Can Pomeranians Swim?

If you enjoy swimming or taking your summer vacation by a lake, you’ll likely want to bring your Pom Pom with you in the pool or by the lakeside. Many dog breeds can swim, and engage in fun games and activities, though there are essential precautions dog owners must take to ensure their furry friend’s safety.

Generally, Pomeranians can swim, though they aren’t the most skillful in the water due to their short legs and small stature. They can swim short distances, which is an excellent exercise for dogs and helps them develop strong lungs, heart health, and a well-functioning metabolism.

Teaching Your Pomeranian to Swim

Are you ready to introduce your Pomeranian puppy to your swimming pool? It’s fun to bring your small dog into the pool and getting them acquainted with water as a puppy is ideal when they are young and excited to explore swimming.

It’s best to begin with a small amount of water, such as a children’s pool or a very shallow water backyard pool, which is easy for your pup to stand and paddle with their paws.

While some puppies are curious and happy to explore water, other dogs may be hesitant and feel uncomfortable when they get their coat and paws wet. It’s a good idea to be patient and join your Pom in the water to give them a sense of security if they appear nervous.

Once your puppy adapts to the pool, you can introduce your Pomeranian to deeper water, where they can learn to float and swim for short distances. You can help improve your Pomeranian swimming ability by taking frequent breaks, using positive, upbeat speech, and preparing your pup every time they enter the pool.

It’s important to remain close to your pet at all times so they feel safe, especially as you venture with your pup into deeper water. There are a few ways to increase your Pom puppy’s comfort in the water, including:

• Keep a towel close by if your pet doesn’t like getting wet initially. Pomeranians have a double coat consisting of an undercoat and a top coat.
• When you’re helping your Pomeranian swim, lift their puppy’s tummy to give them support.
• Allow your dog to swim for a few minutes, then let them out of the pool, so they can dry off and decide if they want to continue. In most cases, little dogs like Pomeranians swim for short distances and time spans, as they are small and tire easily.
• Show your Pom how to enter and leave the pool, so they have greater control in getting out of the water.

If your Pomeranian is comfortable with larger, deeper bodies of water, it’s essential to supervise your pup, especially if they are near a lake or river, where the depth and current can change quickly.

Keep your Pom on a harness or leash, and avoid entering water unless it is calm and safe. A life jacket is another way to protect your pup, even if they are comfortable in deeper water.

Your Pomeranian’s Preference and Ability to Swim

Most puppies’ ability to swim depends on comfort, patience, and if they enjoy swimming. While some dog breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd, enjoy a dip in the pool, toy dog breeds may not enjoy staying in the water too long or at all, depending on their individual experience.

When you bathe your Pom puppy, they may be resistant, indicating that they might not enjoy entering a kiddie pool or be nervous around water. Since they have thick hair, a Pomeranian’s coat can take a while to dry naturally, which can be unpleasant for some dogs. While many pups dislike the sensation of water, many other Poms love to play in a small pool.

Dogs can quickly learn to swim; if they enjoy it, spending time in the water can be an enjoyable way to bond with your Pomeranian. It’s essential always to supervise your pet and never leave them unattended, as they have low stamina and can only swim or paddle for a short while.

How to Keep Your Pomeranian Safe Around Water

As your Pom adapts to your outdoor pool and becomes comfortable with swimming, it’s essential to keep your pup safe at all times, which includes consistent supervision and maintaining a safe area in and around the water:

• Keep a bowl of fresh water nearby so your pup doesn’t drink water from the swimming pool, lake, sea, lake, or pond. This water is unsafe and may cause illness. If you provide refreshing, cold water to your dog before they swim, they’ll be hydrated to swim.
• Choose a safe area to swim, such as a small pool or a comfortable place surrounded by people. Avoid open water, such as the sea or a river with fast currents, which can be dangerous for anyone.
• Avoid cold or hot water, which can significantly impact your dog’s body temperature. If your pup is taking a dip in a pond or lake, avoiding algae and other plants is essential, as these can be toxic to dogs.
• Swimming pools are ideal for dogs, though it’s essential to rinse the chlorine off your pup, as this can dry out your dog’s coat and skin.

When your pool or an area of water is not in use, adding a fence or similar barrier is an excellent idea to keep your Pomeranian and other dogs safe from falling into the water.

Final Thoughts

Pomeranians are fun, active dogs that enjoy activities with their human companions, often swimming or playing in the water. While introducing your puppy to water and teaching them to swim is a great idea, it’s also important to supervise and monitor your Pom at all times to ensure they remain safe, secure, and healthy.