Swimming with your dog: tips for water safety. Plan to spend time by the pool with your dog this summer? Most dogs like playing in the water. In truth, many individuals possess the intrinsic capacity to “dog paddle” or at least tread water. During the hottest and most humid days of summer, swimming and other water sports may be excellent methods for your best buddy to cool down and exercise.
Whether you have a backyard pool, live near a dog-friendly beach, or just like playing with a garden hose and sprinkler, it’s vital to remember that water safety is crucial for both people and dogs. Explore these safety guidelines so you can splash about with your closest friend throughout the summer.
Swimming for Dogs
If you intend to take your dog into the water, you must first determine whether he or she enjoys swimming and water games. Although most dogs enjoy the water, others do not. In reality, most pups and certain breeds, including Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, and Chinese Cresteds, are notoriously water-averse.
There are also other dog breeds that do not normally swim well, such as English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, who have short snouts. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog can swim safely. Also, you should never, ever attempt to push your dog into the water if she appears fearful.
Dog-Friendly Locations
Before entering the water with your dog, you must also ensure that the beach or pool is dog-friendly. Begin by putting your dog on a leash. Look for a location with calm water and minimal amounts of activity. Pool owners should provide your dog with steps or a ramp for easy access. Demonstrate to your dog how to use the steps to depart, and work with her until she learns where the exits are and how to get out.
You may then engage in playful interaction with your dog to see if they are having fun. Allow them to go at their own pace to determine if they wish to continue with this activity. Never leave your dog unsupervised near water, regardless of how shallow it is. Pool owners should install a fence around their pool, as pups in particular might easily fall in.
Canine lifejackets and CPR
Regardless matter whether your dog is a great swimmer or water-phobic, pet parents should consider purchasing a life jacket for their furry companion. When selecting the proper jacket, fit, buoyancy, handles, and bright colors are all crucial factors to consider. You should be able to lift your dog out of the water by the handles, and the color should make her immediately visible from a distance. Parents might also consider enrolling in a dog CPR course.
Dehydration and Water Overdose
Swimming and water activities are excellent forms of exercise for your dog, but they might leave them exhausted. Be careful not to overdo it while swimming or doing water games. To prevent your best friend from being dehydrated or drinking from a lake, river, pool, or ocean, offer them frequent rest periods in a shady spot and plenty of fresh water. These bodies of water may contain chemicals, microorganisms, and parasites that might make your best friend sick if she drinks them.
In addition to dehydration, look out for symptoms of water intoxication. It is a rare ailment, but any dog is susceptible to it, especially if they “bite[s] at” or lap up water. Water intoxication is caused by ingesting too much water and can worsen rapidly, so keep an eye out for lethargy, water vomiting, coughing and “foamy” spit, dilated pupils, and trouble breathing. If they exhibit any of these symptoms after playing in the water, contact your veterinarian or an animal emergency room immediately.
Remember to clean your dog with fresh water before the salt or chlorine dries on their fur after leaving the pool or beach. In addition to irritating her skin, they can absorb these substances by licking their fur.
Water Recreation
Once you and your dog are comfortable and accustomed to the water and swimming, it may be appropriate to splash around with your dog in the water. Here are some simple ways to enjoy the water safely with your closest friend.
Water sports. The majority of terrestrial games are easily adaptable to water play. In the water, playing fetch with a stick, Frisbee, tennis ball, or other toy is just as exciting, if not more so.
Canoeing. Canoeing along the river with your pet buddy is a pleasant and relaxing way to enjoy the water together. Canoeing is a calm activity that allows your dog to periodically jump out and swim around. However, you must be cautious about where you dock and look out for jagged rocks and strong currents.
Dock leaping. If you know of a dog-friendly lake with a pier and an easy route to return to shore, let them jump off and splash about. You might need to demonstrate by jumping first!
Towing. If your dog has sufficient strength, train her to pull you about on an inner tube. It is enjoyable for both of you!
Surfing. This is only for dogs with shown swimming skills. If you have a surfboard and enjoy surfing, you may be able to teach your dog to ride waves with you.