Summer Fun
Swimming and Boating are a favorite summer past time for many. And more people are bringing their dogs along for the fun! But you should exercise serious caution when ever your dog is near a body of water, weather it’s the beach or a swimming pool.
Not all dogs realize that they will sink if they jump into a body of water. A dog who has never gone swimming before in a body of water that is too deep for them to touch the ground will assume that he watery surface is actually solid and will be quiet shocked when they jump in and start sinking! To avoid this shock, start out in a shallow area, such as the shore of a beach or the shallow end of a pool, and slowly guide your dog into slightly deeper waters where he can not reach the bottom.
All dogs can learn to swim and all dogs have the instinct to keep their heads above water by kicking and paddling with their paws should they fall or jump into the water. However, just because your dog can swim, does not mean that he or she is enjoying it. If your dog wasn’t expecting to sink or wasn’t expecting the water to be so cold, or the waves to be so strong, then they may be scared out of their minds and trying to swim for dear life! And yes a dog can drown just as easily as a human can. When a dog jumps or falls in the water, and they decide they don’t like it, they will try to go back out the same way they came in. Dogs don’t realize (unless you teach them first!) that they must swim to the shallow end of the pool and find the stares or ladder to get out. If the dog’s body becomes exhausted from swimming, they get a cramp, etc. and they can’t manage to find to a way out, then they will eventually start to drown! So keep an eye on your dog and help them out if they are struggling and not having fun.
If your dog doesn’t like swimming, do not force them! Doing so imprints fear and puts stress on your dog. Just because your dog doesn’t like to swim doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy going to the beach or for a boat ride. Just don’t force them into the water. Some dogs love swimming and some hate the thought of getting wet at all.
When on a boat, always have your dog wear a doggy life vest (petsmart sells them) that fits snuggly on your dog. A life vest will save your dog’s life should he fall off the boat. Also, waves, a high tide, and a strong current can easily tire your dog out. A life vest well keep your dog a float should they become to tired to swim. Always keep an eye on your dog and make sure they don’t get carried away by the current or washed up by a wave.
Always take the time to teach and remind your dog how to get in and out of the swimming pool and in and out of your boat. Also, try not to let your dog drink pool water. The chlorine in pool water is too strong for their bodies. If you can, use an alternative method to clean your pool so the chlorine doesn’t hurt their skin and eyes. If you do use chlorine in your pool, make sure to rinse off your dog with fresh water (the hose) to rinse away the chemicals.
Happy Summer!
Jenn
