Swimming

[Jake2006]

Hi dog lovers, friends, experts I would like your advice please.

As most of you know I rescued Jake way back in May so I haven't had him over a winter yet. Jake swims every other day - he lives to swim. Currently it is no problem at all - after swimming I dry him quickly with a towel and finish up when we get home (10 mins away).

The weather is getting colder along with the water. As Jake would swim until his heart burst I need to advocate for him. What do you folks with water dogs do in the winter. (I've had a drybag made for him with a polo neck - its zipped too - so he's got the clothing!)

http://www.astiequestrian.co.uk/trolleyed/312/index.htm
I got him a purple bag - LOL

I would really appreciate your help as I don't want Jake getting hypothermia!

[golden&hovawart]

Your dog is a hunting breed and as you know,hunting is in winter.
When I lived in NJ.My golden would swim,pretty much,every-day.Even when, it snowed.She would roll,in the snow to dry herself and I would walk her so that she could dry.By drying yr dog with a towel and walking him,he should be fine.Have fun.

[brunosmom]

Hi Carol,
Maybe as suggested to Sandy once.....an indoor heated swimming pool.....I know Jake would just love you to death for getting it for him!!!!!:D :D :D

[lassie]

you could always buy him one of these Carole

DeZynaDog Eazy Clean Automatic Dog Dryer
[124012] £2,122.99 :D :D




Commercial cabinet style salon dryer, can dry 50 dogs in 8 hours. Economical to use, labour saving. Thermostatically controlled to safe working temperature. Tried and trusted by professional groomers for over 27 years! Groomers love it and Dogs love it! Stress reducing, environmentally friendly, safe, fast and efficient. One piece fibreglass molded casing, easy to clean. Smart looking machine. Approx. dimensions Height: 1100mm - Depth: 710mm - Width: 1140mm

[Jake2006]

Oh heck - I'm not spoiling him - lol - I asked hubby if we got an endless pool (the ones that are only about 4 metres but have a pump to pump you away so you never get to the end) if Jake could swim in it - his answer was 'not likely - dog germs - and he'll bung the filter up - spoil sport!
I did buy him a made to measure fantastic quilted (purple) polo neck dry bag -so that is probably just what he needs.
He went swimming tonight - it was freezing - but he just kept going back to the water each time i tried to get him out.
One of the Cambridge Consultant Vets said that his heart is so steady its the slowest she's ever heard - which means he's incredibly fit! So I'll just keep him exercised - and a tired Jake makes for a happy owner - me!

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[Kaos]

If it's good enough for those mad Russians you always see who break the ice to swim in the sea even in the middle of winter....

They swear it keeps them healthy.

[skunkstripe]

Carole, my dear Sophia went swimming here in February in the river when there were big ice chunks on the water. It was well below freezing (about -5 C or 22 F) and as soon as she came out, the water droplets had frozen to ICE.
I was appalled, but she apprently felt no discomfort. I honestly think she does not know the meaning of the word "cold". And it can get pretty darn cold where I live. When it snows she rolls in it and runs scooping the snow up in her snout like a pelican to eat it.
I think if Jake is cold you will know it as he will shiver. As it is you are giving him the opportunity to be a DOG and in his heart he is grateful for that. :thumb:

[Jake2006]

Ok Skunk you are absolutely right - so here is where he'll be swimming for the foreseeable future

http://www.pbase.com/gwiz/image/64110988

http://www.pbase.com/reddishtiger/scotland_2006

Lassie - love that dryer - but its a tad too expensive for me.

[KERMY]

hi carole. our dogs go to a nearby lake every night, winter os summer and they are always diving in the water no matter what the temperature. it doesnt bother them and they are towel dried when they get home. they have never gotten ill from it so i would suggest letting him swim whenever he wants too. gail.:)

[Mom to Lil Buddy]

Thanks for the pictures they are beautiful.

[Doberman's]

How cold does it get where you are Carole ?

[lassie]

Not as cold as it will be when she moves:p

[Borzoi mad]

Hi Sandy I agree. Its bl**** cold here at present

[lassie]

Lol its cold here too Eunice, its cold even in the summer up there!

[Jake2006]

It gets quite cold - but not as cold as Canda can go down to freezing - but with global warming Lassie will be basking in 40degrees soon - and rising rivers, mud slides, sword of damacles - whilst I will be waving from Scotland - lol

[Jake2006]

thanks for all your help - glad you like the pictures.

I'm going to let Jake swim whenever the mood takes him! After all that's what he's bred for as an irish water spaniel.

[lassie]

he'll enjoy it. speak soon take care , safe journey. x

[Flossika]

Well my dogs swim everyday in the summer... but in the winter, we go up mountain;s forest's... & i play all sorts with them... hid there items far away send them to search... etc etc etc.. yeah they still do get wet , but its not a problem, as long as they got the warmth when they get home

[Doglover24-7]

My dogs dont like the water but i have taken my dog for a swim before and we were in this little boat and he stood up in front of everyone it was so funny.:)