We have a 10 month old Golden Retriever who loves the water and will swim at any chance. She only swims for about 5 minutes, so is it OK for her to swim 4 or 5 times a week during the cold winter months ?
2007-01-22 06:56:12 · 18 answers · asked by mersenow 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
As long as she wants to go in and there is no coaxing from you to go, then she is fine.
Keep the sessions short!
Keep her dry afterwards, and if her collar is a nylon or fabric collar, I would take it off before she swims, or put it in the dryer afterwards, I have a family golden who got a fungal infection around his neck from an always wet collar.
2007-01-22 07:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The golden retriever's coat is designed to repel water. The dog's skin never gets wet. Of course the animal is still subject to hypothermia, but five minutes at a time should be fine.
This is a dog that was bred to retrieve game-usually ducks, geese, etc. It was essential for the dog's coat to be thick enough to withstand being exposed to cold water.
2007-01-22 07:10:01 · answer #2 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is not stupid. If it is too cold, she will not go in. But, I would say that at too extremely cold temperatures she could get cold enough to have trouble swimming, so you need to stay close and keep an eye on her at all times. I would say as a rule of thumb don't let her swim when the weather is below freezing, because ice could form in her hair and if it formed near her eyes or nose or other sensitive places it could spell trouble.
2007-01-22 07:01:28 · answer #3 · answered by lildi_32 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lab fur is designed to be pretty water resistant. Don't let her swim in there for too long but I wouldn't be too concerned. Nature has a way of encouraging animals to survive so if she gets too cold she'll run out, shiver, and look for something warm...hopefully a towel!
2016-05-23 22:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that's fine, unless you live where there is snow and ice around. I think if the dog got too far out in the water and you weren't able to help him, the cold icy water could make his muscles cramp up and cause him to not be able to swim. If you can keep him closer to shore and safety, then I think it's okay. Good luck.
2007-01-22 07:03:01 · answer #5 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My golden is the same way. She will lay in puddles just because it's water.
It's not just the water you should worry about but the air once the dog is out of the water. It's not a great idea because like us if their body temperature drops to low they go into shock. (Hypothermia).
The cold air can attribute to a drop in body temperature also.
I'd wait till it starts warming up again.
Good Luck
2007-01-22 07:05:11 · answer #6 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water (fresh water) is never the problem, @ 32 deg F. it becomes solid. The thing to be aware of is
W I N D . It is when the water evaporates that it will dissipate body heat, and wind accelerates the dissipation.
When your dog is sopping wet, slide your fingers into it's coat. It is absolutely the best "hand warmer" you will ever find.
2007-01-22 07:45:57 · answer #7 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure is.....you have to remember dogs have a natural instinct to protect themselves, so most likely she wouldn't swim in the cold water unless she knew what she was doing. As long as you dry her off when you get home she should be fine!
2007-01-22 07:00:03 · answer #8 · answered by Samantha T 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. They have a thick winter coat that helps keep them warm - even in the water. She'll let you know if it feels too cold for her.
2007-01-22 07:07:41 · answer #9 · answered by Pamela J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes she can but you have to look out for what is called cold tail if she is in the water to much at one time. talk to people in your area that have hunting dogs or do hunting training.
2007-01-22 07:05:33 · answer #10 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋