DID YOU KNOW…..
Dog are not natural born swimmers! Many people think that dogs instinctually know how to swim but that’s not actually the case. It is important to make sure you know how to keep your pets safe around water during the warmer months.
If your pet is not familiar with swimming, follow these steps to help acclimate them:
- Start as early as possible. Remember to keep the lessons positive and stress-free for them (and perhaps you too!)
- Choose a quiet, shallow spot in the water
- Keep your dog on a leash while they learn
- Get in the water with them
- Start at the edge of the water and stay as long as they enjoy it
- If they don’t want to go into the water, don’t force them (especially if it’s deep)
- When your dog begins to paddle with their front legs, lift their hind legs to show them how to float
Tips for the beach:
- Watch out for strong currents and riptides! These can take you and your dog out to sea. Even the best swimmers can be in danger when the seas are ruff!
- Don’t let your dog drink ocean water. It can make them sick. Remember to bring fresh H2O with you to keep them hydrated (and a beer for you!)
- Keep your pal away from fish that have washed onto the shore. Dogs may think they have a great smell to them but the fish may make your dog ill.
Tips for the pool:
- Put a fence or baby gates around your pool to keep your dog out when it is not time to swim. Do not allow unsupervised swimming sessions.
- Keep a sturdy cover over the pool when you aren’t using it.
- Teach your dog how to get in and out of the pool. Make sure there are steps or a ramp they can use to climb out.
- Check the water temperature before letting your dog take a dip. Only a few breeds can handle extra cold water.
- Always keep life vests on hand!
Tips for Lakes, Rivers and Ponds:
- Consider getting your dog a life jacket. Especially if you take them out on a boat or a dock. Many pet stores have some really cute and fashionable ones!
- Steer clear of bodies of water with blue green algae. It can make dogs sick.
- Check the current of the river or creek. Make sure it isn’t too strong to let your dog swim. Again, even the best of swimmers can be put into life threatening situations in strong currents.
- Keep your dog away from fishing gear! Sharp hooks and barbs can hurt them.
No matter where your pup makes a splash, follow these pointers:
- Rinsing them off after they have been in any kind of water is important. Seawater minerals, salt, chlorine, algae and pollution can irritate or damage their skin and fur.
- Remove their flea collar before they swim. Water can wash off it’s an active ingredients.
- Dry your dog’s ears completely to help prevent ear infections. You can even try our ear cleaner sold (here).
- If possible, learn canine CPR. Mouth-to-nose resuscitation and chest compressions could save a dog’s life in an emergency.
- Never leave your dog alone in the water!
- Teach your dog “wait” at the water’s edge or to use stairs. Using the stairs may help get them out of an emergent situation if they were to ever fall in.
- Keep pool chemicals safely stored away and out of pet’s reach.
