Dog Water Safety: Not All Dogs Can Swim

The Myth: All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers

While some breeds are excellent swimmers (Labrador Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Irish Water Spaniels), many breeds are physically incapable of swimming efficiently and will drown without intervention.

Breeds That Cannot Swim Well

Bulldogs (English and French): Their massive heads, barrel chests, and short legs make them top-heavy. They sink.
Pugs and Pekingese: Short snouts make it nearly impossible to keep their nose above water while paddling.
Dachshunds: Short legs cannot generate enough propulsion.
Basset Hounds: Heavy bone structure and short legs.
Corgis: Can paddle briefly but tire quickly due to short legs and long bodies.

Even Good Swimmers Drown

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in dogs. Common scenarios:

Dogs fall into pools and cannot find the steps to exit
Dogs swim too far from shore in a lake and exhaust themselves
Dogs get caught in river currents
Dogs fall through ice on frozen ponds

For more on this topic, see our guide on Hot Weather Safety: Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs.

Safety Rules

For more on this topic, see our guide on Cold Weather Safety: Protecting Your Dog in Winter.

1. Use a Life Jacket

Every dog near open water should wear a properly fitted canine life jacket with a handle on the back. This applies to swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

2. Teach Pool Exit

If you have a pool, physically show your dog where the steps or ramp are. Practice exiting multiple times until the dog can find the exit independently from any point in the pool.

3. Never Leave Them Unsupervised

A dog should never be left alone near a pool, lake, or river. Fence off pools when not in use.

4. Watch for Water Intoxication

Dogs that repeatedly fetch toys from water or snap at water from a hose can ingest dangerous amounts of water, causing a condition called water intoxication (hyponatremia). Symptoms include bloating, lethargy, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. This is a medical emergency.

5. Rinse After Swimming

Chlorine from pools and bacteria from lakes can irritate the skin. Rinse your dog with fresh water after every swim. Dry the ears thoroughly to prevent ear infections.