When the heat of summer arrives, it can be tempting to take your dog swimming to cool off! Let’s take a look at how to keep you and your precious pooch safe in the water.
What Are The Risks Of Swimming With Your Dog?
Many dogs enjoy a dip in a pond, lake, or river, but letting your dog swim can be a risky business! So, before you take your canine buddy for a cooling swim on a hot summer’s day, it pays to figure out the safest way to do this.
Your dog may be an athletic bundle of limitless energy, but unfortunately, dogs are at a high risk of drowning in water. Even the fittest dog will tire easily in the water, leaving them at risk of not making it safely back to shore.
Another risk of letting your dog swim is potential exposure to harmful bacteria, algae, or even toxic chemicals. These can cause health issues for your dog, including skin irritations, gastrointestinal problems, or respiratory difficulties. Plus, if the water is particularly murky, it can be difficult to spot potential hazards that your dog could injure itself on.
Dog Swimming: Top Safety Tips
To keep your pooch safe in the water, follow these simple safety tips:
- If your dog is new to swimming, start in shallow water where your dog can touch the ground. These practice sessions will help your dog build up confidence and stamina.
- Keep a close eye on your dog’s energy levels while swimming for signs of fatigue. If your dog seems to be tiring, it’s time to end the swimming session and allow them to rest.
- Never leave your dog unattended whilst swimming, even if you take them for a dip regularly.
- Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, a life jacket can provide an extra layer of protection.
- Rivers with strong currents or rough sea conditions should be avoided.
- Keep an eye on social media and news outlets for warnings of toxic swimming spots, such as those with blue-green algae.
- Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs and boxers, are not well suited to swimming. These breeds would probably prefer a paddle in some shallow water!
- After every swim, rinse your dog thoroughly with fresh water to remove any potential contaminants from their fur and skin.
By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable swimming experience with your canine companion. We hope that you both have a splashing time!
Maven is all about proactive pet care. Be your best friend’s best friend by giving them 24/7, high-quality, industry-leading vet care to improve their mental health, physical health and more. No more frantic googling or unneeded stressful visits to the vet – Maven helps you save hundreds while also ensuring your pet lives the best life possible. Get your kit now!
