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Can Llamas swim? Do they get along with water well? Do Llamas have fear of water? All these questions come into mind when taking your Llamas to swim for the first time. You get a yes to this question. Everyone must have come across a picture of Llamas in a pool at some point.
Yes, Llamas can swim in shallow water but they need to be trained before taking them to deep waters. They have a dense and leaner structure which does not aid much in floating.
Why Do Llamas Swim?
Swimming works for Llamas by reducing their body temperature and dissipating heat from their bellies, in summer.
When the heat gets unbearable, Llamas love to bounce, flail and run through water to get cooler.
They like to paw and splash in the water to get the feel first. Llamas do not like to get their faces wet, they hold their head above water when floating.
Benefits of Swimming for Llamas
Swimming is an excellent aerobic exercise for muscle development and strengthening tendons.
Swimming is good for fitness, rehabilitation, and recreational purposes. On a hot summer day, when heat stress is inevitable, swimming can be of great help in dissipating heat.
Swimming for animals is not without perks. Besides enjoying the water, it entails many health benefits.
- Exercise: Just like humans, Llamas need exercise to remain healthy. Swimming has proven to be a recreational exercise that helps in building muscle mass. A cardiovascular workout is another bonus of swimming. It also eliminates behavioral problems by utilizing pent-up energy.
- Mood Booster: Animals experience mood swings, like human beings. They get bored and tired of the same old routine. They show destructive behavior and seem unhappy when they need stimulation. A day out with your Llamas swimming and playing together in the pool will stimulation for them.
- Summer Heat: Summer is the weather for swimming. Taking your Llamas to swim on a hot day allows them to cool down. Outdoor exercises for an animal on a hot day is a big no-no while swimming does it effortlessly. Llamas can enjoy a good workout by playing in the water and dissipating heat.
Do All Llamas Swim?
Swimming is not a preference for all Llama types. Some might not enjoy the water as their fellow Llamas.
Wading in cool water is not a favorite for all Llamas, some show apprehension to even look at it. Tiptoeing and disgruntled looks say it all about a Llamas who is not a fan of swimming.
Can Llamas Swim in Deep Water?
Llamas are not natural swimmers like their other livestock cousins. For some Llamas, even stepping in a rain puddle is a struggle.
Shallow waters and pools are the best options when taking Llamas to swim.
Swimming in deep water is not recommended, but if it is necessary, first train the Llamas yourself or with the help of a professional trainer.
If Llamas do exceptionally well in training, you are on the go. Though it is not recommended because of their leaner structure.
Can Llamas Swim in the Ocean?
Only if they are highly trained, but it’s not advised. There is no need to burden Llamas with the pressure of swimming in the ocean as it is not a piece of cake. Stick to the pool and shallow water.
Safety Measures of Taking Llamas to Swim
If you are a llamas farmer, You need to follow safety guidelines before taking them swimming. They might get overwhelmed with the water resistance and lose control.
- If its the first time swimming, opt for a pool or shallow water.
- Take someone with you just in case things get out of hand.
- Bring the Llamas out of the water if it shows any sign of anxiety.
- Take them to swim without any load or burden on their back.
Risks Attached to the Llamas Swimming
Keeping in mind its many pros, you should also look for the cons of taking Llamas to swim.
- Natural bodies of water may be polluted or dangerous for a Llamas to swim. They may have to be treated for infections, afterward.
- Llamas may lose control or experience a panic attack when going in the water if they have a fear of water. Heavier breathing, worried looks are the signs that the Llamas is not a fan of water.
- There is a whole other pandora box opens If the water gets in the Llamas’s ear. It will result in annoyance and ear infections. A vet visit will come your way if it happens.
Final Verdict
Take your Llamas to swim on a hot summer day. Join them in swimming and play together. Swimming is all fun for the Llamas if you make them swim in the pool or shallow water. Swimming is good at dissipating heat and maintaining body temperature. Not all Llamas are swimmers, some are afraid of water, may become anxious when coming near water.