Dogs’ Water Safety Advice
Enjoy the lake, ocean, or pool with your dog in safety
Shield Your Dog from Drowning

Dogs swim naturally, right? Actually, they don’t at all! Dogs will naturally paddle in the water if they fall in; however, this is not the same as being able to swim. All dogs must therefore be carefully introduced to water.

Training Your Dog to Accept Commands
is the first and most important stage since a dog that disobeys you on dry land would undoubtedly disobey you in a lake, pool, or ocean. After that, adhere to these recommendations to maintain your pet’s wellbeing.

Shield your dog from drowning
Become familiar with your dog. Breeds vary in how well they adapt to being around water. Pugs, English bulldogs, and Boston terriers are among the breeds with short snouts that aren’t designed for swimming and are probably better off on dry land.

Dogs should never be dropped or pushed into the water.
A dog should never be left alone near water. (If you have a pool, be sure to fence it in.)
Show your dog how to use the steps to exit a pool, if you have one. Until your dog is aware of the locations of the pool’s exits and how to escape if they unintentionally fall in, they may not be able to get out. You should practice leaving the water together.
Swimming is exhausting, and a dog who has just had a lot to eat is more likely to drown. You decide if they are at risk of drowning. It is your responsibility to periodically remove your dog from the water so they can rest.

Other water safety advice:
Don’t allow your dog to drink from the pool or other bodies of water. All of these are bad for your dog, including lakes and rivers that can harbor parasites and algae, chlorinated swimming pool water, and salty ocean water. Maintain a dish of fresh water for your pet. Don’t forget there are other critters we may not be able to see, such as turtles, snakes, and such!

After swimming, dogs should be rinsed thoroughly to remove the chlorine and salt water that could dry up their skin. Additionally, dry their ears afterwards to aid in avoiding infection. We had issues with our dogs using the pool deck as a restroom, so we kept a close eye to see if they behaved as if they needed to be let out to the yard! Also, if your pup likes to run and jump in the pool, there can be soft tissue injuries from the way they land or leap off the deck. Swimming is a great way to bond with your four-legged friend! The filter in a pool should take care of any loose hairs!

In my hometown, they had pool days just for the dogs at the end of the season. With names like Drool in the Pool, Doggy Dipping, Pooches in the Pool, Canine Splashing, Hot Dog Summer, and more. It is always a blast to watch, and the dogs absolutely love it! You get the tiny little dogs that jump right in, and then the big ol’ tough dogs who seem afraid to dip their paws wet! No humans allowed!