Should Shih Tzus swim
Can a Shih Tzu Swim? Dog Stamina & Strength Explained
Shih Tzus are often thought of as dogs that arent suitable for any activities other than sitting on laps. For some dogs, this is true, but for many Shih Tzus, they have a moderate activity level that needs exercise and mental stimulation.
Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that love to play and participate in activities. If you need a buddy for walks, light jogs, easy-to-moderate hikes, and even dog sports, a Shih Tzu can be a great companion for these activities. These fancy pups can be quite the little outdoorsmen, so dont sell your Shih Tzu shorts.
Can Shih Tzus swim, though? Yes, Shih Tzus can swim. Swimming is a great form of exercise that is low impact and supports the health of the joints and cardiovascular system, but is this a safe activity for your Shih Tzu to participate in?
Can Shih Tzus Swim?
Not only can they swim, but many Shih Tzus enjoy swimming and have a natural ability to swim without any guidance. Unfortunately, Shih Tzus arent necessarily built for swimming. This means that they lack the stamina necessary to safely swim for very long.
Allowing your Shih Tzu to swim is a great form of exercise for these strong pups, but they may get tired quickly. Its extremely important that your Shih Tzu is never allowed to swim without direct supervision.
Ideally, they should wear a properly fitted doggy life jacket when swimming. A lifejacket can ensure your dog doesnt go under the water if they become exhausted, but a lifejacket isnt a guarantee of safety, which is why its so important that you are always nearby and properly supervising your Shih Tzu when theyre in the water.
Are Shih Tzus Strong?
Even though their stamina may be lacking, Shih Tzus are actually quite athletic, muscular dogs. They can excel in a variety of activities, including agility. Their strength and athleticism make them ideal companions for many types of dog sports, and Shih Tzus can also be good companions for active households that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Although strong, there is a major reason that the stamina of the Shih Tzu is lacking: the shape of the face. Shih Tzus have a short snout and somewhat flat face, which can lead to a variety of breathing issues. Their facial shape is a notable reason why they may struggle to develop adequate stamina for participating in activities like swimming for very long.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus are athletic little dogs that have a natural ability to swim, but they dont have the stamina to swim for extended periods. Properly fitted doggy life jackets and adult supervision are necessary to ensure the safety of your Shih Tzu during swimming.
Regular swimming can improve the stamina of your Shih Tzu, allowing them to swim for longer, but the shape of their face and short snout may make it difficult for them to develop adequate stamina for extended periods of swimming.
Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock
Can Shih Tzus Swim?
Its a beautiful summer day and youre headed to the beach, but should you take your Shih Tzu? Theres no doubt that the pup would love the outing. But what about the water? Can Shih Tzus swim? The quick answer is yes, but there is more you need to know.
Can Shih Tzus Swim?
Yes, like all dogs, Shih Tzus are natural swimmers.
They have a natural instinct when it comes to swimming, so they dont need training classes for swimming.
Chances are youve seen those videos of dogs being held above a pool with their little legs doing a paddle motion even though they arent in the water.
Now, thats super cute.
And if you did the same with your Shih Tzu, its little legs would make the same motion.
Swimming comes naturally to dogs.
Having said that, some dogs are better for the beach or pool than others.
Shih Tzus Dont Have Great Stamina
While Shih Tzus arent poor swimmers, they arent strong swimmers and should never be left unsupervised.
They simply dont have the stamina to swim for long periods of time.
A few minutes in the water or a couple of water activities and chances are your little pouch is going to get tired out.
Their swimming abilities are the same as other dogs, but their stamina isnt.
A swimming pool is typically a better option for some water fun than the beach due to waves and such.
Cold water can lower their body temperatures too quickly, so make sure the water is warm enough.
If you find the water temperature comfortable, your Shih Tzu should as well.
If you dont, they wont either.
Breathing Issues, Shih Tzus and Swimming
Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed.
Thats a fancy word for a dog with a short muzzle and a flattened face.
It is what makes a Shih Tzus face so cute.
It also makes it more difficult for them to breathe in general and especially when in the water.
To keep their nose above the water they have to hold their head at an angle.
This puts strain on their necks and causes them to get tired faster.
Also, because their legs are short, they have to paddle harder to move forward through the water.
Thats why a doggie life jacket is helpful as their heads are held higher and the life vest holds them higher in the water, so they dont need to use as much energy to swim.
So, while Shih Tzus can certainly swim, a swimming session should just be a few minutes at a time.
Grooming Issues
If youve had a Shih Tzu for any period of time then you know they need a lot of grooming.
Daily brushing, baths every few weeks, and trips to the groomers are common.
If your Shih Tzu has really long hair daily grooming is even more important to keep them free of tangles and mats.
While a long-hair Shih Tzu can go into the water, just keep in mind that you will have a lot of clean-up afterward.
Youll want to give them a bath and comb them completely out.
Saltwater can irritate their skin and chlorine can as well.
How to Make Swimming More Enjoyable for Your Shih Tzu
If youre at the beach, you should let your Shih Tzu run around the shoreline so their little paws get wet and they feel like they have had a great day at the beach.
If youre at a larger body of water such as ocean water or the Gulf of Mexico, keep a close eye on your pup.
All it takes is one big wave or a riptide and they can be gone.
A life jacket or life vest is a great option as well even if youre at a pool.
This will take some of the pressure off of your Shih Tzus neck and make it easier for them to keep their head above water.
A Shih Tzu can turn into a couch potato if youre not careful, so you will want to make sure that your Shih Tzu is getting regular physical exercise before you take them swimming.
This will make swimming a more positive experience and a more enjoyable experience for your pup.
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Do Shih Tzus Like to Swim?
Some will and some wont.
If you take your Shih Tzu to the pool or beach when they are a puppy they will more likely enjoy swimming as an adult.
If you wait until they are all grown up, then the experience may frighten them or be unpleasant for them.
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To Sum it All Up:
Shih Tzus can swim and even enjoy it for short periods of time. A doggy life vest can make swimming easier for your pouch and daily exercise will ensure they are in good enough shape to handle it. Just make sure you keep them out of rough waters and instead let them play in shallow waters.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as a veterinarian or advice.
Can Shih Tzus Swim? The Definitive Guide!
Shih Tzus are some of the cutest dog breeds youll ever see and they can be a lot of fun to play with, whether thats in the pool or at the beach. But is it safe to let Shih Tzus swim?
A quick swim in the pool or lake can be refreshing while giving your Shih Tzu some much-needed fun! However, not every dog likes being around water.
Shih Tzus do have a natural instinct to swim, but they are not for it. So while these breeds can swim in the water if need be and do so with ease, their stamina limits them from doing anything too adventurous for long periods of time.
Summertime is a great time for Shih Tzus to cool off in a lake.
However, your find that not every dog likes being around water, and if this is the case with yours there are some steps you can take to make feel more comfortable around water.
So in this article, we will answer that question and provide you with some tips on how to keep your dog safe when swimming in natural water environments.
Do Shih Tzus Like To Swim?
Yes, Shih Tzus like to swim, and while some breeds are built for swimming, some have a better time than others in the water.
Most Shih Tzus will enjoy being in water or wading around on shorelines with their paws dipping into the water.
They love to fetch the ball when you throw it in the pool, however, as before, this type of breed will get tired faster and may have difficulty getting to the ball so make sure you keep an eye out when your dog goes jumping in the pool or lake.
Are Shih Tzus Good Swimmers?
Shih Tzus were bred to be companion dogs, so it should come as no surprise when they find their swims a bit exhausting and can only go for short distances in water.
Because Shih Tzus have a short nose they need to extend and hold their head at an angle when they swim and because of their short legs, they will need to paddle more to propel themselves forward.
Because Shih Tzus need to work harder to be able to swim effectively theyre more likely to tire out quicker than most other breeds.
Can Long Hair Shih Tzus Swim?
Although short hair Shih Tzus can swim without any cause any concerns, for long hair Shih Tzus it can be different for them to swim.
Shih Tzus with a thicker or longer coat can become waterlogged and the weight of their fur will make them struggle.
Some Shih Tzus may also have an allergy to chlorine in pools, which you want to be aware of before letting your pup swim there.
However, the chances of this happening are very small.
If you see your dog struggling in the water or if they become waterlogged, then youll want to take them out of the pool or the lake.
How To Teach Shih Tzus To Swim?
Shih Tzus are a cute breed of dog that have natural instincts to swim, but their build does not allow for them to do so in any adventurous way.
It is important that you teach your Shih Tzu how to swim and be able to float before jumping into a pool with them.
The best way to do this is by following the tips below.
- Use A Life Jacket For Your Dog
- Pick A Safe Location To Swim
- Hold Your Shih Tzu As They Swim
- Teach Your Shih Tzu to Get In And Out Of The Water
1. Use A Life Jacket
If your dog is not familiar with a pool or lake before then do consider using a life jacket specially made for dogs.
This way your dog can learn how to maneuver and use their legs in the water.
It is important that you continue reinforcing these new skills so that they are fully prepared before going into deep waters such as lakes or swimming pools with no barriers around them.
In order to provide a safe experience for both of you, do whats necessary to keep everyone hydrated (including pets!) by bringing along some type of container with fresh water on hand at all times.
If not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration which will be bad news if this happens out there in the middle of nowhere while your pup has just been learning how to swim!
2. Pick A Safe Location To Swim
When teaching your dog to swim you should look for water that is calm and clear. The sound of waves crashing can make this dog feel uncomfortable, as well as the current being too strong for him or her!
We all know that if the current is strong enough you can end up drifting out to sea and the Shih Tzu is no different! In fact, its very easy for them to be taken out to sea by a wave.
So if your dog has never tried swimming before its not wise to let them go into the ocean unless they are supervised and wearing a life jacket of course as this can be very dangerous for your pup.
Start off in shallow water, or even just use a kiddie pool if its easier for them at first since they might not know what swimming is yet!
Once they have mastered performing certain tasks while in the water, you can start increasing the depth of water gradually so that they can get used to being in deeper waters.
3. Hold Your Shih Tzu As They Swim
When placing your dog in the water its important to support their weight.
You can do this one of two ways by either holding youre a dog at each side or by placing your hand on their belly.
When they feel comfortable in the water, slowly move your arm to their front legs and help them paddle.
It might take a little while but eventually, youll be able to let go of their legs too!
The most important thing when teaching your pup how to swim is patience.
You neednt worry about yelling instructions at them or trying to force it out of them, just do what feels natural for both of you.
This will soon become an enjoyable experience that has many benefits including stress relief (for you!) and exercise during those warmer months.
Just remember, Some Shih Tzus may be reluctant to go in the water and become anxious.
If this is the case then you should try to keep him calm, until your dog is comfortable being in the water.
Give your dog plenty of encouragement to keep going with plenty of praise for his efforts and occasionally reward them with a treat!
4. Teach Your Shih Tzu to Get In And Out Of The Water
Shih Tzus can learn to swim, but it is important that they know how to get out of the pond or pool.
As Shih Tzus usually become more tired due to physical activity, they may not be able to swim for long distances.
So make sure you teach your Shih Tza this skill by moving away from the water body and calling him/her over with a firm voice.
Notice when he becomes tired so you can gauge his performance in the future!
This should be the last thing you do. But dont worry! Once your dog has completed this step a couple of times it should become second nature to them.
Think Of Your Shih Tzus Safety
As a dog owner, you want to ensure that your pup is safe in all situations. One of these situations includes swimming.
Its important to keep safety top of mind when letting your Shih Tzus swim.
To give you an idea of what we mean here are some things to think about before letting your dog jump into a pool or lake.
- Check The Water Temperature
- Never Leave Your Shih Tzu To Swim Alone
- Dont Force Or Throw Your Shih Tzu In The Water
- Watch Out For Predators In The Water
- Make sure the water is clean To Swim
Check The Water Temperature
The first precaution you should take when your dog is around water is to make sure the temperature is ok for them to swim in.
Water thats too cold can cause all kinds of problems for your dog even life-threatening.
Dogs that spend too much time in cold water are at risk of getting a condition known as swimmers tail or limber tail.
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Dogs can also get Hypothermia if the water is too cold especially in small dogs.
If you noticed that your dogs tail droops and no longer wags or lifts up, there is a chance your dog could be suffering from hypothermia.
Hypothermia is very serious for dogs because puppies, in particular, cant handle it well at all!
If you notice that a puppy has jumped into water too cold and begins to shiver or not use his/her tail right away you should contact your local veterinarian asap.
Never Leave Your Shih Tzu To Swim Alone
Never leave your Shih Tzu to swim alone if you know that they cannot swim! If your dog is not a good swimmer, make sure to supervise them in the water and never let them out of your sight.
As mentioned, Shih Tzus can tire quickly or become panicked during swimming sessions, which can lead to drowning.
If you have any doubts about their swimming ability just keep them at arms length.
If they feel panicked during swimming make sure you give them plenty of encouragement.
Dont Force Or Throw Your Shih Tzu In The Water
When teaching your Shih Tzu to swim never force or throw them into the water.
If you see them freaking out or struggling, take your time and have patience with your pooch.
If you force the dog into the water you could end up making things worse and Moreover, a puppy frightens them for life.
A Shia Tzu will naturally learn to swim as time goes on but as before its very important to have patience and take your time with your dog.
Watch Out For Predators In The Water
Depending on where you live in the world lakes and swamps have all kinds of predators.
Whether thats snake alligators, crocodiles your name it all of which can be very dangerous to a Shih Tzu.
After all, you dont want your Shih Tzu to be a tasty little snack for a hungry alligator or whatever could be lurking around in the lake. So supervise them at all times.
Make Sure The Water Is Clean To Swim
Dogs love the water and will often try to jump in on their own accord.
However, its important that you take precautions before entering the pool or lake by checking the quality of the water before getting in.
This can help prevent any accidents or potential health concerns from occurring.
If you are swimming in a pool check chlorine levels If they are too high then avoid swimming or limit the time spent in the pool until the filter is turned on. When your dog does get out of the pool using a dog shampoo when washing them off.
If your swimming in a lake make sure the water is clean to swim in by checking the water quality before making a decision to let your dog jump in.
If youre not sure if the water is clean, then find another location for your pup to splash around and play safe!
Conclusion
So we hope this article has been helpful in knowing whether or not Shih Tzus can swim. In the end, these breeds can certainly be trained to swim if needed.
But as with any dog breed, you should always take into account what might happen when swimming or playing around outside for extended periods of time.
These breeds of dogs have a natural instinct to swim, and while they do so with ease their stamina limits them from doing anything too adventurous for long periods of time.
If you want your dog to spend more time in the water make sure that he or she has enough rest when on land!
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