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Standard Poodles - Poodle Water Safety
You can lead a Standard Poodle to water, but you can’t make him swim! Some Poodles love to swim and some don’t, or just aren’t used to it. Pay attention to your Poodle’s comfort level, skills and health when it comes to swimming. Your dog may just jump right in with no problem, or you may have to ease your dog into it gently. You want to make swimming an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Choose a quiet, calm spot to introduce your Poodle to swimming where he won’t be scared by loud noises or splashing. Start him out in a shallow area and gradually increase the depth by calling him out farther with treats or dog toys that float. If you have another dog that likes swimming, your inexperienced dog may follow him. Never throw your dog into the water if it has never swum before. Once your dog gets out far enough to start paddling with its front legs, you can hold its hindquarters up so it gets the idea of what to do. If he seems stressed, don’t force the issue. If you’ve ever swam for a long time, then you know how tiring it can get; the same applies to your Standard Poodle, especially if it is very young or old. Drowning accidents can happen if your dog gets too tired. Signs of a tired, struggling dog include: a dropped rear end when swimming, panicking, gasping, or choking. As a precaution, you may want to use a doggie life jacket Before you head out to your dog’s favorite swimming hole or a new spot for that matter, always check for rough conditions. Also, be sure your dog can make it out OK. Slippery or steep banks can make it difficult for a tired dog to get out. Make sure the water if not too cold. You wouldn’t want your dog to get hypothermia. Keep an eye on your dog for shivering, disorientation, dilated pupils, and a slowed heart rate, which are all signs of hypothermia. As hard as it may be, try and not let your Poodle drink from a pool or the ocean. The salt or pool chemicals can make him vomit. Lake and stream water can have parasites and bacterial organisms that can cause intestinal and skin infections as well. Be especially wary of lakes or any water that has blue-green algae, as it produces toxins that can kill a dog in a few hours! If you’re spending a day at the beach with your Poodle, be sure that the beach allows dogs and check with the lifeguard for surf conditions. Also ask about jellyfish in the area, which can cause a nasty sting. When you return from the beach either bathe or rinse your dog thoroughly to remove any salt, which is bad for its coat. Be sure to get all of the sand out from between his toes. If you are fortunate enough to have a swimming pool in your yard, teach your dog on-leash, how to get in and out of the pool using the steps. Dogs don’t have strong shoulder muscles like we do and can’t pool themselves out of the side of a pool. Make sure your dog does not swim unsupervised. Remember the old rule, “Don’t go in the water for 30 minutes after you eat!” That applies to your Poodle too. Deep-chested dogs such as Poodles, are prone to getting "Bloat" or torsion if they eat and exercise right away. If you and your Standard Poodle friend follow the rules above, you should have an enjoyable, splash filled water experience!
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if your dog likes to swim and retrieve a lot. Not only does a doggie life jacket help your dog stay afloat, but also provides insulation from the 
