Can Golden Retrievers Swim In The Ocean?

Golden Retrievers can swim in a lot of places but can Golden Retrievers swim in the ocean? Here’s our guide to how to let your dog swim in the ocean to keep them safe and happy.

Golden Retrievers love to swim. They were originally bred for hunting, and this included hunting for fish in rivers and streams.

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Can Golden Retrievers swim in the ocean? 

Yes, Golden Retrievers can swim in the ocean with proper training. Golden Retrievers enjoy being in the water, although they need training to know what to do when they are in the water.

However, once they are taught, they make excellent swimmers.

If you are looking forward to a holiday at the beach, fret not, your dog can join you in the ocean and increase the level of fun you will have during the summer.

It’s incredible how quickly Golden Retrievers learn to swim and how much they love being in the water.

But, this makes one wonder, do Golden Retrievers naturally know how to swim?

No, Golden Retrievers do not naturally know how to swim.

For a Golden Retriever to be a good swimmer, it needs to be taught. It needs consistent training.

Please do not force your Golden Retriever into the ocean on its first attempt at swimming. Instead, take the whole process slowly.

Things to note while swimming with a Golden Retriever in the ocean

While having fun with your Golden Retriever at the beach, it is only natural that you get carried away and forget to take certain precautions.

Some things to note while swimming with a Golden Retriever in the ocean are;

Don’t let your Golden Retriever drink saltwater, watch what your Golden Retriever eats at the beach, be your dog’s lifeguard, stay safe, use SPF on your dog too, and ensure your Golden Retriever gets adequate rest and clean up.

For better understanding, these precautions have been explained further.

1. Don’t let your Golden Retriever drink salt water

Salt is not suitable for dogs. Unfortunately, dogs’ bodies and humans’ bodies are almost similar. In other words, what’s bad for you is most likely bad for your dog too.

Excessive salt is not suitable for a dog, especially a Golden Retriever. So, when going to the beach, don’t forget to bring drinkable water for yourself and for your dog so you can both stay hydrated.

Don’t let your dog swim for too long so it doesn’t take in too much of the ocean water if it must.

2. Watch what your Golden Retriever eats at the beach

Golden Retrievers eat whatever they see. They’re big babies. Keep a close eye on your dog to make sure it doesn’t eat sand and other inconsumable items. 

If your dog eats sand, it will develop gastrointestinal issues. In addition, shells, stones, and other larger and rougher objects will choke your dog. It’s okay to bring along snacks for you and your dog.

That way, your Golden Retriever won’t be so hungry looking around for strange objects to chew. If your dog is swimming, feed it at the right time.

3. Be your dog’s lifeguard

Watch out for your Golden Retriever while at the beach. Make sure it’s alright at every moment of the swim. Don’t let your Golden Retriever swim too far from you. Instead, ensure that it’s within your reach.

Swim with your dog and make it feel safe. Then, protect your dog at the beach.

4. Stay safe

Ensure that you and your dog have the proper clothing on while swimming. Every safety material should be close by, especially if it’s your Golden Retrievers’ first time swimming.

Your Golden Retriever should have a lifevest on to prevent it from drowning. You can also put a leash on your dog, so it doesn’t swim far.

It’s advisable to start at the shallow part of the ocean. Then, when your dog gets better at swimming, you can advance to the deeper parts.

Furthermore, it would help if you covered your Golden Retriever up once it is out of the water. Use a thick warm towel to prevent it from getting cold.

If the Golden Retriever hasn’t been in the water yet and has been playing in the sun, cool it off under a tent. This reserves your dog’s energy and keeps it healthy while at the beach.

5. Use SPF on your dog

Dogs can get sunburn too. Apply sunburn specially made for dogs on your Golden Retriever. Rub it on places like its ears and nose.

The SPF used for a Golden Retriever should be applied if the dog will spend more time in the sun than in the ocean. But still, your dog shouldn’t be exposed to too much sunlight.

6. Adequate rest

Even though Golden Retrievers are active dogs, they need to rest.

While swimming with your dog, don’t over-exert the dog. Instead, ensure that it gets enough rest when due.

If there is no resting time for your Golden Retriever, it may develop a heat stroke or other health complications.

7. Clean up

Golden Retrievers play a lot and will definitely get a lot of salt, sand, and bacteria stuck in their fur. When you get home, make sure you wash your dog. Please give it a thorough clean.

If you don’t rinse your dog after a day at the beach, be prepared for infections and diseases. Salt, sand, and bacteria can cause infection and diseases. If you love your dog, make sure to bathe it.

If you can take note of such essential details while at the beach with your Golden Retriever, your dog will have great fun and will return home safe and healthy after a long day at the beach.

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