Can Pit Bulls Swim? 10 Important Precautions to Take

Swimming with your dog can be lots of fun for both your and your pup. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t keep several important precautions in mind while swimming. Below, we’ll explore whether or not pit bulls are natural swimmers, as well as what you should keep in mind the next time you take them to a pool, the river, or the beach.

Can Pit Bulls Swim?

Due to their rather bulky, stocky build, pit bulls are not the most skilled swimmers as far as dog breeds go. However, most pit bulls can learn to swim and enjoy swimming for short distances. With the right training and precautions, your pit bull can certainly learn to love swimming!

With this in mind, let’s move on to 10 important precautions you should take the next time you and your pup go for a swim.

Precaution 1: Consider Buying a Doggy Swim Vest

Before you ever take your dog out for a swim, it can be helpful to purchase a doggy swim vest for them. These vests are nice and buoyant and can help your dog stay afloat so they don’t have to expend as much energy paddling. Additionally, a vest can prevent water from entering your dog’s nose, mouth, and ears while swimming. They are especially helpful for breeds like the pit bull that aren’t naturally very skilled swimmers.

Precaution 2: Put on Dog-Safe Sunscreen

Many dog breeds, particularly those with very short hair like the pit bull, can benefit from a dog-safe sunscreen before going outside and/or swimming. Be sure not to use sunscreen formulated for humans, as these can be toxic to your dog and severely irritate their skin. Rub a thin layer of the dog-safe sunscreen on your dog’s skin about 20 to 30 minutes before going out for a swim. Take care to avoid the insides of their nose, mouth, and ears.

Precaution 3: Ensure the Water Conditions Are Safe

There are many factors to keep in mind as far as water quality, location, and temperature when taking your dog swimming. For starters, the water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. As a general rule, the temperature of the air and water added together should be at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the water temperature should never be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is comfortable for you, it will likely be pretty comfortable for your dog, too.

Chlorinated pools are generally safe for dogs to swim in as well. However, be sure to not let your dog drink the water from the pool. If you’re swimming at a local lake, river, or beach, don’t let your dog stray too far from you, and don’t let them swim in water that is too deep. Stay close to them and keep an eye out for any sharp rocks, debris in the water, or anything else that could harm your dog while swimming.

Precaution 4: Take It Slow When Introducing Your Pit Bull to Water

As you would with a child, you will want to introduce your dog to the water slowly and gradually. Do not simply throw them into the water and assume they will be able to immediately swim perfectly! If you’re at a pool, start at the shallow end. If you’re at a river, lake, or beach, it’s a good idea for you to go into the water first and assess the depth, temperature, and current.

Precaution 5: Keep Your Pit Bull Hydrated

Like we touched on earlier, you do not want to let your dog drink from the water they’re swimming in. Whether it’s a chlorinated pool, the beach, or a local lake, the water can contain many contaminants, bacteria, and irritants that can make your dog very sick. Make sure you bring plenty of clean, fresh, preferably cool water to keep your pit bull hydrated while they’re swimming. A portable, collapsible dog bowl can be helpful in this situation. 

Precaution 6: Join Your Dog in the Water

Accompanying your pit bull while they’re swimming, especially while they’re still getting used to the water, can help make them more comfortable and confident swimmers. Whether you’re at the pool or the river, it’s always a good idea to stay close to your dog. 

Precaution 7: Take Frequent Breaks

To prevent exhaustion, most dogs should not constantly swim for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Even with a life vest, your dog can become tired very quickly in the water. This is especially true for breeds like the pit bull that are not naturally skilled swimmers. Make sure to keep track of how long you and your dog are spending in the water, and take a break every so often!

Precaution 8: Keep Proper Swimming Etiquette in Mind

In general, you’ll want to follow the same kind of rules you would at your local dog park–with a little extra attentiveness. Keep a safe distance from other swimmers (as well as any other dogs in the area). If your dog is not properly trained or socialized to safely mingle with other people and potentially other animals, it might not be a good idea to take them to a public swimming spot just yet. A leash can also help keep your dog close to you.

Precaution 9: Wash and Dry Your Pit Bull After Swimming

Whether you’re swimming at a chlorinated pool or a nearby river or lake, be sure to rinse your pit bull thoroughly after you’re done swimming. Bathing them with a dog shampoo is even better, as this can better remove any bacteria or other contaminants from their coat they may have collected while swimming.

Precaution 10: Clean Your Pit Bull’s Ears After Swimming

Once you’re done rinsing or bathing your dog post-swim, you’ll want to also pay special attention to their ears. Clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent any leftover moisture from getting inside the ear canal. Additionally, be sure to use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Drew McArthur/Shutterstock.com