We all agree that these elongated, adorable pooches have stealed our hearts, but do they love water just as much as we love them? If you’ve ever wondered whether your Dachshund has a hidden Michael Phelps inside, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s find out do Dachshunds like to swim and what you can do to teach them to love water.
Can Dachshunds swim?
Are Dachshunds good swimmers? Well, the short answer is – not really. Dachshunds, or as we affectionately call them, hot dogs, might have a love-hate relationship with water. While some may take to it naturally, many Dachies would rather avoid getting their paws wet. However, with a little patience and some persistence, you can teach your floppy ear friend the joys of swimming.
Let’s begin by addressing the question on everyone’s mind: can dachshunds swim? The truth is Dachshunds have the physical ability to swim. They have paddle-like paws that can help them move and stay afloat in water. However, due to their long bodies and short legs, swimming can be quite a challenge for them. But they can swim, while, for example, English bulldogs are not good swimmers.
Things To Know About Dachshund’s Swimming Abilities
Did you know that the Dachshund’s unique structure can be a blessing and a curse? Their elongated body and short legs might seem ill-suited for swimming. But, much like submarines, they’ve got a sneaky knack for navigating waters.
Historically, Dachshunds were bred for hunting. This doesn’t mean swimming, but rather tunneling after prey. Their keen sense of smell and slender body were great for digging, not necessarily the backstroke.
Their physique makes them prone to certain health concerns, especially back injuries. When introducing them to swimming, it’s essential to ensure they’re safe and supported.
How can you teach your Doxie o swim?
If you want to teach your Doxie to swim, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- First and foremost, always prioritize safety! Just like humans, dogs should wear life jackets in water, especially if they are not confident swimmers. These swimming jackets will provide buoyancy and peace of mind, ensuring that your Dachie stays safe while paddling around.
- Start by introducing your Weiner to water in a controlled environment. Find a shallow dog-friendly area, such as a kiddie pool or a calm pond, and let your pooch dip their paws in. Show them that being in the water can be fun by offering treats and praise. Be patient, as it may take some time for them to gain confidence.
- Always have fresh water available for your dog to drink while they are swimming. Drinking saltwater or contaminated water can cause health issues, and nobody wants their furry friend to feel ruff after a swim. Encourage them to hydrate and take breaks when needed.
- Teach your Doxie where they can get in and out of the water safely. Many dogs panic when they can’t find an exit point, doggie paddling aimlessly in circles. By showing them where the steps or shoreline are, you can alleviate their anxiety and ensure a smoother swimming experience.
Is swimming good for a Dachshund?
Now, let’s dive into the benefits of swimming for Dachshunds. Besides being a fun activity, swimming can be an excellent form of exercise. Dachies can burn off some of that excess energy and maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important for the breed, as dachshunds tend to put on pounds easily and can become obese if not properly exercised.
Moreover, swimming is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on their fragile spines. Dachshunds are notorious for their back problems, so any activity that can help strengthen their muscles and support their spine is a huge plus. Just be mindful of their limitations, and don’t push them too hard. Also, make sure that after swimming, you let your little enthusiastic paddler take a well-deserved rest! Tuck them in their comfy doggy bed and let them regain all the strength they have spent while giving their best to swim like no sausage ever did!
What if my Dachshund doesn’t want to swim?
Now, what if your dachshund just doesn’t want to swim? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many Dachies simply do not enjoy the water. It could be due to a variety of reasons, such as past negative experiences or just a personal preference. Trying to force a dachshund to swim when they don’t want to – it’s a battle you won’t win.
In some cases, the reason may be the “wet dog syndrome.” This syndrome occurs when a dog gets their legs and stomach wet; it makes them uncomfortable, it causes them stress, and they can’t find the right way to deal with it. In these cases, dogs don’t want to have anything with water, they can even avoid going outside while raining.
So, if your doggo is avoiding water, don’t force them into swimming. There are plenty of other activities you can do on the beach.
Fun activities near water without swimming for your Dachie
If your dachshund doesn’t want to swim, respect their decision and find other ways to keep them entertained near water. You can play fetch with water toys on the shoreline or let them explore the area while staying dry. Remember, not all dogs are water aficionados, and that’s perfectly okay.
You can try to dig a hole in send – and trust us, they will love this activity since digging is their field of expertise!
Even if you are staying home, you can do some fun water activities without swimming, like running down the water slide in your backyard or playing with a water hose. This will provide you with lots of fun, some refreshments, and plenty of goofy moments with your fury hot dog!
In conclusion, while dachshunds can swim, it’s not their natural inclination. Teaching them to swim requires patience, safety measures, and an understanding that not all Doxies will become mermaids of the doggy world. So, get your Dachie a cute swimming jacket, find a dog-friendly area, and enjoy the water together. And if swimming isn’t their thing, no worries – there are plenty of other ways to have fun with your water-resistant buddy. Just remember to keep it lighthearted, give them plenty of love, and embrace the wet dog shakes.
Do Dachshunds Need Life Jackets?
Definitely yes! Dachies can get tired very quickly when they’re in the water. Thanks to their elongated bodies and short legs, Doxies can’t swim without life jackets. A life jacket aids in providing the buoyancy they might lack, helping them stay afloat more comfortably.
Dachshund Life Jackets can protect their spines:
Dachshunds are particularly prone to back problems like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Struggling in the water or swimming in an unnatural position can stress their spine. A life jacket supports their back, distributing the weight evenly and minimizing the risk of injury.
Life jackets can make them feel more relaxed:
Not all Dachshunds are naturally comfortable with water. A life jacket can offer a sense of security, making them more confident and less anxious when venturing into the water.
Protection in case of getting tired:
Even if a Dachshund enjoys swimming, they can tire quickly. A life jacket ensures that they can float without expending too much energy, allowing them longer and safer playtime.
They keep your Sausage dog visible:
Life jackets for dogs often come in bright colors with reflective materials. This feature makes it easier to keep an eye on your Dachshund, ensuring they’re safe and within sight. Most life jackets are equipped with a sturdy handle on top. If your Dachshund faces any trouble or gets too far out, you can easily pull them back using this handle.
Top 3 Picks Of Dachshund Life Jackets
Since we revealed the question ”Do Dachshunds like to swim?”, now is time to select 5 picks of must-have swimming essentials. We’re sure that these swimming vests for Doxies will become your favorite summer items.
Camouflage Dachshund Swimming Vest
This swimming vest is available in not one, not two, but four distinct camouflage colors! Whether you’re hitting the beach or just lounging by the pool, your dachshund will be the center of attention.
The velcro closure on the belly ensures a snug fit, keeping your little pooch safe and secure as they paddle around. And if you’ve ever tried to get a swimming vest onto an excited pup, you’ll appreciate the ease of this feature. No more fumbling with buckles or ties. Simply wrap, press, and you’re ready to go! And speaking of safety, have you ever tried to lift a wet dachshund out of water? It’s no easy task! But with the nifty handle on the back of this swimming vest, you can easily lift your pet out of the water, hassle-free.
Dachshund Shark Vest
The Dachshund Shark Vest is a delightful blend of style, fun, and functionality. It comes equipped with reflective stripes, ensuring that your little “land-shark” is always visible. The handy handle on the back is a boon for those moments when you need to quickly lift your pet out of a tricky situation or just help them out of the pool.
And, you’ll adore the cute addition on the back! The shark dorsal fin on the back is the show-stealer. Positioned perfectly, it gives your Dachshund the appearance of a fun-sized shark, ready to conquer both land and water. This vest will undoubtedly turn heads and fetch compliments galore.
Mermaid & Shark Life Jackets
In case you want to make your dog spotted when going to swim, then we recommend you have a look at the Mermaid life vest. It’s available in a vibrant pink color and features a practical handle on the back, D-ring, and a cute mermaid tail. Thanks to high-buoyancy fabric, your Doxie will stay afloat and enjoy swimming both in the pool and open waters.
Do Dachshunds Like To Swim? Wrapping up
While Doxies are not naturally designed for swimming due to their long bodies and short legs, this doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a splash in the water. Each Dachshund is unique. Some might love the water while others may be more apprehensive. If you wish to introduce your Dachshund to swimming, it’s crucial to ensure the experience is positive, gradual, and safe. Always supervise your pet around water, consider investing in a doggie life jacket. Remember to prioritize their comfort and safety above all.