Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like to swim?
There are dogs that love the water and love to swim. For one or the other, there is nothing better than spending time in the water with his dog. In this article, we will clarify whether Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like to swim or not.
Whether Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like to swim cannot be answered in a general way. It depends on the individual dog whether he likes to go in the water or not. However, swimming is a great way to exercise your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels swim?
As a rule, dogs can swim, and so can the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. One can do it a little better than the other, but an extra swimming course is usually not necessary.
Dog breeds like the Labrador or Golden Retriever are naturally among the best swimmers, bred to work in and around water.
However, if your Cavalier likes to go into the water but see problems, you can put a dog life jacket on him for support.
This way, on the one hand, you can be a little more reassured that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is safe. On the other hand, your dog will probably have more fun in the water because he can relax better there.
You mustn’t force your dog into the water, but slowly get him used to it.
Getting Cavalier used to water
If you have a pool or access to a lake or frequently spend your vacation by the water, you may want to take your dog swimming.
However, it would be best if you slowly accustomed him to the water. If you just put your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the pool, hoping that he will love it and start swimming, there is a risk that he will get scared and avoid the water in the future.
Instead, you should take your Cavalier to the shore and play with him there. This way, your Cavalier will automatically come in contact with the water. Curiosity will be aroused, and he will probably gradually go further in.
He may even retrieve a ball from the shallow water, and you can throw him in a little further each time.
With our Broholmer, it was precisely the same. At first, she didn’t want to go to the lake or river. We gave her time, and she explored the unknown element independently and consistently went one step further.
Today she goes into the lake or river and has fun in the water. However, she does not swim. So far, she has only been where she can still walk. But she is not afraid of water (anymore).
You can also set up a particular dog pool in the garden or on the balcony for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Then put a ball or toy in it and encourage your Cavalier to get it out again.
Usually dogs have fun, you play together, and in parallel, your Cavalier gets used to the pool and the water and eventually goes in alone.
A dog pool is a perfect way to get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel used to water and, at the same time, protect him from the heat in summer.
Dogs cannot sweat (only through their paws) to regulate their body temperature. So when it is very hot, a dog pool is perfect for your Cavalier to cool down.
Where can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel swim?
Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can swim virtually anywhere.
Even if it seems a little crazy, you should consider beforehand whether it makes sense to let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel swim in this or that lake.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a very large dog. In a lake, he may be considered prey by a large pike or catfish.
If you do some research, you will always find articles describing a giant catfish eating a small dog or a pike biting a dog ..etc.
Ensure safety when your Cavalier swims
Even if you and your Cavalier King Charles enjoy swimming, you must take certain safety precautions.
- Do not let your Cavalier go into cold water. Even if your Cavalier loves to swim, if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel jumps into a river in the winter and you have to keep walking afterward, you may have health problems.
- Letting your Cavalier into public waters such as a lake or the ocean is not advisable in extreme winds. The wind or currents may push your Cavalier out to the sea or lake, and it may not reach shore under its power.
- Ensure your Cavalier does not jump into the water right after eating. Swimming, like any other activity, increases the risk of gastric torsion if your dog is active right after eating.
- Dry your Cavalier properly after swimming. You should pay special attention to the ears; they have little ventilation due to the hair and the fact that they are droopy or floppy ears. In combination with moisture, this is a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to inflammation.
- Get your Cavalier King Charles a unique life jacket for dogs*. This way, you can be sure that he will not drown. Dogs can’t judge when they have no strength left; in the worst case, it can be too late.
Advantages if your Cavalier likes to swim
Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also needs regular exercise.
Swimming is a great workout for dogs too. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a large dog with joint problems and does not need gentle training.
Swimming is easy on the joints, but very strenuous. The effort of swimming is much higher than normal running and trains all the muscles. Your dog will be exhausted, tired, and satisfied much faster.
Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can swim in the summer when it is very hot, instead of taking a strenuous walk in the heat. This is good for the muscles and cardiovascular system and helps protect him from heat.
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Disadvantages when your Cavalier swims
Of course, there are also disadvantages if your Cavalier King Charles likes to swim and is often in the water.
One point is certainly that a Cavalier King Charles smells stronger when it is wet. Even if you do everything possible to avoid dog smell. Moisture increases the inherent smell.
You also need to make sure that it is well-dried afterward. Especially if it is not very warm. If your Cavalier walks around wet in the cooler months, or if it’s windy, he can catch a cold quickly.
When your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should not swim
If your Cavalier King Charles is sick, he should not swim. In case of fever or open wounds and inflammations, you should not let him swim in the water not to aggravate the condition.
After all, you don’t know what germs or pathogens you’ll encounter that will exacerbate your current condition.
Conclusion: Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels swim?
Usually, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can swim. But if they like to swim and go into the water cannot be answered in a general way. It all depends on the individual dog. It is not the case that they love water more than anything, like Labradors.
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Marco
I am Marco, and I am very lucky to live with 3 big Mastiff-type dogs. In this blog, I want to share all my experiences and knowledge about dogs.
