Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Swimming or just spending time in the water can be a lot of fun for our four-legged friends. Whether it’s a Lake, River, Swimming pool, or the Ocean, it doesn’t hurt to know a little about water safety before letting the family dog make a big splash.

Dogs are natural swimmers, right? Actually, no they aren’t! Dogs instinctively tread water if they fall in, it’s called dog paddling; however but that isn’t the same as knowing how to swim. That’s why all dogs need to be properly introduced to water.

The first, most crucial step is obedience training. Value Dog Training can help with that.  A dog who disobeys you on land will definitely defy you in the pool, lake, River or ocean.

Protect Against Drowning

Know your dog. Some breeds are better suited for water than others. Breeds with short snouts, including pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers, aren’t built for swimming and will likely be better off on dry land. However, you can get them to like the water and always use A Doggie Life Jacket.  Value Dog Training recommends RUFFWEAR Life Jackets  https://ruffwear.com/collections/dog-life-jackets.

Overall Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Remove the flea collar – they tend to lose their effectiveness once wet.

Stay in the water with your dog, never let your dog swim alone.

Take a course in canine CPR. Hopefully, you will never how to use this skill set, but it’s good to know just in case.

Rinse off your dog after spending time in the water. Salt water or chlorinated water can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin.

Clean and dry your dog’s ears thoroughly. Water trapped in the ears can cause infections. To clean the ears, you might want to consider using Zymox Ear Cleanser with LP3 Enzyme System.

Swimming or just relaxing in the water can be lots of fun for both doggy parents and their pooches. However, whether it’s the Lake, River, swimming pool or the ocean, the water can be a dangerous place for all parties concerned. By following a few simple safety tips your pooch can stay safe. 

Never throw a dog into a body of water.

You want to guide them into the body of water.

Never leave a dog unattended around water; especially the Lake, River, Pond, Ocean

You can fence in your pool if you have one. Or Teach your dog to go in only when you tell your dog it’s Ok.

If you have a pool, show your dog how to get out using the steps. The two of you should practice exiting the pool together until your dog understands where the exits are and how to get out if they accidentally fall in.

Swimming is tiring, and a pooped pooch is more susceptible to drowning. It’s up to you to get your dog out of the water every so often for a rest.

Invest in a doggie life vest https://ruffwear.com/collections/dog-life-jackets.

I also suggest taking e a dog CPR class.

Water Health Tips

Don’t let your dog drink swimming water. Lakes and, Rivers, which can host parasites and algae, pool water is chlorinated, and ocean water is salty; none of these are good for your dog. Keep a bowl of fresh water available for your dog at all times.

Rinse off dogs after swimming to get rid of chlorine and salt water, which can dry their skin. Dry their ears afterward, too, to help prevent infection.

Have a Splashing Good Time.

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