Do Great Pyrenees Like Water and the Benefits of Swimming

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Posted Oct 23, 2024

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Great Pyrenees on Snow
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Great Pyrenees are naturally inclined to water, but it's essential to introduce them to it gradually and safely. They can become strong swimmers with practice.

In fact, Great Pyrenees are known to be excellent swimmers, with their webbed feet and water-resistant coats making them well-suited for water activities.

Do Great Pyrenees Like Water?

Great Pyrenees are generally not fond of water, and they often require coaxing to get them to take a dip. They are a mountain breed, after all, and their thick coats are designed to withstand cold temperatures, not get wet.

In fact, Great Pyrenees can be quite resistant to water, and some owners have reported that their dogs will even avoid getting their paws wet. This is likely due to their natural instinct to stay dry and warm.

Great Pyrenees can be trained to tolerate water, but it's not a guarantee they'll enjoy it. With patience and positive reinforcement, some Great Pyrenees have learned to swim and even enjoy the water, but it's not a common trait for the breed.

However, Great Pyrenees do need regular bathing to stay clean and healthy, and some owners have reported that their dogs will tolerate baths if they're done gradually and with plenty of praise and rewards.

Teaching Great Pyrenees to Swim

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy’s swim lesson! Or NOT! #pyrenees #puppy

If you want to teach your Great Pyrenees to swim, start by getting them used to the water in a calm body of water, such as a still lake or dog-friendly pool. This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

A dog life jacket is a must-have for their first training session, as it will give them confidence to swim and help them float without drowning. You can find a variety of life jackets on Amazon that cater to larger breeds.

Don't force your Great Pyrenees into the water, as this can create horrible memories and make them more likely to be afraid of swimming. Instead, lure them into the water with treats and gentle encouragement.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Get your Great Pyrenees used to wearing a life jacket out of the water before testing it in the water.
  • Start with shallow water and gradually increase the depth as your dog becomes more comfortable.
  • Help your dog keep their head above water by placing a hand under their belly or using a toy to encourage them to stay afloat.

Remember to be patient and take it slow when teaching your Great Pyrenees to swim, as they may need multiple attempts to become comfortable with the water.

Pros of Swimming

Credit: youtube.com, great pyrenees first swimming lesson

Swimming is a great way to relieve pressure on your Great Pyrenees' joints, especially as they age and develop arthritis.

Swim therapy is a common therapy used in veterinary hospitals, which exerts a healthy amount of pressure while protecting the joints and limbs of an older or injured dog.

For Great Pyrenees, swimming can be a great form of healthy exercise if they enjoy it.

If your dog needs swim therapy from a veterinarian, they'll at least enjoy it because they'll be in the water.

As a giant breed dog, your Great Pyrenees might experience chronic issues with their joints, but swimming can help alleviate some of this pressure.

Tips for Swimming

Teaching Great Pyrenees to swim can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. It's essential to start with a calm body of water, such as a still lake or a dog-friendly pool, to help your Great Pyrenees feel more comfortable.

Credit: youtube.com, Swimming with a Great Pyrenees Dog: Tips & Tricks!

A dog life jacket is a must-have for their first training session, as it gives them confidence to swim and helps them float without drowning. There are many options available, including large dog life vests that fit Great Pyrenees.

Don't just throw your Great Pyrenees into the water, as this can create horrible memories with water. Instead, gently put their feet in the water and let them feel comfortable before gradually increasing the depth.

If you take your Great Pyrenees to swim in lakes or chlorinated pools, make sure to rinse them after swimming to prevent skin diseases. You should also check the chlorine concentration in the pool and never keep it at a higher level.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when swimming with your Great Pyrenees:

  • Get a dog life jacket for your Great Pyrenees, as it can be beneficial for both swimming and boating.
  • Never force your Great Pyrenees to get in the water if they show fear or aren't interested.
  • Stay with your Great Pyrenees at all times while they're swimming, as they may need your help in case of an emergency.
  • Reserve energy and don't tire your Great Pyrenees out before swimming, as they don't have a lot of stamina to begin with.

Remember to be patient when teaching your Great Pyrenees to swim, as it may take multiple attempts for them to become comfortable. Some dogs may never be comfortable with swimming, especially if they're older or have no experience with water.

Safety and Precautions

Credit: youtube.com, Swimming with Great Pyrenees - Do They Enjoy It?

Great Pyrenees are natural swimmers, but as with any dog, safety should be your top priority. Don't let them drink untreated water from lakes or rivers, as bacteria thrive in these environments.

To prevent digestive issues, it's essential to keep your Great Pyrenees away from contaminated water. Bacteria can lead to serious health problems, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Don't leave your Great Pyrenees alone in the water, even if they know how to float.
  • Supervise them closely during swimming sessions.
  • Rinse your Great Pyrenees after swimming in lakes or chlorinated pools.
  • Avoid playing fetch in pools, as water can enter their body.
  • Check the chlorine concentration in the pool and keep it at a safe level.

Remember, Great Pyrenees can be heavy, so be cautious not to tire them out. Keep an eye on their energy levels and take breaks when needed.

Cons of Swimming

Swimming in chlorinated pools can be a concern for Great Pyrenees, as they tend to drink water while swimming, which might lead to skin diseases.

Dogs, especially Great Pyrenees, love to play in water, but it's essential to rinse them thoroughly after swimming to prevent skin diseases.

After rinsing, make sure to dry and clean your Great Pyrenees, paying extra attention to their ears to prevent ear infections.

Removing the water after letting your Great Pyrenees play for a specific time is crucial to prevent them from becoming stinky.

Swimming Safety Tips

Credit: youtube.com, Educational video with safety rules in the swimming pool

Swimming with your Great Pyrenees can be a great way to keep them cool and relaxed, but it's essential to take some precautions to ensure their safety. Don't let them drink the water, as bacteria thrive in natural untreated sources like lakes or rivers.

When swimming with your Great Pyrenees, always supervise them and don't leave them alone in the water. Even if they know how to float, it's still possible for them to get into trouble.

If you take your Great Pyrenees to a chlorinated swimming pool, make sure to rinse them after swimming to prevent any potential health issues. Chlorine can be harsh on their skin and coat.

To prevent your Great Pyrenees from getting tired or overheated, don't play fetch in the pool. This can cause them to ingest too much water, which can lead to health problems.

To ensure your Great Pyrenees' safety while swimming, check the chlorine concentration in the pool and never keep it at a higher level than recommended. This is especially important for Great Pyrenees, as they tend to lick themselves after bathing.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 10 Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Here are some essential swimming safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Get a dog life jacket for your Great Pyrenees to wear during their first training session.
  • Don't force your Great Pyrenees to get in the water if they're not interested or show fear.
  • Stay with your Great Pyrenees while they're swimming and be prepared to help them if needed.
  • Don't overwork your Great Pyrenees when teaching them to swim, as they can get tired easily.
  • Avoid swimming in areas with algae, as it can be toxic to your Great Pyrenees.

By following these swimming safety tips, you can help ensure a fun and safe experience for both you and your Great Pyrenees.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.