Can Pomeranians Swim?

Pomeranians are little dogs with big personalities. Registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the Toy Group, this diminutive pup excels both as a companion dog and as a show dog. Every breed of dog has its own particular concerns, and you may wonder if the thick coat on your Pom would hinder its ability to swim safely. The good news is Pomeranians can enjoy the water just like other breeds of dogs; it will just depend on the individual dog's preference and preparation.

  1. Instinct

    • You shouldn't assume that your dog will instinctively know how to swim, no matter what breed it is. Some dogs take to the water like fish, but others require a little more instruction. Never throw your Pom into a pool and assume instinct will take over. Toy breeds in particular may be especially hesitant about the water, and would require supervision and assistance as they get their sea legs. With your gentle guidance your Pom can learn the skills it needs so it can enjoy water activities.

    Training

    • Allow your dog to get used to shallow water first, and always supervise it. Support its midsection and hindquarters as you ease your Pom in the water, and hold on to it while it learns how to paddle. Do this slowly initially so as not to traumatize your dog. Use an upbeat tone to make your Pom feel secure and encouraged to swim, and be sure to show your dog how it can get out of the pool. Despite all this, it is possible your Pom will never fully be comfortable in the water. Never force the issue.

    Make it Fun

    • Your dog's success in the water depends largely on how fun you make it. Use your Pom's natural boundless energy to get the most out of your pool time together. Toss its favorite toys into the pool to encourage it to play in the water, but use toys that don't sink if your dog shows an aversion to submerging its head. You can ease some of your hesitant dog's stress in the water by using floatation devices to keep it buoyant.

    Considerations

    • The Pom's thick double coat may contribute to dry or irritated skin because of the moisture that gets trapped between the layers. To avoid dry skin, do not bathe your dog within a week of swimming so that you don't strip the vital oils in its fur. Never allow your dog to get in the water with any kind of open wound as a bacterial infection could result. Always watch your younger Poms whenever they are in the water, even if it isn't very deep.