Part 3 of 4 - Summer Dog Safety Series

The summer Series Part 3 is on water safety. Summer is a great time to get into and around water! There all sorts of water activities you can enjoy with your dog. By following a few safety tips you can ensure your summer water play is fun and safe! 

Swimming

- Many dogs love to swim! If your dog has never been in water before, do not just throw your dog in. It's a myth that all dogs know how to swim. Allow your dog to enter the water where they can stand and encourage them to go into the water on their own. A well-fit life vest is a great idea for dogs who are new to swimming or not strong swimmers. If your dog only paddles with his front feet, gently lift his hind end. Your dog should learn to keep his hind end floating while he swims. Make sure you monitor your dog. Dogs can tire quickly when swimming. Make sure to give your dog a rest if he seems tired. 

Pools

- If you have a pool in your yard or take your dog to a pool you want to ensure that you monitor your dog closely. Show your dog how and where to enter the pool and exit the pool. Always be with your dog when they are around a pool. Dogs can easily fall into a pool by accident and be unsure how to get back out. Also watch that your dog does not scratch the sides of a pool with a liner. Dog nails can easily tear pool liners. 

Lakes/ Rivers/ Oceans

- Natural bodies of water can be great swimming and wading areas for your dog. Shallow water allows your dog to walk or wade gently. Be aware of how much water your dog drinks while swimming. Drinking too much water can cause dry drowning. If your dog drinks too much salt water if can cause a toxicity that can cause your dog to vomit and become dehydrated. Still, stagnant water can harbor diseases and bacteria so try to limit how much water your dog drinks from natural bodies of water. Always provide fresh, clean water for your dog when swimming.
Be careful of strong currents in natural bodies of water. An undertow or swift river can be hazardous swimming for your dog. Be aware of "creatures" that live in natural bodies of water. Depending on which part of the country you live in there could be alligators, snakes, jelly fish in the ocean even toads or frogs can be dangerous for your dog to encounter. 

Hoses/ Sprinklers

- Many dogs who don't love being fully submerged in water love to play in the sprinkler or with the hose. Be cautious when first turning on the hose that the water inside the hose is not hot from sitting in the sun. Let the hose run a bit before spraying your dog or letting them run through the water. 

Water play is a great way to keep your dog cool, entertained and active during the summer. Using safety during water play will ensure your dog has a lot of fun all summer long. 

❤ Katie Watterson

Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.

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Thank you!

Don't forget to catch Katie's blog from last week: https://www.homemadepuppies.com/part-2-of-4-summer-dog-safety-series

*As always Katie's advice is on this blog are only meant to be used as tips and should never replace your veterinarian's advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health.