How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Water Activities
Many dogs love to play and swim when it's hot outside. When spending time outdoors in the summertime, it's essential to keep your dog safe and cool on order to avoid things like heat stroke, poisoning and more. Safety is just as important when it comes to swimming and playing around water. Here are some things dog owners need to know in order to keep dogs safe:
It's nice to think your dog can just jump in the water and automatically know what to do. While some dogs (especially breeds like Labradors and Goldens) may instinctively know how to swim, many others do not. Some dogs can't swim and need to be taught. Don't assume your dog knows how to swim, no matter the breed. Others dogs hate or fear the water and refuse to try. Never force a dog into the water. You can try getting in the water and coaxing your dog with toys. If he's not interested, don't push it.
When introducing your dog to water for the first time, take it slowly. Make sure to begin with a gentle, shallow body of water where your dog can wade. Work your way up to pools and lakes, as your dog adjusts. Make sure to supervise your dog at all times. When in the pool, make sure he knows where the exit steps.
If your dog is still learning to swim, a life jacket is a great idea. However, this is not the only use for the life jacket. All dogs on boats, rafts, canoes, kayaks, etc should be wearing life vests. This goes for even the best of swimmers. A life jacket will not only help save your dog from rapids, waves, undertows and more -- it will make your dog easier to find and grab if he does go overboard. Consider buying your dog a life jacket.
Most dogs will gladly lap up the water they are swimming in. This can be a problem depending on the type of water. Pool chemicals, obviously, are not healthy to consume. Ocean water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The salt content in sea water can also lead to serious dehydration. Lake, river, pond and stream water may seem harmless, but can actually contain parasites like Giardia or other nasty "bugs." Parasites and bacteria are more likely to be found in standing water than flowing water, so pay attention to this.
Most dogs are going to try and drink some of the water. They will also likely ingest some by accident. Small amounts are not usually a problem. Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available and encourage your dog to drink that. Always watch your dog for signs of illness, especially after swimming. If you have any concerns, contact your vet and let them know where your dog was swimming.
Yes, dogs can get sunburns too. Those with lighter hair, short hair or pink noses are at a greater risk, but all dogs are susceptible (long-haired dogs can get sunburned noses). As you likely know, water reflect light, so a sunburn is more likely around the water. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade available and consider picking up some doggie sunscreen.
Chances are, your dog will be off-leash during the swim outing. This is why it's essential to have a strong recall. You should be able to call your dog back to you for any reason. Your dog should also know to stay close to you or check-in with your periodically. If your dog seems headed towards trouble, you should be able to rely on the fact that he will come when called. That's where the emergency recall really comes in handy. Before heading to an open area for swimming, make sure your dog has this foundation of training. Alternatively, keep your dog on a long leash the whole time.
Not All Dogs Can (or Will) Swim
It's nice to think your dog can just jump in the water and automatically know what to do. While some dogs (especially breeds like Labradors and Goldens) may instinctively know how to swim, many others do not. Some dogs can't swim and need to be taught. Don't assume your dog knows how to swim, no matter the breed. Others dogs hate or fear the water and refuse to try. Never force a dog into the water. You can try getting in the water and coaxing your dog with toys. If he's not interested, don't push it.
When introducing your dog to water for the first time, take it slowly. Make sure to begin with a gentle, shallow body of water where your dog can wade. Work your way up to pools and lakes, as your dog adjusts. Make sure to supervise your dog at all times. When in the pool, make sure he knows where the exit steps.
Get A Doggie Life Jacket
If your dog is still learning to swim, a life jacket is a great idea. However, this is not the only use for the life jacket. All dogs on boats, rafts, canoes, kayaks, etc should be wearing life vests. This goes for even the best of swimmers. A life jacket will not only help save your dog from rapids, waves, undertows and more -- it will make your dog easier to find and grab if he does go overboard. Consider buying your dog a life jacket.
Watch What Your Dog Drinks
Most dogs will gladly lap up the water they are swimming in. This can be a problem depending on the type of water. Pool chemicals, obviously, are not healthy to consume. Ocean water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The salt content in sea water can also lead to serious dehydration. Lake, river, pond and stream water may seem harmless, but can actually contain parasites like Giardia or other nasty "bugs." Parasites and bacteria are more likely to be found in standing water than flowing water, so pay attention to this.
Most dogs are going to try and drink some of the water. They will also likely ingest some by accident. Small amounts are not usually a problem. Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available and encourage your dog to drink that. Always watch your dog for signs of illness, especially after swimming. If you have any concerns, contact your vet and let them know where your dog was swimming.
Prevent Sunburn
Yes, dogs can get sunburns too. Those with lighter hair, short hair or pink noses are at a greater risk, but all dogs are susceptible (long-haired dogs can get sunburned noses). As you likely know, water reflect light, so a sunburn is more likely around the water. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade available and consider picking up some doggie sunscreen.
Have a Reliable Recall
Chances are, your dog will be off-leash during the swim outing. This is why it's essential to have a strong recall. You should be able to call your dog back to you for any reason. Your dog should also know to stay close to you or check-in with your periodically. If your dog seems headed towards trouble, you should be able to rely on the fact that he will come when called. That's where the emergency recall really comes in handy. Before heading to an open area for swimming, make sure your dog has this foundation of training. Alternatively, keep your dog on a long leash the whole time.
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