Water Safety Tips for Dogs and Pet Parents
Water and canines don’t always go hand-in-hand. You may have a water bug or maybe just a shallow stepper when it comes to your furry friend around bodies of water, but every pet parent should understand that not all dogs are natural swimmers. When it comes to water activities this summer with your dog, remember these 7 water safety tips to make water activities enjoyable and safe for your furry friend.
Water Safety Tip #1: Don’t assume your dog knows how to swim. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so take into account how your dog responds to being in the water and if they need some help learning how to stay afloat. Some dogs may just like a little hose action while others want to jump right in.
Water Safety Tip #2: Invest in a life jacket for your dog. This may seem a little silly to some pet owners, but the fact is that not all dogs can swim and will revert to a ‘doggie paddle’ if they get into trouble. Life jackets help to keep your dog afloat and can help with long swims back if they end up falling off of a boat, canoe, paddle-board or other water activities. Look for a life jacket that is a snug fit and secures at the chest and under the belly.
Water Safety Tip #3: Desensitize your dog to water. Before you take them out to those big bodies of water for the first time, start with a kiddie pool in your yard or heading to a shallow part of a creek. It’s fun to splash around for them and it won’t be as overwhelming if they can figure some water stuff out in a smaller area of water.
Water Safety Tip #4: Always monitor your dog when they are swimming. This is important no matter how old your dog is or how good of a swimmer you think they are. You never know how a dog will respond to a new situation or a change in their environment. You can always make adjustments to where they are swimming and how long they swim by being on the lookout for them in the water.
Water Safety Tip #5: Rinse off your dog after they go swimming. Whether it’s a lake, ocean, creek or pool, this helps to rinse off any dirt, bacteria or chemicals that could cause skin irritation. If your dog swims in a pool on a daily basis, the pool chemicals can dry out their skin and cause skin irritation. Rinsing your dog off with fresh water and/or using a dog shampoo formulated to help with dry skin can combat that irritation. Mats and hot spots could form if moisture is trapped in their fur, so always be sure to dry your dog’s coat thoroughly when they are done with water activities.
Water Safety Tip #6: Know the signs of distress in your dog in the water. Knowing distress signs and how to respond can save your dog’s life. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these signs, it’s time to pull them out of the water:
Labored breathing: If your dog is struggling to breathe or panting excessively, get them out of the water immediately.
Uncoordinated movements: If they seem disoriented or have difficulty swimming, it could mean that fatigue or panic has set in for them.
Vomiting or diarrhea: If your dog develops gastrointestinal issues, they may have inhaled harmful water or chemicals.
Water Safety Tip #7: Make sure your dog can easily get in and out of the water. Whether you are on a boat, at the beach, lake or in your pool, make sure there is an entrance and exit for your dog getting out of the water. A clear shallow path, a ramp out of the pool, stairs they can climb or a handle on their life jacket to help pull them up are some options for different water areas. If you have a pool, do make sure that there is a fence tall enough around it that your pup cannot jump over it when no one is around.
Being proactive when it comes to water play and your dog is a great way to ensure that everyone enjoys water activities safely this summer. Remember to always supervise your pet around water, be prepared with appropriate gear like life jackets and understand the signs of distress in your dog. With the proper precautions, you and your furry friend can make lasting, fun memories around the water!
If your dog prefers land over water, we have the perfect activity for them - daily dog walks! Trail walks, dog park trips or just a stroll around the neighborhood, Going Mutts Pet Services has so many different options for your furry friend to get their exercise on this summer. We love finding the shady routes when the sun is too much and we are always cautious with hot pavement on your dogs paws. Giving you peace of mind is our number one priority, so contact us today to see how we can help customize your pet care needs!
Sources:
https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/water-safety-tips-your-dog-summer
https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/water-safety-for-pets/
https://www.aaha.org/resources/dive-into-safety-water-safety-tips-for-pets/
