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Dogs are a part of our family and they love to come along with us when we go to the pool, lake, river, or ocean. Even if they hate taking baths, jumping into water is one of their favorite past times. The last thing you ever want to happen is your dog getting injured in water. So how do you maintain your dog’s safety in water? Here are 5 ways that you can use to ensure that your dog has a safe and happy experience when in water.
- Teach your dog how to swimBelieve it or not, only some dogs are natural born swimmers whereas some are not and others fear water and believe that they will never swim. Regardless, you need to spend quality time with your dog and teach them how to swim. You can start with smaller pools so that they won’t drown or injure themselves. If you are finding it hard to teach your furry friend on how to swim, take the help of a professional trainer.
- Invest in a dog life vestLife vests are available for dogs and you should invest in one if you plan on taking your dog to a deep pool, river, lake or ocean. Even if your dog wants to play only for a small time, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Dogs also get tired if they swim for a long time or because of their age. A life vest will keep them afloat regardless of the situation which will keep them safe. Pick a vest with a bright color so that you can easily spot them in water.
- Learn how to give CPR to dogsAccidents happen even if you take extreme care to ensure that nothing can ever happen. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR as it commonly known can save the life of your four-legged friend if they drown in water. It is the only proven technique that can bring your dog’s breathing back to normal. It is absolutely essential that you learn CPR so that you can provide first aid just in case something goes wrong.
- Provide safety trainingDo you let your children go near water bodies without providing adequate safety training and supervision? Treat your dogs the same way even if they are good swimmers. Dogs need to know all the safety rules so that they can protect themselves from potential accidents. If you are taking your dog to the pool, teach them how to get into the pool and how to get out of it so that they don’t panic when they are in the pool. Teach your dog not to drink the water in the pool (easier said than done) as it can increase the chances of drowning and the chlorine in water can harm them.
- Take them for a health checkupEven though swimming is a fun activity, it is also an intense activity as it requires a lot of stamina. There may be a number of health issues which can restrict your dog’s swimming ability so take your dog to the vet before you take them into the water so that you are informed.
Swimming is a great activity to beat the summer heat and with these 5 simple tips, you and your dog will be able to enjoy swimming while remaining safe from potential accidents.
Dog Life Jackets and Boat Safety Tips
Summer is the perfect time to get your dog involved in some outdoor activities. There’s hiking, swimming, trips to the dog beach, and even boat rides. If you plan to take your dog on board, be prepared for the voyage with these safety tips.
1. Check Laws and Regulations Before You Go
Before heading out on the open water, check your state’s laws and regulations to ensure that your dog is allowed on the boat and that you’re following all the rules. In addition, if your boat is in a marina, call the marina ahead of time to ensure that dogs are allowed on the property.
2. Acclimate Your Dog to the Boat
Being on a moving boat for the first time can be scary for a dog. It’s fast, it’s loud, and there’s lots of strange movement. Before taking the boat out to sea, acclimate your dog by visiting the boat when it’s on dry land or parked at the dock. Let your dog explore and sniff, and offer treats and praise. The goal is to help your dog form a positive association with the vessel.
3. Bring Safety Supplies
A first-aid kit, pee pads, a life jacket, sunscreen, and fresh water are all important things to bring along for the ride. Even if your dog is an excellent swimmer, they should still wear a life jacket (or have one nearby) in case conditions change and the water gets choppy, which could affect their ability to swim. Fresh water is important because sea water can be dangerous for dogs to drink, and dog-friendly sunscreen will keep your pal from getting burnt when the sun’s beating down. Also be sure to set up a cool and shady area for your dog to rest; perhaps in the cabin or under a large umbrella.
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4. Develop a Safety Plan
What will you do if your dog goes overboard? Have a plan before you go so that everyone is on the same page. Maybe you’ll plan to turn off the engine, and one person will be assigned to jump into the water after the dog.
5. Build Up to Longer Outings
Even if you acclimate your dog to the boat, chances are they’ll still be a little freaked out the first time on board. Keep their first trip short and positive with plenty of treats and praise, and look out for signs of seasickness. If your dog suffers from seasickness, try these steps for dealing with car sickness. If the seasickness persists, ask your veterinarian if anti-nausea medication would be appropriate for future outings.
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6. Keep Your Eyes on Your Dog
Just like you would with a small child, it’s important to keep your eyes on your dog when they’re on a boat. A wave or wake could cause your dog to lose their footing and fall off, and too much time in the sun could cause your dog to become dehydrated (and even develop heatstroke). Know where your dog is at all times and make sure they are secure and taking breaks in the shade.
Do you take your dog out on a boat? How do they like it? Leave a comment and let us know, and sign up for PetPlus, a benefit program for pet owners that provides member-only access to medications at wholesale prices, plus discounts on food, supplies, vet visits, boarding, and more.