SCOTTIES & WATER
Can they swim?
YES, but they’re not strong swimmers, given their body type. We’ve often heard them called little boat anchors and there’s a good reason for that. Remember that they were born to hunt small animals on dry land. They have compact, dense bodies and short legs so they’re not built to be natural swimmers. In fact, about 5,000 family pets drown each year. Hopefully, this article will help prevent some future would-be drownings of Scotties.
Do they like to swim?
We’ve established that they can swim. That depends. Just like us, they have their own unique personalities so some Scotties may like the water while other may not. It is suggested that you establish this in a kiddie swimming pool made of hard plastic (remember those sharp claws can puncture inflatable pools) or in the family bathtub with clean water under your supervision. Try this first swim experience//lesson when they’re puppies, ideally between between 7 and 12 weeks, when they’re little brains are like sponges, always ready to absorb new learning experiences. Make sure you have plenty of treats in your pocket and practice positive reinforcement. Don’t forget water toys, too.
DOGGIE LIFE JACKETS
Do Scotties need life jackets?
Yes, when the water is over their head.
Let’s look at why…
- We’ve discussed their body type so for safety’s sake, regardless of where they’re swimming (pool, lake, ocean), a life jacket provides a Scottie a safe swim and to enjoy the water when they might not otherwise be able to.
- BoatUSA Foundation reports that dogs aren’t required to wear life jackets on boats in most US locations. The pet products industry has none and neither does the U.S. Coast Guard.
- According to Kristin Elmquist, a certified dog trainer with 30 years of experience training dogs on land and in water, says that older dogs, out-of-shape dogs, and inexperienced dogs may lack muscle strength or the know how to use their back legs effectively in water. A life jacket can help keep dogs balanced as they build strength and skills.
- Dogs may become overwhelmed, exhausted, or injured in the water, making it harder to stay afloat. 5. Boating emergencies, choppy water, storms, strong currents, and dog-overboard!
How does a life jacket work?
Rover.corn’s blog reports that “As with human life jackets, the thick, buoyant foam inside canine life preservers helps dogs float on the surface of the water. Unlike human life jackets, however, dog life preservers are custom- designed to fit a dog’s unique body shape, and many include special features like handles, D-rings to attach a leash, or extra foam at the front to keep a dog’s head elevated.” Many come in bright neon colors.
From the AKC: How should a life jacket fit?
A life jacket that’s too big will slip off in the water. However,
a life jacket that’s too tight will constrict your dog’s
movement, impairing their natural swimming ability.
So, how do you find a fit that’s “just right”?
Picking a life jacket:
There are lots of options out there. From Rover.com:
- The Ruffwear Float Coat is one of our favorites for inexperienced swimmers and pups who could use a little extra buoyancy. We like its durable fabric and thick foam, plus the padded handle that makes helping or steering an uncertain dog easier. Available from Amazon for $99.95.
- For experienced swimmers who want more maneuverability, there’s the Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket. AD-ring enables a leash connection, and older models even double as raincoats with removable foam. Available from Amazon for $29.99 – $39.99, depending on the size of the dog.
- The Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket is a great affordable option for those testing the waters of dog life vests. It’s made of ripstop nylon to resist snags and features two handles for easy lifting. Available from Amazon for $22.79 – $24.99, depending on the size of the dog.
A dog’s life jacket, unlike a person’s, should allow the user to swim horizontally. The straps should also enable the dog to sit or lie down. With a snug fit, you should be able to fit two fingers under the life jacket’s straps. Here are some additional tips for finding the right life jacket for your dog:
- Learn your dog’s dimensions before purchasing a life jacket. Using a soft measuring tape, measure the girth of their neck, rib cage, and circumference around the hips. Also, measure the length of their body from the base of the head to the tail.
- Weigh your dog. Some life jackets are designed to fit a dog based on weight. If you don’t have a pet scale, weigh yourself and note the number. Then, weigh yourself again while holding the dog and subtract your own weight.
- Do a “float” test. You can get creative with this based on your dog’s size. For instance, if you have a Chihuahua, you could do a float test in your bathtub. If you have a larger dog, first secure them with a leash or harness. Then, after putting on the life jacket, do a test run in shallow water. Be sure to note your dog’s range of motion, buoyancy, and life jacket’s fit when wet.
Finally, don’t forget fresh, clean water for your Scottie to drink;
we don’t want them drinking salty ocean water, lake, or pond water.
Take breaks, too.
REMEMBER, IT'S YOUR JOB TO KEEP YOUR POOCH SAFE!
