Swimming is one of the most relaxing outdoor activities for humans and animals. When you have a pet dog, nothing beats the joy of swimming together with your dog in the cool waters during the scorching summers. However, how do you know if your Yorkie can swim? Many Yorkie owners have this doubt in their minds.
Some dog breeds hate the sight of water, while some love to swim at all times. Which of these categories do the Yorkies fit in? The truth is that Yorkies don’t fit in either of these. While they do know how to swim, they love or hate swimming depending on their individual characteristics. As the owner of on Yorkshire Terrier, it is your responsibility to test the swimming capabilities of your dog by taking him close to the water and observing his characteristics.
Are they designed for swimming?
The interesting point to note here is that unlike many other thick-furred and big dogs like the Bulldog, Yorkies are of small size and they have a silky fur coat. This makes them feel quite light and comfortable in water. Most of the Yorkies love to explore the waters by having an adventurous swimming session, but due to their inherent sensitive nature, they are not very openly excited about it.
A Yorkie expects his owner to stand near him at all times when he goes swimming. When you leave him alone, even near your home-pool, he will not feel comfortable to swim freely. This is why it is very important for you to follow these swim-care tips with your Yorkie to allow him to enjoy his fullest potential.
What should you do to make your Yorkie swim without inhibitions?
- When you are taking your dog for a swim in your home-pool or nearby lake, you should always accompany your dog.
- Never push your Yorkie directly into the water, as this can make him suffocate.
- When you are trying to make your Yorkie swim for the first time, you should always test his swimming skills in shallow waters. This will make him come out easily when he is feeling uncomfortable.
- Always ensure that your Yorkie wears a life-vest, so that you can prevent him from drowning or from having unnecessary fear in his mind.
- It is highly recommended that you get into the pool or lake first and then direct your dog gently to swim towards you; this will make him feel assured that he is taken care of, instead of pushing him first in the water.
- When your Yorkie first gets inside the pool, it is the temperature of the water that impacts him first. Therefore, you should ensure that you maintain the water temperature at about 80 to 85 degrees F at all times. This way, your dog will not feel too cold or too warm when it is inside the pool.
- You should be vigilant always. Yes, your Yorkie is wearing a life-vest and he is quite comfortable with the temperature of the water, but that doesn’t mean you can walk away from him. He is too small and he is more prone to drowning and other water-related sicknesses than other dogs. Hence, have a watchful eye over him, at all times.
- Always carry enough water with you for your Yorkies. These dogs can get tired easily after swimming. Never allow them to lap up the water from the pools or lakes. The chemicals and contaminants in the water can cause digestive ailments in your Yorkie. Carry enough water supply with you along with disposable bowls, whenever you set out for your swimming session.
Post-swimming routine
As the owner of a Yorkie, you already know that your dog is quite prone to infections, allergies and other ailments. Therefore, you should clean your dog thoroughly after he has completed his swimming routine. Give him a nice bath and dry his ears and nose thoroughly, so that he doesn’t develop any infections. Use a good shampoo & conditioner to clean him to get rid of all the water chemicals from his body.
Conclusion
Yes, Yorkies can swim, but they need to be supervised when they are in the water. If your dog doesn’t like to get himself wet even in the shallow waters, he hates to swim. Don’t force him to get into the water, in this case. After all, as we said earlier, though Yorkies know to swim, they should have the “want to swim” to enjoy the waters.
