Dogs can swim very well, even some breeds that love a pool, but is the Chihuahua a breed that likes to swim? To answer this question, let’s talk about the physical characteristics of Chihuahuas and how they can affect the swimming activity of these dogs.
Do chihuahuas swim?
Chihuahua dogs can swim but always under the supervision of the tutors. Because they are small dogs, these dogs may have difficulty getting around in the water. Chihuahuas are dogs that can get tired easily, and their behavior is different. In addition, Chihuahuas can have difficulties getting out of pools and some lakes and can drown.
How to put a chihuahua to swim safely?
Many breed dogs may not like water. The wishes of these breeds must be respected to avoid accidents. In some situations, dogs may need to enter special pools to perform some types of treatments such as dog physiotherapy for example. However, only veterinary physiotherapists can do this type of activity with dogs.
For entertainment, the tutor can observe if the dog likes to play in the water and if the dog feels comfortable, the animal should be slowly placed in the pool. Dogs should only swim in a pool due to the high risk of accidents in lakes, beaches, and rivers.
At all times, the owner must stay close to the dog. Toys such as floats and balls can be used. Pay attention to signs of tiredness and even when the dog wants to get out of the pool.
To avoid accidents, the pool must be fenced, and the dog cannot access this pool area alone. In the case of lakes, rivers, and the sea, you must also prevent the animal from having access alone. The river and the sea can be dangerous because the water current can carry the animals that can end up with the drowned dog.
Games to play with chihuahuas in hot weather
Dogs can play ball, race, destroy bones, hose bath among others. The ideal thing is that the dog has access to the external environment but that there is shade for the dog to play. Dogs love the company of other dogs and even their owners.
About the Chihuahua breed
One of the theories about the origin of the Chihuahua believes that these dogs lived wild in Mexico. These small dogs were captured and domesticated by the indigenous people of the region.
Physical characteristics
The head is very round and small, and the eyes are round. The ears are large and are always on alert. It is a dog with a compact body, short and muscular limbs, its tail is moderately long, carried high, arched or in a semicircle.
The Chihuahua’s coat can be short-haired or long-haired and can be found in many shades and combinations except for the merle color.
Behavior / Temperament
Chihuahuas have a strong personality. They are small dogs but agile, alert, restless and very courageous. It’s a dog that can bark a lot. They can react to any strange movement, always calling the tutor’s attention. Therefore, it is considered a good guard dog.
General Care
Short-haired dogs do not need clipping, while long-haired animals may need clipping. Bathing these animals must be done constantly and they must have their fur brushed at least twice a week.
Baths in this breed are indicated with specific shampoos for dogs and neutral shampoos. Bathing should be done very carefully, especially to avoid getting water into the ear. The animal must always be very dry after bathing to avoid the growth of microorganisms that can lead to dermatitis.
Brushing the dog’s teeth is necessary to prevent tartar buildup. Brushing the teeth should be done every 48 hours, using specific toothpaste for dogs. As for nail clipping, the nail should be cut once or twice a month. Cutting the nails prevents the animal from getting hurt or even hurting the tutor.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are dogs that can be a little lazy but enjoy playing with their owners and other canine companions. Playing in pools can be safe for these animals as long as tutors are supervised. Dogs should not swim alone in pools, beaches and rivers as the strong current can carry these small dogs, resulting in dog’s drowning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Do chihuahuas swim?
How heavy is a chihuahua?
The Chihuahua’s weight should be between 1 and 3 kg.
How long does a chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas usually live between 12 and 20 years, depending on their genetics and general care.
Does the chihuahua bark a lot?
Yes, because they are dogs that have great hearing and any noise they find suspicious they will bark. Thus making them good dogs to guard.
Reference
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: chihuahua. Available at: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_187.pdf, accessed January 22, 2022.
Secco, P. M., & Moya, C. F. (2021). Fisiologia Reprodutiva Básica da Fêmea Canina. Atualidades e Fundamentos em Reprodução e Desenvolvimento, 4.
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