Did you know there are 11 types of bulldogs? From French to American to English, this dog breed is easy to recognize due to their unique features. With a short, stout skull, this breed has a facial structure known as brachycephalic.
While this trait can be desirable to breeders, it can increase the number of health issues the animal experiences over their lifetime. Many veterinarians consider bulldogs as the breed they wouldn’t want to own because of the extensive respiratory problems they face.
Because of this, bulldogs shouldn’t be allowed to swim recreationally. Here are some precautions and factors to consider regarding why this dog breed should stay clear of any body of water.
Physical Factors That Affect a Bulldog’s Ability to Swim
English bulldogs are most likely to experience respiratory issues due to their “flat” faces.
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While their distinct facial structure plays a part in their lack of ability to swim, there’s much more to it. Bulldogs have shorter nasal passages, muscular bodies, and shorter snouts than other breeds. Here is how these each play a part in their lack of ability to swim.
Obstructed Nasal Passages
Bulldogs are known to snore and snort because their airways can be obstructed. Allowing this breed to swim without the proper nasal passageways can quickly lead to disaster. Because of their nasal passages, bulldogs can’t sufficiently breathe while constantly trying to keep their head above the water.
Bulldogs can have issues breathing while they’re on land. The respiratory issues bulldogs face can get worse over time. With that being said, the older a bulldog is, the less you’ll want them anywhere near water.
Short Snouts
Another physical trait that makes it hard for these animals to swim is their short snouts. Lifting their head out of water continuously takes a lot of effort. They can tire quickly and go beneath the surface within seconds.
Smaller Stature
In comparison to larger breeds, bulldogs have much shorter legs. These, paired with a heavy midsection, can make it nearly impossible for them to stay afloat. They have to use much of their energy to keep their head above the water, and paddling their little legs excessively can exhaust them swiftly.
Bulldogs have a shockingly muscular body. Because muscle is more dense than fat, they can sink easier than other dogs. With so much muscle in a compact body, their build isn’t designed to be in water.
Precautions You Can Take
A bulldog may struggle to keep their head above the water even with a life jacket. Make sure you get one with extra padding to support its head.
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Do these factors mean you must shield your bulldog from any water source for their lives? No. You can implement several precautions to give your four-legged friend an enjoyable life, even in the heat of summer.
Implement a Sprinkler
Just like every other animal outdoors, they need ways to cool off when the temperatures rise. Bulldogs love playing in sprinklers, and it’s a great way to help them regulate their temperature without needing to be in a body of water.
We do suggest that you monitor if they drink any of the water from the sprinkler or hose. Excessive amounts of hose water can lead to something called water intoxication. If left untreated, water toxication can lead to serious health issues and even death.
Signs of this include:
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal distension
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Use a Live Vest
Because several dog breeds struggle to swim, many types of life vests for canines are on the market. These are similar to the ones humans wear and are designed always to keep your furry friend above the water.
A doggy life jacket is essential to bring your pet anywhere with choppy and unpredictable water. Most of these devices have a handle that makes it easy to lift your dog when necessary, extra foam around the front of the vest for breeds like bulldogs, and areas where you can easily attach a leash.
Be sure you put the life jacket on the animal and fit it properly before entering the water.
Talk with a Professional
You may want to contact two professionals: your vet and a trainer. For starters, a vet can give you helpful ideas on introducing a bulldog to playing in the water or safe activities in the summer heat.
On the other hand, a trainer can teach you how to safely allow your pet to play in the water without the risk of injury or drowning.
Final Thoughts
You can put about an inch of water in a kiddie pool to help keep a bulldog cool during warm weather.
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While swimming is a great way to keep humans and dogs in shape, not every breed is designed for this sport. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways your furry friend can enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer months.
This breed can be prone to heat exhaustion due to their small size, making it essential to keep them cool throughout the summer. There are endless possibilities, from cooling mats to misting them with ice water!
