Can pugs swim? What to know

Pugs are spunky and full of personality, but unlike Retrievers, swimming isn’t their strong suit. The physical anatomy of a pug can make swimming difficult and it’s important for pug owners to be aware of the reasons why to ensure the safety and happiness of their furry friends.

1. Pugs are brachycephalic

Brachycephalic dogs have condensed snouts and short, flat faces, which can cause respiratory issues. This causes breathing difficulty at rest, so introducing them to exercise in water adds another layer of concern. This can be an issue especially as they’ll need to lift their heads further out of the water to keep their noses and mouths clear of water.

Even though all dog breeds can be affected, brachycephalic breeds are more prone to aspiration pneumonia. Going for a swim in a deep pool can be dangerous, but splashing around in sprinklers or a doggie splash pad is much safer and decreases this risk.

Dr. Erica Irish

2. Their body shape isn’t conducive to swimming

We love pugs for their stout stature, but that same physicality makes swimming all the more difficult. Unlike natural swimmers like Retrievers and Spaniels, pugs can’t maintain a proper swimming position. Plus, their body proportions make maintaining buoyancy a struggle and as they need to exert more energy getting their smaller legs to move them, they become more tired.

3. They fatigue easily

Due to the issues they face with their short legs and larger head, they exert more energy swimming than other dogs. Combine that with their natural tendency to lounge and swimming, even for minutes at a time, bodes a significant struggle.

Tips for swimming safely with pugs

While swimming can be more difficult for pugs, with proper oversight and safety precautions it can be enjoyable for you and them. We’ve outlined several for you to keep in mind:

• Use a life jacket. Life jackets can help relieve some of the strain on your pug and are a tremendous help in supporting swim safety.
• Keep swim times short. Take regular breaks to rest every few minutes. Remember, your pug can’t swim for the same amount of time as a water breed.
• Always supervise swimming. Ensure your dog isn’t exhibiting signs of distress and always be mindful of whether they’re drinking water as they swim. Water toxicity can be dangerous.
• Be mindful of water and air temperatures. Pugs tend to overheat and that goes even for warm water. Be mindful of air and water temperatures by either swimming early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Rinse off after swimming. Brachycephalic dogs have sensitive skin so rinse them thoroughly with clean water after swimming.
• Monitor breathing. If your dog starts breathing heavily, wheezing, or coughing, cease swimming immediately to avoid continued overexertion.
• Keep your pup hydrated. Dogs can get dehydrated just like people so ensure your pup is drinking plenty of water. This also helps to deter them from drinking the water they swim in.
• Take note of any algae. Blue-green algae grows in still bodies of water and can be deadly if ingested by your dog. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your dog has consumed algae, seek vet care. Warm fresh bodies of water like lakes can also harbor pythium (Trusted Source) and laganidium (Trusted Source) which are also deadly to dogs.

Pugs are better off going on short walks or playing in sprinklers, but if you want to take your pug swimming, make sure you understand why they’re not the best swimmers. From there, determine how best to take care of them while they swim for a safe and fun outing.

Frequently asked questions

Do pugs sink in water?

Due to their body shape, pugs have a harder time staying afloat and can tire themselves out. As such they can begin to sink and should be immediately removed from the water.

Can I take my pug to the beach?

The ocean is dangerous for even the strongest swimmers, so we don’t recommend allowing your pug to swim in ocean water. However, beaches can be fun places to enjoy with your pup.

Can a pug swim?

Like all dogs, pugs do have the instinct to paddle but that doesn’t make them proficient swimmers.

How long can pugs swim?

Pugs should tread water for no longer than a few minutes, if that. They aren’t proficient swimmers and their brachycephalic faces could cause even more breathing issues when swimming.  As a rule of thumb, anytime your pug is around water that is deep enough to require swimming, have them in a life jacket.

Is it okay for pugs to swim?

As long as you’re monitoring your pug and they aren’t exhibiting signs of distress, swimming for extremely short amounts of time should be okay. Ensure you’re taking regular breaks and understand that pugs simply aren’t water dogs and are better suited to land activities. But if you want some safe water fun, consider sprinklers or splash pads.