Pets that Swim
Thu, Jul 21st, 2022
According to a survey done by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the United States, 70% of households or 90.5 million families own a pet.
With dogs ranking number one for the most people owning them, cats come in second. Although more people own a dog, most people who own cats, have more than one (2.2 cats is the average).
In third place is fish with 1,047,500 households owning one or more fish for their pet/s.
Other pets in order of popularity include:
- Reptiles
- Other mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.)
- Rabbits
- Poultry (chicken, etc.)
- Livestock (goats, sheep, cows, etc.)
- Ferrets
- Others
Obviously, not all pets like to swim (except fish). But there are some pets that do and enjoy it immensely.
The Most Common Swimming Pet
Dogs are probably the most common pet that people think of when it comes to swimming. But, did you know that all dogs can't swim? Different dog breeds have different abilities when it comes to swimming. Some dogs have a natural instinct to doggy paddle while others don't and need a little help (and encouragement) from their owners.
Which Dog Breeds Are the Best Swimmers?
The following list showcases some of the best swimmers among dog breeds:
- Newfoundland
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- American Water Spaniel
- Standard Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
Some smaller dogs take to swimming like a duck to water as well. Breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Havanese all enjoy a good swim now and again. Some dogs with very short legs are not very good swimmers.
Do Cats Like to Swim?
Cats are not known for being the best swimmers but that doesn't stop some of them from giving it a go. In fact, some cats really enjoy swimming and are quite good at it. If you have a cat that loves the water, there's no need to worry as they will usually be able to take care of themselves. However, if your cat is not used to swimming, it's best to keep an eye on them and introduce them to water gradually. Or let them side on the sidelines and watch. The following list of swimming cats may surprise you:
- Maine Coon
- Turkish Van
- Bengal
- Savannah
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Siamese
So, there you have it. Some pets like to swim and some don't. It really depends on the individual pet. If you're thinking of teaching your dog to swim, make sure you do your research to see if they are a breed that is able to swim without difficulty and always supervise them when they're in the water.
Many dogs like to enjoy the home swimming pool. The chlorine can be tough on their skin and eyes, so be sure to give them a good rinse afterward. The same goes for cats.
Dogs Who Swim at the Beach
Be careful if you take your dog to the beach because if they swallow too much saltwater, it can make them really sick. Also, be on the lookout for jellyfish as their sting can be painful for your dog (and you!).
If you have a pet that likes to swim, make sure you provide them with a clean and safe environment to do so and fresh water for them to drink.
And, as always, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet's health or safety.
For all of your swimming pool needs, contact Sweetwater Pool Service! Relax... Let us do the work!
Source: worldatlas.com