Keeping Your Dog Safe On The Water
Many dog owners enjoy having their furry friends join them for activities, whether it’s a stroll through the park, a visit to a favorite dog-friendly brewery, or spending a beautiful day at the beach.
Cooling off in lakes, rivers, or the ocean is a great way to beat the summer heat, tire out your pup, and strengthen your relationship with them. During the hot summer months in the mountains, my dogs and I cool off by hiking to alpine lakes and going for a quick dip! However, responsible dog owners should be aware of the safety conditions of where they let their dog swim, as well as their dog’s ability and enthusiasm for playing in the water. In this article, we will discuss how to be vigilant about water safety and what dog owners can do to make the most out of an afternoon of swimming.
Swimming and Dogs
Before even heading to the beach, pet parents should understand and respect their dog’s limits. Certain dogs, especially Brachycephalic breeds such as English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingnese, and Boxers, have a harder time swimming than traditional “sportier” dogs like retrievers or herding breeds. Their flat faces can make breathing difficult, and they can struggle with swimming due to their stout weight distribution. If you own a brachycephalic dog or a dog that might have trouble swimming or doesn’t like water, you might find a different fun activity to bond over.
But if your dog is a natural-born swimmer and cannot get enough of the water, let’s figure out how to keep them safe!
Water Safety Conditions:
Whatever body of water you and your furry best friend are exploring, it’s important to be aware of certain water conditions, including:
- Temperature: Many dogs will dive right into the water without a second thought, no matter the temperature or weather conditions. I once had a dog so eager to swim that I had to physically hold him back from jumping into a freezing river in the middle of winter, or his coat would turn into icicles! Always be cautious of frigid water temperatures, even if your pup seems excited. Cold water can put them at risk for hypothermia or a condition called “cold tail,” where their tail becomes too cold to lift or wag.
- Salt water: No matter the body of water, you should always bring fresh water when out on doggy adventures! However, drinking salt water is particularly bad for your dog. While it usually runs through their system quickly, drinking salt water can cause your dog severe diarrhea and dehydration. Furthermore, be wary of sand at the beach. Playing fetch and digging is a blast for your pooch, but if they ingest too much sand, they could experience sand impaction, a blockage caused by eating sand.
- Blue Algae and other toxins:Not every body of water is safe for dogs. Blue algae is an example of a common toxin found in low-flowing bodies of water during the hot summer months. Dogs are more likely to be affected because of their play styles and drinking the water. Toxins like blue algae can cause serious symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, or even death. Know the water before you let your dog swim!
- Currents: Currents and rip tides are as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. If you are at a beach where currents are present, keep an eye on your pooch and do not let them swim too far out!
- Water toxicity: Also known as hyperhydration, water toxicity is when a dog drinks too much water and can be a real problem for water-obsessed pooches. Keep swimming sessions short and don’t play too much fetch in the water. If your dog starts throwing up right after swimming, they need a break. See a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
- Critters: Not every critter likes to share their watery home with human and doggy visitors. Always be mindful of what naturally lives in the water and if it is worth risking your pup. Animals that might harm your dog include alligators, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, snapping turtles, or jellyfish.
How To Make Swimming Safe and Fun!
Do not let that list scare you off from bringing your pup to the next lake day or beach vacation! Having a day at the beach with your dog is exciting and perfectly safe, especially when you take precautions and make it fun!
- Floating toys: Toys that float in the water make playing with your dog in the water much easier. It will encourage them to swim and engage them physically and mentally. The AKC recommends short fetch sessions and flat floating toys like a frisbee to prevent water toxicity.
- Fresh water: Having fresh water for your dog reduces the risk that they will drink salt water or ingest toxins like Blue Algae. Dehydration is always a risk when your dog is exercising or outside in the heat, so make sure to carry a water bottle and bowl just for your dog!
- Dog-safe sunblock: Yes, dogs do need sunblock for their beach day! Hairless breeds, dogs with light colored fur, and pink nosed pups tend to be more sensitive to the sun. Make sure to apply dog-specific sunblock, as human sunblock contains ingredients that can make your pup sick.
- Life jackets: A well-fitted doggy life jacket will help give your dog confidence and let them swim longer and farther! Any time you will be out in the water for a long time or on some sort of vessel like a boat, make sure your dog has a well-fitted life jacket for safety and comfort. My dogs’ life jackets have a handle, which is great if they need some extra support or have to be lifted out of the water.
Final Thoughts: Get Out And Have Fun With Your Dog!
Now that you know how to keep your dog safe in the water and the best ways to make the experience fun, you and your furry best friend are ready to get out for your beach day! There are many water activities that you can include your pup in, from laying in the sun, morning beach runs, swimming, fishing, or boating!
One of my favorite water activities is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) — and I never go without my dogs. With their life jackets on and a bit of dog-safe sunscreen, they’re always ready to hit the river or lake with me! With the right precautions and preparation, there are many water activities to enjoy with your furry companions. Happy adventuring to you and your pup as you discover the best way to cool off this summer!
