Dogs That Hate Water: What You Need to Know

Some dogs are naturally more inclined to avoid water, and it's not just because of a few bad experiences. Research suggests that certain breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, have a higher likelihood of being water-averse due to their brachycephalic skull structure.

Dogs that hate water often exhibit distinct behaviors, like avoiding baths or swimming pools. Their reluctance to get wet can be attributed to the sensation of water on their sensitive skin.

Many dogs that dislike water are not necessarily afraid of it, but rather uncomfortable with the sensation of it on their fur. This is especially true for breeds with thick coats, like German Shepherds, who may find water weighing them down.

In some cases, dogs that hate water may require extra care and patience when it comes to grooming and water-based activities.

Explore further: Why Do Dogs Stop Drinking Water

Some breeds are naturally not suited for water, and it's essential to understand this before taking your dog to the beach or pool. Many smaller breeds, such as Pugs, French and English Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Maltese, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Boxers, Chow-Chows, and Corgis, have physical characteristics that make swimming difficult.

Their short legs, bulky bodies, long fur, and flat faces can all contribute to their struggle in the water. For example, their fur can weigh them down, while their flat faces can make breathing difficult when exercising.

It's not that these breeds hate water, but rather they're not built for it. However, it's still essential to get them used to water, even if they don't swim, as they'll need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Additional reading: Dogs Not Eating but Drinking Water

To start, take your dog on a long walk beforehand to tire him out and put him in a relaxed mood. This will help reduce the likelihood of him running away from the bath.

Having everything you need in the bath area can make the process smoother and more comfortable for your dog. A rubber mat or towel in the tub can give your pup a better grip to stand confidently.

Filling the tub with 3-4 inches of water beforehand can help reduce your dog's anxiety caused by the loud gushing noise from bath faucets. This will make the transition into the bath much calmer.

Dog toys can be a great distraction from a distressing bath. Fill the tub with your dog's favorite rubber or plastic toys to keep him occupied.

Choose a specialized pet shampoo and conditioner that is paraben-free and specifically formulated for your dog's coat type. This will help keep his natural oils locked in and prevent any irritation.

A spray nozzle attachment can make rinsing your dog easier and less alarming. This can be especially helpful for dogs who are frightened by water.

Here's a list of things you'll need to prepare for a smooth bath:

Dogs that hate water can be a handful, but with the right approach, you can make bath time a breeze. Start by preparing your dog for the bath by taking them on a long walk beforehand to tire them out and put them in a relaxed mood.

Before the bath, prepare the bath area with everything you need. This includes a rubber mat to give your pup a better grip on the slippery surface of the tub, 3-4 inches of water in the tub to make the transition into the bath calmer, dog toys to distract your dog from the distressing bath, and a spray nozzle attachment to control the amount of water and the direction of the flow.

To make bath time less stressful, use a specialized pet shampoo and conditioner that is paraben-free and washes out of your dog's thick coat easily. This will help your dog associate baths and water with good times, not bad.

Bathing your dog too frequently can lead to dry skin, so stick to a one to three month plan, or bathe your dog once for every major holiday. This frequency will also depend on breed and age, as well as how much time your dog spends outside.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

By following these tips, you can make bath time a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Dogs may hate water due to lack of exposure from a young age.

Some short-haired breeds may not be bathed often because they don't need grooming, which can contribute to a water phobia.

A bad experience involving water, such as almost drowning as a puppy, can leave a traumatic impact on a dog and make them avoid water at all costs.

In some cases, a dog owner may have used water as a method of punishment, which can also lead to a water phobia.

If you got your dog from a shelter, it's possible they had past trauma involving water that you should be aware of.

It's not easy to help your dog overcome a fear of water, but there are ways to ease the anxiety and make bath time less painful for both of you.

Tiring your pup out with exercise before bath time can make them less likely to fight back during their bath.