[nullgeo]

Like many northerners, I would enjoy wintering part-time in Florida. They Keys, specifically. I have a dog, a Chesapeake retriever, as my constant companion. After me, water is his life. Swims daily, even up north in the winter. Not even ice stops him.

Sharks, snakes, alligators, salt-water crocs. — all real dangers for a swimming dog down in the Keys? Is open ocean shore ok? We lived in Hawaii and he swam in the breakers and loved it.

Thanks for any input.

[mec1212]

Depends where you go I guess. My brother in law has a house in Key Largo, we go there all the time, he has a boxer who is in love with the boat and water. Constantly jumping into the canal and when we boat into coves he's the first out to swim.

[Marlin331]

Generally, your dog can swim without any kind of dangers at a beach or in shallow water. If you are near a marsh/swamp, there is a small risk of alligators/crocodiles, but as long as you watch out for the dog he should be fine. My parents in the Keys used to have a dog and he would swim on sandbars (when going out in the boat), in boatramps, and also at the beach. If you are up by Key Large and the crocodile refuge, you should be aware of that (because crocodiles are generally more aggresive than alligators, who tend to stay to either fresh water or "brackish," which is mixed salt and fresh water.) Generally, your dog will be fine swimming in the saltwater.

[mikenbacismama]

All I have to say is, you have one lucky dog!

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by mikenbacismama

All I have to say is, you have one lucky dog!

Lucky because he gets to swim every day? Or lucky because he can stand to be in ice-water? heh ;-) both ... and lucky he lived in Hawaii and swam in the breakers, too. Yes to all.

Thanks for the replies so far. Encouraging. He's my main man. Would be sad to have a homey on only three legs (or worse)

[tallrick]

Not much risk here, but the risk does exist. Sharks are probably the biggest concern, I know someone who lost a dog to a shark. Crocodiles are usually bayside to the Everglades, you never see them in the open ocean. As mentioned before, keep an eye on your dog and don't let him stray too far. Also watch for the patches of fishing line mixed with seaweed.