Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like to Swim? The Surprising Answer!
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Knowing whether your dog likes to swim will definitely affect your plans to visit the beach or pool. If you have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the good news is that he can swim. However, whether he likes it or not may depend on the individual dog.
Some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to swim, and others dislike it. Â The only way you will be able to tell if your dog likes to swim is by giving him the opportunity to. Before you do that, you will want to ensure you can properly teach your dog how to swim and that you are aware of specific health and safety precautions you should take when your dog swims.
How to Teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Swim
How to Teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to SwimGenerally, Cavalier King Charles spaniels enjoy the water and are capable of swimming well. Still, when introducing them to swimming, it is crucial to take it in steps.
Be sure to choose a safe place for your dog to swim and put a life vest on him. An ideal site could be a pool or a lake, but it should be where your dog can swim without worrying about rapidly moving water, high waves, or crowds of people. This can quickly become overwhelming for a dog that does not know how to swim.
Start somewhere shallow and enter the water with your Cavalier. He will be less fearful if you are in the water with him. Another way to encourage him to adapt to the water is to bring floaty toys. Enticed by the toys, he will be eager to jump in and start splashing.
Remember to be patient while trying to teach your dog to swim. Swimming is a skill that takes time to learn, so it may take your Cavalier King Charles spaniel several tries before he gets the hang of it.
When your dog starts to swim on his own, place your hand gently under his stomach to help keep him afloat (in addition to the life vest). Reward your dog when he starts swimming, and soon he won’t be able to get enough of it.
Health and Safety Precautions
Swimming can be fun, but it can cause problems if done carelessly. To ensure your Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s well-being, observe these health and safety precautions:
- Put a life vest on your dog. Swimming can be dangerous, and no matter how adept of a swimmer your dog is, there can always be an unforeseen issue. This should must be a canine life vest, as one for humans will not work or fit properly. Likewise, the vest needs to be suitable for his breed and size.
- Do not take your dog swimming in rough conditions. If the water conditions are unfavorable, such as being overly cold or choppy, you should not take your dog swimming. Likewise, if the weather is poor, such as rainy or storming, your dog should not be swimming. Swimming in bad weather can lead to hypothermia, among other issues.
- Dry your dog after swimming, especially his ears. If his ears are not adequately dried afterward, he may develop an ear infection. If he gets an ear infection, you may notice him shaking his head or scratching at his ear often.
Benefits of Swimming for Dogs
Swimming can be an excellent activity for dogs. It is a good way to maintain a healthy weight and to work the joints. Injured dogs often swim to get exercise and movement in a minimal-impact way. Swimming is a fun opportunity for dogs to lose weight or gain muscle mass.
Final Thoughts
Not all dogs will enjoy swimming, but Cavalier King Charles spaniels enjoy water for the most part. If you want to test your dog’s swimming skills for the first time, be sure to introduce him gently to the water and follow safety precautions. If you discover that your dog enjoys swimming, it may become a part of his regular activities.
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