Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy summer’s warmer
temps—our dogs also appreciate the sunshine, fresh air, and chance to run
around to their hearts’ content. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some
real quality time with our four-legged friends, whether it’s going for long
walks, playing at a park, taking them on vacation (to a dog-friendly resort or
hotel, of course), and a favorite summer activity—swimming.
Depending on the breed, your dog may or may not be a huge
fan of water, but if you are planning to get them in the water sometime this
summer, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can keep your pooch safe.
First, can your dog swim? Sure, most can, but it’s not innate
for every breed—just like humans, they have to learn. If your brand-new puppy has never stuck a paw
in the water before, you may not want to take them in a rushing river or lake
during your camping trip. Start them slowly in a calm body of water for a few
minutes at a time so they can build up their stamina and just get used to the
new experience.
Second, where will you take the dog swimming? Do you go
camping at the same campground or visit the same beach resort every summer? Will
you swim in a river, lake, pool, or ocean? Each body of water comes with its
own potential risks for dogs. For
instance, dogs that drink or swim in any fresh water that wild animals may have
access to run the risk of developing a serious infection. Vets also recommend
that dogs be up-to-date on their leptospirosis vaccine, which protects them
against Lyme disease.
Two of the biggest risk factors when taking dogs swimming? Rushing currents and swallowing too much
water. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Rushing water.
Waves can be fun to splash in, but as currents pick up, they
can be dangerous. Larger breeds like
Labs, golden retrievers, and German shepherds obviously have more endurance
than a smaller breed, but their stamina will likely give out before their
enthusiasm does. For fresh water rivers
and lakes, stay in a calm swimming area; for oceans, pay attention to any signs
that warn of riptides and don’t let your pooch swim too far from safety—the trip
back to shore can easily exhaust them. It also recommended that young and senior dogs
swim with a flotation device.
Swallowing too much
water.
Just like kids, dogs sometimes need reminders about what’s
good or not good for them. Dogs are obviously used to drinking water at home,
but taking in too much while swimming isn’t good. Watch your dog for any signs
of distress—vomiting is a clear signal that they’ve taken in too much. If they
are vomiting or show any other signs of illness, get them to a vet as soon as
you can.
Dogs are our great friends all year long, but summer is a
great time for some outdoor fun with our best buds. Like humans, a little
moderation and common sense can help you both enjoy your time together.
Have you taken your
dog swimming? What safety tips would you recommend? We’d love to hear from you
in the comments below!
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