes and evaluate if the chemicals have given rise to bloodshot eyes. If so, remove your dog. If your dog seems to be able to tolerate the chlorine, you may add on 5 or 10 minutes each time. If irritation does occur, gently wash out your dog's eyes with fresh, clean water using a dropper.
It is highly recommended to use chloride alternatives which will keep your pool just as clean without hosting elements that could cause reactions to your Pug's eyes. At any rate, no matter where you are swimming with your dog, be sure to rinse your Pug off very well after you are done.
