Leonbergers are often associated with water due to their webbed feet and thick coat, but does this mean they like to swim?
Leonbergers love to swim because they love going in the water. They excel in water work and water rescue because of their webbed feet. The breed is a natural swimmer, as they don’t need to learn this skill. Leonbergers have been making waves in dock diving because of their excellent swimming abilities.
If you’re considering bringing a Leonberger into your life or simply curious about their tendencies around swimming, keep reading.
We’ll uncover whether these majestic dogs are natural swimmers and what you can do to promote their aquatic activities.
Do Leonbergers Like To Swim?
Leonbergers love to swim, and they will get incredibly excited when they are near any water body.
The webbed feet of this breed allow them to do the best water work and swim with ease and convenience. You will not have to teach your Leonberger swimming as it comes to them naturally.
That is why if you love swimming, you can always take your Leonberger with you. It’s a great form of exercise and great for their joints. Besides that, you can also take them to the beach to play as they will love to get some exercise by swimming.
Of course, you will still have to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while swimming.
Are Leonbergers Natural Swimmers?
Leonbergers are natural swimmers born with webbed feet ideal for serious swimming. The breed does well in the pool and the beach, as they can easily paddle and swim in any water body. You can take your Leonberger to the lake, river, swimming pool, beach, and much more without worries.
The large size of the Leonberger also enables them to swim with convenience and ease. Remember that the breed requires more exercise than just walking to keep physically healthy.
Because of this, you can also incorporate swimming into your exercise regimen.
Swimming will allow them to get the exercise they need while doing something they love. It will be a win-win situation for you and your Leonberger.
Is It Safe for Leonbergers to Swim?
It is safe for Leonbergers to swim as they are born swimmers.
However, it would be best to take proper safety precautions for a Leonberger who has never swum before. For example, if you have a Leonberger pup, you must begin by helping them swim in shallow waters.
While they are naturally confident in swimming in the water, their instincts will take a while to kick in.
That is why beginning with shallow waters is the best option for them. Once the instinct kicks in, your Leonberger will begin swimming in the water like a pro.
Will My Leonberger Swim If It Needs To?
Your Leonberger will swim if needed because it is a natural ability they have. However, it takes a bit of time before their instincts kick in. If you put them in the water, they will struggle for a few minutes but will eventually begin swimming in no time.
That is why you don’t need to worry if your Leonberger is new to the water and doesn’t know where to begin. It is a trial and error process they need to overcome when they are new to the water.
Eventually, they will know what to do, and you will see them swimming like a pro in no time.
Are There Any Health Concerns with My Leonberger Swimming?
There are no health concerns that come with Leonberger swimming. The breed goes through other common health issues prevalent in other dog breeds. One of the top health concerns that a Leonberger has is bloat.
Bloat occurs when the dog takes in too much water, food, or air. The symptoms of bloat include retching, whining, drooling, and much more.
That is why you must first take your Leonberger in shallow waters so their instincts can kick in.
If the pups are left in the water for too long and keep struggling, they might experience bloat. Serious bloating must be taken care of by taking your Leonberger to a vet immediately.
So, always be around when it is the first time your Leonberger is swimming.
Can My Leonberger Swim in A Chlorinated Pool?
It is safe for dogs such as Leonbergers to swim in chlorinated pools. That is because chlorine is safe for dogs and humans in a well-balanced amount.
If a swimming pool with chlorine is safe for you, it means your dog can enjoy swimming in it too in no time.
You can take your Leonberger in a chlorinated and saltwater swimming pool if they are eager to swim. Both are safe for dogs and not harmful under most circumstances.
Of course, be sure to supervise your dog whenever they are swimming to ensure safety and protection for them.
If your dog swims in a chlorinated pool, be sure to rinse them off once they are out of the pool. Take cool water and rinse the coat thoroughly.
Doing this will ensure that your Leonberger is free of chlorine and all other similar pool chemicals in no time.
Can My Leonberger Be Taught to Swim?
You don’t need to teach a Leonberger how to swim. It is an instinct that kicks in once they are inside the water.
A Leonberger that does not swim and keeps sinking is a rare breed because they are known for their excellent swimming abilities.
If that is the case with your Leonberger and it can’t swim under any circumstances, then you will have to teach him. There are many ways you can teach any dog breed to swim in no time. Some professionals teach swimming to dogs if you don’t know where to begin.
So, if the natural swimming instincts of your Leonberger are not kicking under any circumstances, be sure to teach your furry friend how to swim. Once they learn this skill, they will enjoy swimming all the time.
Key Considerations When My Leonberger Goes for A Swim
If you are taking your Leonberger swimming this season, be sure to take into account these important considerations for the best experience:
Assess The Waters
Before sending your Leonberger to the pool to swim, you must assess the waters and their depth. After all, if your Leonberger is swimming for the first time, you don’t want to send them in deep waters.
Check the depth of the pool and ensure it is safe for your dog to swim in.
Besides that, it is crucial to check if any objects could hurt your Leonberger in the pool. For example, any broken or sharp objects inside the pool can hurt your dog.
On the other hand, you must be mindful if your Leonberger is swimming at the beach or lake.
It would be best if you scanned the horizon for any boats, strong tides, jellyfish, broken shells, and much more. Assessing all these things will give you a better idea of what is inside the waters so you can decide to let your Leonberger go or not.
Post-Swim Care
It would be best if you took care of your Leonberger after swimming. That is because excess water can lead to ear infections and many other problems that can harm your dog. On the other hand, sand can also trap between the fur.
So, once your Leonberger is done swimming, you must give them a suitable hose down. You can also use shampoo to rinse if your dog has a sensitive coat and skin properly. Be sure to check your Leonberger’s paw for any signs of injuries.
The proper precautions and care are crucial to taking care of your Leonberger after a swim. It will help them stay safe as they go in the water.
Watch Out for Blue-Green Algae
If your Leonberger enjoys swimming, it’s crucial to watch out for blue-green algae in streams, ponds, and lakes.
This type of algae can produce harmful toxins that can be fatal for dogs, even in small amounts. It’s essential to examine stagnant water thoroughly before allowing your Leonberger to swim in it.
Make sure to prioritize your pet’s safety by being cautious of blue-green algae in any body of water they may swim in.
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Final thoughts
That was your complete guide to understanding if your Leonberger can swim and some steps you can take to ensure it’s a safe experience for you and your pet.
If you have a Leonberger and wish to take them swimming, be sure to follow this guide to keep them safe and sound in the water.
