Common Maltese Swimming Tips [Pros And Cons]

While Maltese dogs may not be known for their love of water, they can still enjoy a refreshing swim with a little bit of help.

In this blog post, we will be sharing some tips and tricks for teaching your Maltese dog to swim and making your water adventures a success.

Let’s start with a simple question…

Table of Contents show

Can Maltese dogs swim?

Yes, Maltese dogs can swim, but they are not natural swimmers and need to be taught how to swim as puppies.

It is important to note that Maltese dogs have long fur, which can make swimming more difficult for them.

Some Maltese dogs may not enjoy swimming, so it is important to introduce them to water gradually and make sure they feel comfortable before encouraging them to swim.

Maltese Swimming Tips

If you have a Maltese dog and you plan to take them swimming, there are some tips that you can follow to keep them safe:

Consider using a life vest: Even if your Maltese is a relatively strong swimmer, a life vest can provide extra buoyancy and help to keep them afloat.
Start slowly: If your Maltese is new to swimming, start slowly by introducing them to shallow water and gradually increasing the depth. Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort, and don’t push your dog too hard.

Stay close: When your Maltese is swimming, stay close by and keep an eye on them at all times. If they appear to be struggling or in distress, be ready to intervene.
Rinse them off: After your Maltese has been swimming, rinse them off with clean water to remove any chlorine or salt water that could irritate their skin.
Be aware of hazards: When swimming outdoors, keep an eye out for hazards such as strong currents, rip tides, or debris in the water.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Maltese dog has a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

Preparing your Maltese dog for swimming

Maltese dogs can be taught to swim, but care must be taken to properly prepare them.

Throwing a young puppy into the water is not advised since it could undermine their courage.

Start by introducing your Maltese to shallow water and progressively advance to deeper water as you train them to swim.

Avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or pools with a lot of chlorine. Your Maltese can swim while wearing a life jacket as well.

Making ensuring your dog feels at ease around water and not shooing them into the water before they’re ready are also important steps in preparing them for swimming.

Teaching a Maltese dog how to swim

Here is a step-by-step process for teaching a Maltese dog how to swim:

Start by introducing your Maltese to shallow water, such as a kiddie pool or a large bucket filled with water. This allows your dog to get used to the sensation of being in the water.
Gradually introduce your Maltese to deeper water, but make sure you stay close to your dog and provide support.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage your Maltese to enter the water. Offer treats, praise, and petting to reward your dog for his or her efforts.
Use a dog life vest to provide additional support and safety for your Maltese.
Once your Maltese is comfortable being in the water with the life vest, gradually remove it and provide support until your dog can swim independently.

Continue to use positive reinforcement throughout the process, and always make sure your Maltese is comfortable and safe in the water.

In summary, introducing your Maltese dog to water gradually and positively, using a life vest for safety and support if necessary, and providing lots of positive reinforcement can help your dog learn how to swim.

Post-swim care for Maltese dogs

It’s important to care for a Maltese dog after swimming, especially in salt water or chlorine-treated pools, to prevent any potential skin or coat irritations.

Here are some post-swim care tips for your Maltese dog:

Rinse your dog: Rinse your Maltese with clean, fresh water after swimming to remove any salt or chlorine from their coat.
Dry your dog: Dry your dog’s coat with a towel or a blow dryer on a low setting to prevent matting or tangling of the hair.

Check for ear infection: Maltese dogs are prone to ear infections, so be sure to check their ears after swimming and clean them with a gentle, veterinarian-recommended solution.
Brush your dog’s hair: Brush your Maltese’s hair to prevent any tangles or matting. Use a gentle brush or comb and be careful not to pull too hard, as their hair is delicate.
Monitor for skin irritation: Keep an eye out for any signs of skin irritation, such as redness or itching, which may require treatment from a veterinarian.

By following these post-swim care tips, you can help keep your Maltese dog healthy and comfortable after swimming.

Pros and cons of Maltese dog swimming

Pros and cons of Maltese dog swimming can be summarised as follows:

The Pros:

Swimming is a fantastic type of exercise that will keep your Maltese in top condition while also enhancing their cardiovascular system and muscular system.
Swimming is a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints and is a great type of exercise for Individuals who are older or arthritic.
In warmer weather, swimming may keep your Maltese cool and comfortable and offer a cool respite from the heat.

Cons:

Maltese dogs may not have naturally great swimming abilities, making them vulnerable to exhaustion or even drowning if left alone.
If they are not adequately secured or provided with a ramp or ladder for easy evacuation, swimming pools can be deadly for dogs.

After swimming in the ocean, your Dog should be rinsed with fresh water to prevent skin irritation and dryness.

Before enabling your Maltese to swim, like with any physical activity, check with your veterinarian to make sure they are healthy and able to withstand this kind of exercise.

Always keep an eye on your Maltese when they are swimming, and make sure they have quick access to exits to avoid mishaps.

Factors that influence a Maltese dog’s swimming ability

Maltese dogs are generally not considered natural swimmers due to their small size and short legs.

However, Maltese with good health and physical fitness may still be able to swim.

Here are some factors that may influence a Maltese dog’s swimming ability:

Health Issues: Maltese dogs with respiratory or heart problems may have difficulty swimming or may tire easily in the water.
Physical Fitness: A Maltese dog that is physically fit and active may be better equipped to swim than a sedentary or overweight dog.
Water Temperatures: Maltese dogs may struggle in cold water due to their small size and thin coats. Warm water may be more comfortable for them to swim in.

Swimming Experience: Like all dogs, Maltese dogs can benefit from training and exposure to water. With experience and practice, they may develop better swimming skills.

It’s important to monitor your Maltese dog’s behavior when they are in the water to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

Precautions to take before and after letting your Maltese dog swim

When letting your Maltese dog swim, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure its safety and well-being.

Here are some things to consider:

Before letting your Maltese dog swim:

Consider the dog’s swimming ability – Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so it’s important to assess your dog’s swimming ability before letting them swim. If your dog is not comfortable in the water, consider using a life jacket.

Check the water quality – Make sure the water is clean and free from any harmful chemicals or pollutants that may be harmful to your dog’s health.
Choose the right time of day – Avoid letting your dog swim during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its strongest. This can cause your dog to get overheated and dehydrated.
Supervise your dog at all times – Never leave your dog unattended while swimming. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen.

After letting your Maltese dog swim:

Rinse off your dog – After swimming in saltwater or chlorinated water, rinse your dog off with fresh water to remove any chemicals or salt from the fur.
Dry your dog off – Use a towel to dry your dog off after swimming. This can help prevent skin irritation and promote good hygiene.

Check for any signs of illness – Keep an eye on your dog after swimming for any signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Remember, while swimming can be great exercise for Maltese dogs, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe and healthy.

Learn more about Maltese training tips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, swimming is a fantastic way to maintain the health and happiness of your Maltese.

These pointers might help your animal friend quickly gain confidence in the water.

Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re in the water, and never make them do anything they don’t want to.

Your Maltese can swim like a pro with a little time and effort.