Summer will soon be here. This means you’ll probably spend some time at the lake, beach or pool. Even if you decide to leave them at home, they are likely to tag along.
We wanted to share our top tips for dog water safety, whether it’s the first time you take your dog near water, or if you’re an experienced pro. This will ensure that your pet is happy and healthy during and after your trip.
Encourage dog water safety by understanding hazards
It is important to take the necessary precautions and be aware that each type of water can present different dangers to your dog. Here’s a list of items you can do to keep your dog safe around water, sorted by area:
Canine Water Safety on the Beach
- Keep an eye on your dog while swimming and watch out for strong currents.
- Be aware of jellyfish and stingrays that may cause discomfort or harm to your pet.
- After swimming, give your dog fresh water to drink as the saltwater and sun can dehydrate him.
- To prevent irritation, rinse salt and sand off your dog’s fur.
- Use a pet-safe sunblock on areas of your dog that have less fur, such as the nose, ears and belly.
- While at the beach, walk your dog on a cooler surface to prevent heat-related injuries.
The Pool
- To ensure your dog’s safety, you should always supervise them near the swimming pool.
- Teach your dog how to safely exit the pool using the stairs
- Rinse off your dog after they have spent time in the swimming pool to avoid irritation from chemicals.
- When not in use, lock the fence around the pool to prevent your pet from entering the area.
The Lake
- Do not let your dog drink stagnant water. It can contain bacteria that could make your dog ill
- Avoid areas with algae blooms, and if your dog does get into a lake that has algae present, make sure to thoroughly rinse them out.
- Teach your dog to enter and exit a boat safely and understand boating safety.
- Fit your dog with a life jacket that will keep him afloat in case of emergency.
Our Favorite Tips for Dog Water Safety
There are some rules you should follow to keep your dog safe when swimming. The rules will vary from family to family because no two dogs are the same. We wanted to make sure that we covered all bases.
Mastering PetSmart Puppy Training 2024: A Complete Gaudiness
We have compiled our top tips for water safety in dogs:
- Do some research on life jackets– If your dog is not a strong swimmer or you intend to keep them in the water long periods, invest in a life jacket that fits well. It’s especially important if you plan to spend the day on the water or in an area with unexpected currents or waves. This approach is also useful for older dogs that still enjoy the water, but lack the energy of a puppy.
- Train Your Puppy Before going to the beach or swimming pool at your locality, ensure your canine understands basic commands like “come,””stay,””sit,”,”heel,”and others so that they’ll listen to you in an emergency.
- Always provide fresh drinking water– Never allow your dog to drink saltwater from pools or chlorinated pool water. This can cause stomach pain and dehydration.
- Supervise To keep your dog’s safety around water, you should never leave him unattended. It is important to keep an eye on your dog, even if it is a strong swimmer.
- Be on the lookout for signs of exhaustion– Watch out for signs such as excessive panting, falling behind or having difficulty staying afloat. Let your dog take a rest from treading the water.
- Rinse your dog after swimming– After a day of chlorine or saltwater, it’s nice to give them a shower or a bath. This will remove any residue and prevent irritation.
FAQs about keeping your dog safe around the water
Can all dogs swim?
The first step in dog water safety 101 is to assess your pup’s ability to swim. Some dogs are able to swim instinctively but not all. Short-legged or heavier dogs may have a difficult time in the water. This is why it’s important to buy them a floatation device or a life jacket.
There are also dogs that may not like to swim or fear the water. Be sure to test their preferences before you plan an entire day of swimming with them.
Can my dog drink the water in oceans, lakes, or pools?
It’s important to keep your dog healthy and safe by preventing them from drinking from these sources. Pool water and ocean water contain chemicals and chlorine that are harmful to mammals. Also, the ocean, lakes, and pools may contain parasites or bacteria that are harmful to your pet. It is important to always provide them with fresh water.
Can my dog swim without a leash?
It depends on your dog’s ability and the location. Keeping your dog on leash is important when in open water areas. This will prevent them from wandering or getting into dangerous situations.
What are the symptoms of water intoxication?
Water intoxication is the final question we’d like you to ask about dog water safety. This occurs when the dog consumes too much water and electrolytes are imbalanced in their body. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Water consumption is excessive (this might seem obvious but if you notice that your dog drinks a large amount of water within a short time period, it’s a warning sign).
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy, weakness
- Drooling excessively or excessive salivation
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Pale gums, mucous membranes
- Confusion or disorientation
You should contact your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms in your dog following a day spent in the sun.
Contact us for dog day care and boarding!
Pet Palace will be happy to watch your dog if you need to go out to enjoy the water or if it is not fond of water. We offer the most professional dog daycare and boarding.
