Courageous Westie's First Dip In The Pool

Romy, a 14-month-old Westie who lives in the south of France, finally built up the courage to take her first dip in the pool!

Has your dog ever gone swimming in your pool? With the increase of viral videos circulating online of dogs taking a dip, it is only natural to want to see if your own dog knows how to swim. More so, if he enjoys it! Although it seems to be safe for the dog in this video, there are many tips and tricks to keep in mind when introducing your dog to water.

It is important to remember that not all dog breeds are the same, in fact, they differ greatly. Some breeds are natural born swimmers, some will take some training and some will have absolutely no interest in it. Remember to take it slow as not to scare or spook your dog so that they have an uncomfortable relationship with water in the future.

Swimming has many benefits both physical and psychological to humans. The same can be said for our canine companions. Swimming is a total-body workout that builds strength and helps maintain bones and muscles. There are a variety of rehabilitation centers out there that will actually incorporate water into your dog's healing process due to the excellent traction it provides. It is an excellent way to add strength to your animals’ arms and legs. Always keep in mind, swimming is never an adequate substitute for running, walking, jogging or exploring with your pup by your side.

As we see in this video, swimming pools may at first be daunting for a dog but will provide great relief on a sweltering hot day. Dogs are like pigs and they do not have sweat glands so they pant. The cool water is an excellent way to replenish their livelihood during the hot summer months by cooling their body-temperature.

Remember, if you wouldn't feed your dog pool water, it is best not to have them ingest it. Whether your pool is filled with chlorine or salt water, it will upset the tummy of your dog. Even his or her eyes if the water is splashed into them.

Dog owners claim over and over again that having a puppy is like having a newborn child. In this case, it is exactly that. You must never leave your dog unattended by the poolside in either the summer or winter months when it has frozen over. Both care dangerous situations that your dog could get involved in. Also, make sure your dogs’ nails aren't too long as to scratch the inside lining of your pool. If that happens, it is sure to be a day you won't forget.

At the end of the day, swimming is a great exercise for dogs and if exercised in the correct and safest manner, will be an enjoyable experience for both yourself and the dog. You won't help but smile when you see the look of pure enjoyment on your dogs’ face.