Living in the NE, we obviously live through seasonal weather changes.
Last week, we had a freak winter snow storm, and Kira loved it. She was outside for a good hour, running, rolling, and just having a plain ol' great time.
Since I do live near the water, what's the difference if Kira were to run into a cold ocean, versus rolling in the icy snow?
For whatever reason, I wouldn't let her jump in the water. It just doesn't "seem" right. But what's the truth about all this?
Is the cold water any worse than playing in an icy snow?
gsd do not have the oily coats of some breeds. chessie. retrievers and newfoundlands are bred to survive cold winter water temps, gsds are not. big difference between jumping in cold water and rolling around in the snow.
My dogs play and swim in icy water all the time - in the never-ending spring thaw that leaves huge puddles and ponds and swollen seasonal streams of snow melt, and in just openinig-up rivers and lakes with huge ice chunks still floating around. When they are running around and having fun, they are fine. Doesn't faze them a bit. I'm careful to not let them on the ice when I think the ice may be starting to break. Other than that, Everything is so wet, with inches of standing water on top of the ground since the snow is melting, but the ground hasn't thawed enough to take the melted water in, it would be impossible to keep them dry and clean.
They have never shown any signs of cold, like shivering. The only time I've seen either of them shivering is if they went swimming, retrieving sticks out of the water for an hour or so, and that is usually in the summer time.
In the spring, with the temps often hovering around 'just' freezing, or a few degrees below freezing, as they break through the snow crust or break the ice on melt water puddles as they run and play, they get soaked, then the water freezes in droplets on their fur - still does not bother them at all.
Then they come in and shake - What a mess!!!! I sometime just walk them around before going in the house or the car hoping they will shake that muddy, frozen water OFF first.
If I stop at a park with the dogs to give them a bit of a break and they end up in the water, I'll skip the errands I was planning on doing and take them home - I always have towels in the car to dry them off a bit, and have clean towels and blankets for them. If I know I won't be able to change my plans, I keep them away from areas where they are going to get wet.
So if you are able to get her home and dry, let Kira in the water if she wants to - won't do her any harm.
Both Hondo (GSD) and Lonestar (Lacy) love the water. However, when Hondo swims he tends to gulp water. Lonestar doesn't. I would be more inclined to allow Lonestar in icy water before I'd allow Hondo, because of this.
Dakota has gone in the lake on a warmer winter's day. Never had a problem. I ususally have to prevent her from jumping in. She loves the water, and cold water and cold air do not stop her.
Mine hates the water, absolutely terrified of it! At least I don't have to worry about him going in our pond. Although when it is frozen I am more than a little paranoid about the dogs deciding to walk out onto it.
The reason I started this thread, is because I took Kira for her usual run on the beach.
We were playing fetch on the sand, and she decided to dart towards the water, and just jumped in. she was running in and out like a kid in a candy store
To be honest, I got a little nervous, and took her home, and put her near the fireplace..LOL
LMAO ... there's nothing wrong with being a concerned parent! I freeze my butt off in +5 degrees, so I absolutely shudder when I see Kyleigh running through freezing cold water.
I think if we use some common sense - don't be TOO far from home (or a warm car!), keep some towels handy to help dry them off a bit, and keep them moving.
I'm glad you asked this question, because I've been wondering the same thing! We took Ava on a new hiking trail this weekend, and the trail crossed a really nice river. Well, being the water dog that she is, she JUMPED into the river at full speed and proceeded to chase the floating leaves around. I was concerned that the cold water might make her get sick, but we walked her around afterwards and dried her off when we got home, and she was totally fine! I do like the idea of keeping some towels in the car, though. Think I'll do that when I get home today...
In the past my Malinois swam in a pond and broke the thin layer as if she was an icebreaker. Never had any ill effect but it blows my mind how they can stand that cold water on their tummies.
I won't keep WD out of the water. I assume that when he goes in he can handle it. I do play fetch with him afterwards but that is probably more for my own peace of mind than for him.
To nikkitta: all my dogs have been swimmers but they were introduced to water as soon as I got them as puppies. They didn't actually swim until they were about 6 months old, except for WD who swam as an 11 week old after jumping off the dock after another dog. To my surprise he never got scared.
How did you introduce them to water and at what age?
i am sure most, if not all of you know more than i do, but i think letting a gsd swim in freezing water is a mistake. no doubt in my mind at the very least it may cause some stiffness in their joints in later years.
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