We've all seen dogs having fun in the water, retrieving, swimming, maybe even taking a flying leap from a dock. But not all dogs like water and even those who do might benefit from a few safety precautions. Today, we'll talk about water safety for your dog so you can both have more fun this summer.
If your dog doesn't jump right in or seems afraid of the water, let them get used to it gradually. With positive gentle encouragement most dogs will realize that they can doggie paddle and that it's fun. Never just throw a nervous or inexperienced swimmer in the water.
We've all seen dogs having fun in the water, retrieving, swimming, maybe even taking a flying leap from a dock. But not all dogs like water and even those who do might benefit from a few safety precautions. Today, we'll talk about water safety for your dog so you can both have more fun this summer.
Just as people who are experienced swimmers have drowning accidents, dogs can too. Retrieving and swimming gets tiring, especially for very young dogs and older dogs. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, use a doggie life jacket in a bright color. It can help prevent a drowning accident when your dog gets too tired to tread water and make them easy to find if they lose their way back to shore.
When you head out to your favorite spot, look out for dangerous conditions. Rough currents or steep slippery banks can be too much for a dog who's already exhausted. Cold water can be dangerous as well. Water that's too cold for people is likely too cold for your dog.
If you have a pool, raise ladders and lock pool gates to prevent unsupervised swimming by your pets and children. Many people have lost dogs in tragic drowning accidents in backyard pools because they couldn't get out and no one was there to save them.
And stop your dog from drinking stagnant water. Polluted standing water can contains algae, parasites and chemical contaminants that may cause serious illness and possibly death if swallowed.
Remember to rinse your dog from head to tail after any time in the water to wash away chlorine from pools and debris from lake water. And always dry their ears inside after every swim to help prevent ear infections.