Can Great Danes Swim? Do They Like To? How to Help Them Enjoy The Water
By Kit Copson
Updated on
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A considerable part of the fun when it comes to dog parenting is taking your canine friend with you on all your adventures, whether that be to a pet-friendly café, the park, or the beach. If you’re thinking of taking your Great Dane with you somewhere there’s a body of water and are wondering if they can swim, the short answer is that they are capable of swimming, but they’re not naturally adept at swimming.
In this post, we’ll explore the Great Dane’s relationship with water and share some tips for keeping your gentle giant safe around water.
Do Great Danes Enjoy Swimming?
Great Danes are not natural swimmers like Setters, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles. For this reason, you’ll find Great Danes with a range of swimming abilities and preferences, from those who won’t set foot in the water to those who thoroughly enjoy a lap around the pool or a summer dip in an inland lake.
Then, there are “on-the-fence” Great Danes that enjoy splashing about or playing in the water but won’t stray far from the shallow end of the pool or water’s edge. It really depends on the individual Great Dane as to whether or not they’ll swim or enjoy being in the water.
Never force your Great Dane into the water if they’re reluctant to go in, as this could panic them—and panic is dangerous when a dog is in water.
Is It Safe for Great Danes to Swim?
If your Great Dane enjoys swimming, you can absolutely let them spend a little time doing so as long as you’re cautious and keep an eye out for potential dangers. Here are some safety tips to follow if your Great Dane goes for a paddle or swim.
Choose a Safe Location
The problem with certain bodies of water—like oceans and rivers—is that they can be unpredictable. There are dangers like hidden rocks, currents, and powerful waves that can cause your dog to become injured or even drown if you’re not careful.
Likewise, if your Great Dane struggles to get out of a swimming pool, this can be really dangerous, and let’s face it—these huge dogs are not going to be easy for you to pull out if they’re in danger. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to:
- Choose areas where conditions are calm when letting your Great Dane swim in a river, stream, or ocean.
- Choose areas where your Great Dane can easily exit the water.
- Teach your Great Dane to come out of the water when called.
- Teach your Great Dane how to use swimming pool steps.
- Be mindful of algae in lakes—this can be toxic to dogs.
Consider a Canine Lifejacket
Whether your Great Dane is a confident swimmer or not, consider putting them in a lifejacket designed for dogs. This will give you extra peace of mind if they go for a paddle or want to explore the water a bit.
Life jackets can also help improve your dog’s form when swimming and their bright colors make it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog. Even if your Great Dane can swim well, lifejackets add an extra layer of reassurance.
Don’t Let Your Great Dane Swim After Eating
Be sure to wait 2–3 hours after your Great Dane has eaten before you let them swim. This is because doing so could cause your Great Dane to become bloated—a serious condition for dogs. Another important thing to remember is to provide fresh water for your Great Dane before they go for a swim. This reduces the risk of them swallowing water that could make them sick.
Always Supervise
This one goes without saying, but it’s important to always supervise your Great Dane to ensure they’re not getting tired, panicked, or getting into distress in any way while swimming.
Final Thoughts
In short, some Great Danes like to swim, and some don’t. Great Danes aren’t the best swimmers by nature, but it doesn’t stop some from enjoying a dip. If you take your Great Dane swimming, it’s crucial to always be on hand to supervise and take precautions to make sure your Great Dane doesn’t end up in distress in the water.