Now that summer’s here, we all want our dogs to join us on our summer vacations, either it’s at the beach or in the pool.
To the question, “Do Chihuahuas like to swim? “the most common response is no. Because they are tiny dogs, they feel uneasy and even afraid of being in water in the first place.
However, the answer to the question, “Can Chihuahuas swim?” is a resounding yes in this case.
This is no unusual than any other animal when it comes to swimming. How you teach them and how they approach the water will determine whether or not they like this type of exercise.
Allow me to teach you all you need to know about getting your Chi to swim, and I love it as well.
Do Chihuahuas Have a Favorite Water Activity?
Other Chihuahuas dislike swimming since they are tiny dogs, and like with most small dogs, they experience Small Dog Syndrome, which is a condition that affects all small dogs.
This makes them feel uncomfortable around anything more significant than themselves – even vast amounts of water.
Here are some of the cause why many Chihuahuas hate swimming and other water-based recreation:
💧 Fear and insecurity
According to most owners, Chihuahuas who do not like to swim are most often frightened of water. They are conscious that they are tiny dogs and may drown if they are in the water.
Additionally, the immensity of the ocean or even a regular swimming pool may be frightening to some Chihuahuas.
💧 It is uncomfortable for them to have water in their ears.
In addition to their perky ears, many Chihuahuas are not fond of swimming for several other reasons.
Water may readily enter their ear canals, causing discomfort, pain, infections, and irritation due to the anger and condition. Many Chihuahuas dislike bathing due to this, and many of them are also allergic to it.
💧 The chlorine in the water irritates their eyes.
Chlorinated pool water may irritate their eyes, which may be one of the reasons why Chihuahuas do not like swimming.
💧 They don’t enjoy having their jackets wet in the rain.
Many long-haired Chihuahuas, short-haired Chihuahuas, and smooth-coated Chihuahuas do not enjoy having their fur and coat wet or dirty.
The chlorinated pool water or the salty saltwater may create itching skin, which might be why Chis avoid being near water sources.
Do some Chihuahuas like being in the water?
Chihuahuas with restricted mobility and who cannot depend on walking or other kinds of exercise are often recommended activities such as swimming by veterinarians.
Swimming is an excellent workout for dogs since it engages all muscle groups while also less taxing on their joints.
Water, on the other hand, is not a favorite of all Chihuahuas. In reality, just a few dogs breed like water, including most retrievers, water dogs, and other similar varieties.
On the other hand, Chihuahuas were not bred to labor in or near water bodies, as with other breeds. They were mainly slaughtered for food, and later on, they were raised exclusively for the sake of companionship and lapdogs and were eventually exterminated.
That is why you will not find many Chihuahuas that are comfortable in the water. In the summer, a few of Chis may be willing to accompany their families to the pool or the beach, but that’s about as far as they’ll go from the edge of the water.
Beach Vs Pool
🐶 Swimming in the Beach
When you ask most people who don’t know anything about dogs, they’ll likely respond with: “Of course!” All canines are capable of swimming and would like swimming in the ocean. The problem is that this is an incorrect assumption that may have deadly consequences.
However, just because your little Chiweenie is buoyant enough to swim and remain afloat and automatically starts the “doggy paddle” does not imply that it enjoys swimming.
The only advantage of having a Chihuahua around water is that they are tiny and lightweight dogs to begin with. That is why they can maintain their buoyancy in the water. At the beach, your young swimmer may attempt to walk on water with its front paws, but it may still end up sinking in the water with its back feet.
In addition to stinging and irritating their eyes, many Chihuahuas are not fond of the salty water of the beach.
As a result, I highly advise you to refrain from pushing your Chi to go swimming in the ocean. It is possible for your pet to get nervous or frightened.
Second, the powerful currents and waves may easily take your Chihuahua away or perhaps cause it to die in the water without you noticing.
As a result, avoid taking your animal companion to the beach for swim lessons; instead, train your pet to swim in a baby pool first.
🐶 Swimming in the Pool
Chihuahuas are a breed of dog that is great for families and as a companion. Spending time with family members, whom they believe to be related to their pack members, is something they like doing.
As a result, most Chihuahuas will be delighted to join their owners in the swimming pool. We cannot, though, rule out the chance that these canines like swimming in chlorine pools.
There are a variety of reasons why Chihuahuas may be reluctant to go swimming in pools. They may be irritated by the chlorinated water because it contains chlorine.
Another issue is that many Chis are conscious of their tiny stature and may be concerned about drowning. Even a baby pool may seem to your little puppy as a vast ocean when he is so small.
Third, most people despise getting their dog’s coat wet, and even more so, they hate getting water in their dog’s ears.
A small number of Chihuahuas like swimming in pools; however, this may be because they have been desensitized to water from an early age and have been taught by their dog owner to be a competent swimmer.
Swimming in chlorinated pools is harmful to Chihuahuas.
The following are some of the hazards or risks associated with chlorinated pool water in dogs:
🦴 Consumption of chlorine
By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming in chlorinated pools is safe for dogs. According to the group, the chlorine level in reservoirs is much lower than the amount of chlorine considered acceptable for dogs to consume via pool water consumption.
Having said that, if your Chihuahua consumes a large amount of pool water in a short period, there is a danger. It is well documented that many dogs experience stomach pain, vomiting, and regurgitation after consuming a large amount of water from a swimming pool.
🦴 Irritation and allergies of the skin
The residue left by chlorine water on your pet’s skin and hair is unpleasant. The failure to remove it from your pet’s coat may cause it to become dry and flaky. It may also cause skin irritation, hot spots, and other health problems for your cat.
🦴 Infections of the ears
Chihuahuas with perky ears may potentially get ear infections as a result of exposure to contaminated water. It would help if you cleaned your dog’s ears after swimming to prevent the development of fungal or bacterial infections, which may be very difficult to cure.
Pet owners may avoid the risks listed above if they take the necessary measures.
Dangers of Swimming
Swimming may be dangerous for tiny dogs, such as Chihuahuas, because of the strong currents. These are some examples:
🐶 The presumption that all dogs are capable of swimming
Chis are not all born swimmers. They may be the ones who initiate the doggy paddle, but they aren’t always the most skilled swimmers.
So, unless you have taught your child to swim, resist forcing them into a pool or the ocean.
🐶 The water’s overall quality
If you take your little dog swimming in a pool, pond, or lake, the water may be polluted or infected with bacteria. It may result in stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, skin issues, and other symptoms if eaten.
🐶 Drowning in water without becoming wet
Even an experienced natural swimmer may be in danger of drowning if the water becomes too shallow. If you leave your little dog in the water for even a brief period, it is in danger of being swept away by riptides, waves, or powerful currents, and it may drown if it swallows a large amount of water.
If left alone in a swimming pool, an unattended dog may get exhausted and dry-drown if not rescued. Small dogs may die from dry drowning if they swallow just 1-3 mL of water per kilogram of body weight in the first 24 hours after the event.
🐶 Slippery rocks
Sharp, slippery rocks in bodies of water such as lakes and rivers pose a threat to both dogs and people, putting them in danger of injury.
🐶 Hypothermia
Chihuahuas tend to get chilly quite quickly. If the condition temperature is already cold and you force your pet to swim in frigid water, it may shake and shiver due to the cold, and it may even become hypothermic due to the exposure.
Benefits of Swimming to Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may benefit from swimming, according to a new study.
Swimming is an excellent kind of training for your Chi, provided that you teach it how to swim correctly and under the supervision of a qualified instructor or coach. The following are some of its advantages:
💧 It is a fantastic exercise for general health.
Swimming for one minute is the equivalent of four to five minutes of vigorous walking on a flat surface. Swimming may help you feel better by reducing inflammation, increasing energy, preventing depression, strengthening your Chi’s heart and lungs, and speeding up your metabolism.
Dogs that participate in regular swim lessons have minor discomfort and are less likely to become obese.
💧 It is beneficial to the joints.
Many Chihuahuas suffer from joint problems such as luxating patellas, arthritis, and hip-elbow dysplasia, which are all common in the breed. The low-impact nature of swimming allows them to decrease joint stiffness while simultaneously improving mobility.
💧 It is a stress and anxiety reliever.
Swimming is an excellent way for nervous Chihuahuas to relieve tension and burn off some of their pent-up energy. This may help to decrease undesirable behaviors like barking, chewing furniture, biting, and so forth.
Swimming Suggestions for Keeping Your Pet Safe
Swimmable dogs are rare in the canine world, but Chihuahuas are not among them, and you will need to teach your pet to swim as part of his overall training.
The following are the measures you take to teach your Chi to swim safely:
🦴 Begin with a modest investment.
Always allow your pet to get used to the water before allowing them to swim. It is not recommended that you take it to the beach straight away. Instead, let it go for a doggy paddle in the child’s pool.
Always check to see whether your pet enjoys the activity. If it isn’t working, don’t push it.
🦴 Never leave your pet alone or unattended.
Even though your Chi seems to be a competent swimmer, you should never leave it alone in the water. Keep a close watch on your pet at all times to avoid accidents.
Teach your pet how to get to the beach by showing him the exits. You may also use potted plants or colorful cones to mark the doors to make finding them easier for your pet.
🦴 Get your pup a doggie swim vest.
A dog swimming vest, sometimes known as a life jacket, may assist your tiny dog in staying afloat in water. As a bonus, these vests are vividly colored, making it easier to locate your Chi in low-light situations.
🦴 Allow your Chi to drink plenty of freshwater before going swimming.
Freshwater will keep your Chi from ingesting the lake, pool, or salinity of the seawater.
🦴 Keep sessions to a minimum in length.
Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, are prone to becoming exhausted fast. As a result, do not allow the swimming session to go more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Removing your pet from the water and placing it in the shade to cool down is recommended if it seems to be short of breath, appears agitated, or begins panting.
🦴 After swimming, you are bathing your pet.
After swimming, bath your Chihuahua with the best shampoo available. Ensure that it is completely dried, giving particular care to its ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long shall I let my Chihuahua swim before I bring him in?
Keep the sessions for new swimmers to less than 10 minutes in length. Constantly be on the lookout for symptoms of exhaustion such as painting, shortness of breath, anxiousness, and so forth. If you notice any of these indications, remove your pet from the pool.
Should keep swimming sessions to approximately 20-30 minutes in length for experienced swimmers.
Q: What is it about my Chihuahua’s swimming that makes it want to “bite” the water?
When they see water, some Chihuahuas become extremely enthusiastic and jump up and down. They may plunge, snap, and bite at the water’s surface. As long as your pet seems to be enjoying himself in the water, there is no need to be concerned.
Q: When swimming with your Chihuahua, how can you know whether the water is safe for him?
Please stay away from bodies of water that have blue-green algae in them. Whether you’re swimming in the sea or a lake, you should avoid swimming in strong currents. Make sure that there are no sharp or slippery rocks that may harm your pet while hiking. Never leave your little dog alone in or near the water.
Final Words
Do Chihuahuas like going for a swim? Because they are neither born or inherent swimmers, the majority of Chihuahuas dislike swimming. Furthermore, most Chihuahuas are afraid of water, and many of them do not enjoy having their hair and ears wet.
Although certain Chihuahua dogs are known to be fond of water, swimming, and other aquatic sports, this is not the case for all of them. You may also effectively teach him to swim successfully by following safety measures, such as using an appropriate life jacket and constantly watching your Chihuahua while it is in the pool.
Looking for 9 Best Wet Food for Chihuahua (Buying Guide)? No problem at all. We got you covered!
Please share us your thoughts in the comment section below.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
