Swimming can be a lot of fun for both dogs and their humans alike, but it can also present a danger to pets’ life and wellbeing. If you’re planning to train your dog how to swim or to take them on a swimming excursion, you would be well advised to keep a few safety tips in mind. Here are some of them.
Don’t Assume That Your Dog Can Swim
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are excellent swimmers. Most will instinctively paddle their feet and try to keep afloat, but it’s very risky to just assume that your dog will take to water very easily. It is important to gradually introduce your pet to water and to swimming to avoid stressing them out and to minimize the risk of drowning.
Provide Your Dog a Floatation Device
Getting your dog a floatation device or a life vest is one of the best things you can do before taking your dog out for a swim. In fact, it is ideal for all pets to wear personal flotation gear for the same reason people do when they swim. Choose a floatation device that is brightly colored so it will be easier to spot your pet in the pool, lake, or sea. In short, don’t risk it; your dog is a land animal, not a fish or a seal, so get them a life jacket!
Some Dogs Are Just Not Meant to Swim
Take note that some dog breeds are just not naturally good swimmers. For instance, dachshunds have very short legs that prevent them from paddling effectively. Basset hounds have similarly short legs, but on top of this, they also possess a heavy bone structure that make it challenging for them to keep afloat. However, the most at risk are dogs belonging to brachycephalic breeds—short-nosed, flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs. Because of the configuration of their face, they are forced to take a vertical position when swimming just to keep their muzzles above the waterline to be able to breathe. This makes using a floatation device all the more necessary.
Never Force Your Dog into the Water
Swimming should be fun, never stressful for your pet. When starting with their swimming lessons, keep your dog close to you. Start in a shallow spot, and never force them to swim, especially in a deep area. Support your dog’s body at all times, and only stay in the water for as long as your pet is enjoying the experience.
Secure Your Dog and Your Pool Area
Your dog shouldn’t be left alone in the water, especially when they are only beginning to learn how to swim. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure to secure your pet with a dog collar and a leash to prevent them from accessing the pool when you’re not around. Even better, you can install tall fencing around the pool to prevent accidental drowning while also allowing your pet to roam freely around the yard.
Provide Easy Access Out of the Water
Also make sure that your pet can easily get out of the pool whenever they want. If your pool hasn’t been built with stairs, you can outfit it with a ramp or ladder especially made for dogs. Many pet supplies stores offer these ready-made gear online or in-store for dog parents who want to provide safe pool access for their pets.
Keep Your Dog Safe on the Beach
It’s best to keep your dog on a leash when walking on the beach. Consider getting them a martingale dog collar for better control without causing too much pressure on their neck. You can also pair it with a long leash so your dog can enjoy the beach without wandering too far away from you. Keeping your dog leashed also helps you prevent your pet from playing with potentially dangerous objects that have washed into the shore.
Make sure to watch out for rip currents, which are a common hazard in many beaches. Rips are currents of water which break waves and move quickly away from the shore and toward the sea, which means they can be dangerous if people or animals are caught in them. Avoid letting your dog stray too far into the waves to prevent this from happening. Also make sure that your dog never drinks salt water because this can dehydrate your pet or make him really ill. Always bring a bottle of fresh water for them to drink.
Wash Your Dog After Swimming
Whether your dog went in for a dip into the pool, lake, or sea, make sure to rinse your pet after swimming. Chlorine, salt water, algae, and pollutants can be bad for your dog’s health, so it’s best to give your pet a good wash to remove such impurities from their fur.
With these tips in mind, you’re now better equipped to enjoy the water with your pet!
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