Swimming can be a lovely way for many dogs to exercise and cool down, but not every dog can safely swim by instinct or keep it up for long. Just because a dog paddles does not mean it can stay afloat well, steer or easily get back to the side.
Here you can read how to assess whether your dog is suited to it, how to build up swimming calmly, where to choose the water wisely and which risks you need to spot quickly. Pay particular attention to red flags such as polluted water or blue-green algae, extreme heat or cold, fatigue, and existing skin or health issues.
Not every dog is a natural swimmer
A dog that moves its paws in the water is not automatically swimming safely. Flat-faced breeds such as the English Bulldog, dogs with short legs such as the Dachshund, dogs with a heavy chest, puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with joint or fitness issues are often at greater risk. A Golden Retriever, Labradoodle or Border Collie may take to water more easily, but even then supervision is still needed. So above all, look at your own dog's build, fitness, confidence and previous experience.
How to teach your dog to swim safely
- Start in calm, shallow water with an easy exit. Never force your dog, and never lift or throw your dog into the water. Also teach het βblijfβ-commando voor bij de waterkant so your dog waits before entering.
- Keep the first sessions short. Let your dog discover for itself how it moves, practise getting back to the side in particular, and on dry land also spend time practising recall (een betrouwbaar terugroepcommando aanleren).
- For beginners, puppies, senior dogs or deep and moving water, it is better to use a well-fitting dog buoyancy aid. Check the fit, that it has enough buoyancy, leaves the shoulders free and has a sturdy handle.
- Keep it calm and positive. Reward calm behaviour on shore with training treats for your dog rather than with energetic play in the water.
Where your dog can safely go into the water
- Look for places where dogs are genuinely welcome, such as a dog beach, off-lead area or recreation spot with clear signs and local rules.
- A good swimming spot has a gradual entry, a firm bottom, a visible exit, little current and enough visibility for both you and your dog.
- Avoid steep or slippery banks, sudden drop-offs, busy bathing areas and places where boats, paddleboarders or passing cyclists create too much disturbance.
- Check local rules from the council, land manager or recreation area, and just before you leave make sure conditions on site are still safe, especially if you are taking your dog on holiday.
Open water? Check these risks first
Only let your dog swim if the water looks safe. Official warnings, a strange greenish-blue colour, surface scum, a strong smell, or dead fish and birds are clear signs to stay away. The same goes for risks such as blue-green algae, botulism and Weil's disease. If your dog has still been in suspicious water or develops symptoms afterwards, get your dog out of the water immediately and call your vet.
Also watch for physical dangers: currents, waves, sharp objects, slippery banks, hidden deep spots and suddenly cold water. It is better to skip swimming altogether in thunderstorms, strong currents, if your dog has open wounds or a fever, if it is clearly exhausted, or if the water is visibly polluted.
During and after swimming: what to watch for
- Stop in time. Slower swimming, sitting lower in the water, panting, restless turning or clearly wanting to get to the side are signs of fatigue. There is no fixed swim duration; fitness, age, temperature and experience make a big difference.
- In warm weather, choose cooler times and build in shade and rest breaks. Refreshing water is not automatically clean or safe.
- Take extra care with cold water and winter swimming. Shivering, slower movement and becoming listless can be signs of getting chilled.
- Prevent your dog from taking in lots of water through endless retrieving or playing with sprinklers. Bring fresh drinking water and afterwards check the ears, coat, skin and paws; if needed, read about oren veilig schoonmaken na het zwemmen, vachtverzorging na het zwemmen and verzorging van voetzolen op strand en bij rotsige oevers.
Sea, lake or pool: these are the differences
| Place | Advantages | Watch out for this |
|---|---|---|
| Public or indoor swimming pool | Easy to supervise and often clean | Only if dogs are explicitly welcome. Chlorinated water is not meant for drinking; rinse your dog off afterwards. |
| Dog pool or bath at home | Calm setting, easy to control | Choose stability, non-slip surfaces and an easy entry. For large dogs, size matters even more. |
| Recreational lake or pond | Often natural and spacious | Check permission, water quality, bottom, depth and exit options. |
| Sea | Lots of space and often cooler | Waves, currents and salt water make it more demanding. Keep sessions short and offer fresh drinking water. |
Special situations and quick answers
If in doubt, the package leaflet, product information or your vet's advice carries more weight than general tips.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for a dog, and what does it mean for a first swim outing?
The 3-3-3 rule is about settling into a new home and new routines, not about swimming ability. With a newly adopted or recently moved dog, it is wiser to first build trust and predictability. Then choose a calm, short first experience in the water without crowds.
Can your dog swim with Advantix?
Water can affect how some spot-on treatments work, especially shortly after application. Always follow the leaflet and the advice of your vet or pharmacist for drying time and waiting time. If your dog swims often, discuss which parasite protection suits that situation.
Can a dog in season swim?
A dog in season can physically swim, but busy shared swimming spots are often impractical because of hygiene and extra attention from male dogs. During this period, it is better to avoid busy off-lead and dog swimming locations. Also skip swimming if your dog is clearly showing stress, discomfort or fatigue.
Can a dog with a hotspot or bladder infection swim?
With a hotspot, open skin or a bladder infection, swimming is usually not a good idea without the vet's go-ahead. Moisture and polluted water can worsen skin problems, and cold or dirty water is not a good combination for urinary complaints either. Only go swimming again once the symptoms are under control and you can resume normal coat care for your dog.
Is swimming a good form of exercise or therapy for dogs?
Swimming can be a joint-friendly way to train fitness and muscles if your dog feels comfortable in water. That is different from hydrotherapy or rehabilitation; for that you need guidance from a vet or canine physiotherapist. Even then, gradual build-up, technique and fatigue still matter.
