My three year old golden retriever bitch was mated a week ago and the stud dog owner advised against allowing her to swim through her pregnancy. Big problem!!!! Our dogs ADORE swimming and as they are walked alongside the river (there are also ditches and watercourses everywhere here) I have to keep her on a lead as I couldn't stop her from leaping in. What do you friendly people think? should she keep out of the water. She is a maiden bitch. I have to say we've not stopped them before on our previous 5 litters over many years.

I would have thought the risk of infection (leptospirosis especially springs to mind) would be quite high. The rivers in this area are notoriously dirty, and canoe clubs insist on members being vaccinated for safety.

It's hard to say I've always allowed my girls to continue swimming up until about week 5, but the water around here isn't too bad really.

Although Molly never swam she did used to wade in very deep puddles upto her armpits when pregnant.