The dos and don’ts of dog water safety
After a long winter, many of us are eager to soak up the sun and cool off in the water this Memorial Day weekend! While taking a refreshing dip can be a delightful way to celebrate the season, it's essential to keep your canine companion safe when enjoying aquatic activities. Here are the dos and don'ts of dog water safety to ensure a fun and worry-free Memorial Day weekend.
The Dos
- DO check with your veterinarian before taking your dog swimming. Conditions like arthritis, heart disease or epilepsy can make swimming risky.
- DO introduce your dog to water gradually. If your dog is new to swimming, start with shallow water and gradually introduce them to deeper areas. Use positive reinforcement and plenty of praise to help them feel comfortable and confident in the water.
- DO fence off and cover your pool. This will stop your dog from taking a dip unsupervised.
- DO use a canine life jacket. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, a life jacket provides an extra layer of protection and buoyancy, especially in rough or unfamiliar waters. Choose a life jacket specifically designed for dogs and ensure a secure fit.
- DO supervise your dog at all times. Never leave your dog unattended near water, whether it's a pool, lake, river or ocean. Keep a close eye on them to prevent accidents and intervene if necessary.
- DO provide fresh drinking water. Swimming can be thirsty work for dogs! Make sure to bring plenty of fresh water for them to drink to stay hydrated.
- DO make sure that your dog’s leptospirosis vaccine is up to date. This disease passes through contaminated water.
The Don'ts
- DON’T assume your dog can swim. While many dogs are natural swimmers, not all are comfortable in the water. Never force your dog to swim or throw them into the water, as this can cause distress and anxiety. Consider swimming lessons if you spend a lot of time at the lake or on a boat.
- DON’T let your dog drink pool or lake water. These and other bodies of water may contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. Encourage your dog to drink from their own water bowl instead.
- DON’T ignore signs of distress. Watch for signs of fatigue, panic or distress in your dog while swimming, such as excessive panting, whining or struggling to stay afloat. If your dog appears to be tired or stressed, help them out of the water immediately.
- DON’T assume every body of water is safe. Not all are suitable for swimming, and some may contain hidden hazards such as strong currents, sharp rocks or toxic algae blooms. Always research and assess the safety of the water before letting your dog swim.
- DON’T forget to have fun! While safety is paramount, don't forget to enjoy the experience of swimming and bonding with your dog.
After a dip, always follow these steps:
- DO rinse your dog after swimming. Rinse your dog with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt or other chemicals from their coat.
- DO clean your dog’s ears after swimming. Ear cleaners with a drying agent will remove moisture that can lead to ear infections.
- DO dry them down. Prevent hot spots from developing by giving your dog a good rub down with a towel (or two!). Pay special attention to their ears, too.
With proper precautions and supervision, water activities can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to spend Memorial Day weekend together!
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