Do chihuahuas swim and do they like the water? Many owners wonder this when it comes to their tiny dogs because they want to splash around and cool down with them when the summer weather comes around. Here we’ll take a look at common questions and concerns around chihuahuas and water.
Can Chihuahuas Swim?
Chihuahuas are able to swim, but not as well as other breeds. They are not natural swimmers in the sense that while they have a dog’s swimming instinct, they are unskilled at it. Chihuahuas should be supervised when swimming and made sure they don’t get over tired, as their tiny bodies can’t handle it.
Can Chihuahuas Drown?
Yes, chihuahuas can drown. They do not have webbed feet or a lot of body fat to keep them afloat, and since they are tiny and light, it will only take a few seconds for them to sink. Just like any dog, chihuahuas can get overwhelmed with the water if they are inexperienced swimmers or just not very used to it.
Do Chihuahuas Like the Water?
The answer to this question is yes and no.
Chihuahuas may enjoy swimming, but it depends on the individual. Some chihuahuas enjoy swimming when they are introduced to it so long as their head is above water and they have a toy or food reward that they can chase after. Other chihuahuas will only enjoy the water for a few minutes before becoming too bored or scared.
The Chihuahua’s ancestors are believed to have been a type of desert wolf but the Chihuahua has retained that strong instinct for life in the wild, so it may still like to swim. Some breeds, such as the Mexican Hairless, do not swim because they have no hair to keep them warm in colder temperatures.
Why Some Chihuahuas Hate the Water
Some chihuahuas do not like the water due to discomfort or fear. Because they don’t have long fur, they are easily prone to hypothermia. And because they can’t swim very well, fear or a lack of training can also contribute to their aversion to swimming.
How to Get My Chihuahua To Like the Water
There are many ways you can get your chihuahua to learn how to enjoy getting into the water. For some dogs, they like the water only after being introduced to it by small amounts. You should slowly introduce your pet to a bathtub or sink of water before you dip them into a pool of water.
You can try training them with treats, toys and games in the water at home where they’ll be more comfortable. This will help them get used to being in the water before teaching them how to swim. If you do this gradually enough, they will learn how much fun it can be in the pool!
How to Train a Chihuahua To Swim
There will be a lot of trial and error when it comes to teaching chihuahuas how to swim. The only way to figure out what works best for yours is by giving him or her time in the water.
The best way to teach a chihuahua to swim is to start with the basics. Make sure they are in shallow water and not deep water and have them get used to the feeling of being in the water before you begin actually teaching them how to swim.
When they are comfortable being in the water (but before you attempt to actually teach swimming), begin by attaching a toy or food reward to a long string and have them chase after it while in the water. You can then try introducing them slowly to different parts of the pool.
Be careful with your chihuahua, as they are more likely than other breeds to drown so it’s important that you don’t push them too much and make sure their head stays above water at all times.
Is a Kiddie Pool Safe for Chihuahuas?
Generally, kiddie pools are safe for chihuahuas as long as they’re supervised to make sure they don’t get too tired or frustrated. If you introduce your dog gradually and by small steps, the pool should be safe if the water isn’t too deep.
Just be careful to invest in a pool made specifically for dogs to avoid damage. A dog’s nails can puncture a kiddie pool when the dog is swimming and the nails penetrate the outer shell of the pool. Dogs can also puncture a kiddie pool if they are walking on it and their claws embed in the plastic.
Can I Take My Chihuahua To The Beach or a Lake?
Feel free to take your chihuahua to the beach or lake. However, keep in mind the concerns mentioned above, especially if letting your chihuahua go into the water at the beach. It is even more important to keep an eye on your dog, since their tiny size and underdeveloped swimming skills can put them in greater danger of waves or a current in the water.
A small lake, on the other hand, will generally have calmer water and may be a better option if there is one near you. You won’t have to worry about big waves or currents, but again it’s always best to stay on the safe side and make sure you don’t pressure your dog into swimming if he or she hasn’t had enough exposure and training at home.
A life jacket is not necessary for chihuahuas when swimming, but may be a good option while they are getting acclimated to the water.
What To Do if Your Chihuahua is Drowning
If your chihuahua is drowning, one of the first things you should do is make sure that his or her head stays above water. Stay calm and try to get them out of the pool or into a shallow area with their head above water. If they’re coughing, then it’s likely that they’ll be able to resume breathing quickly without intervention from you. However, if they’re not coughing, then they may need to be scruffed underwater and lifted out of the water so they can cough up any debris or fluid in their lungs.
Final Thoughts
There’s no reason to let a chihuahua’s initial aversion to water discourage you from swimming with your pooch. If proper steps are taken and you help your chihuahua become acclimated to (and maybe even enjoy) the pool or other bodies of water, then there’s no reason not to have safe and supervised fun this summer!