5 Water Safety Tips For Dogs
Since day one Diesel has never loved water. It’s actually taken us three years to get him to be okay with bath time. He hates going to the bathroom in the rain and he tolerates the water at the beach for only so long until he refuses to go near it.
My mom’s dog Remi though is the polar opposite. I think that dog can sniff out water from miles away! Whether your dog loves water or hates it, it (and you as the owner) still has to be prepared for what can happen from being in the water.
Below are my top water safety tips for dogs that you can apply to a lake, beach, or pool!
1. NEVER Throw Your Dog In The Water!
There’s this stereotype out there that all dogs are good swimmers when this is far from true. There are even certain breeds like bulldogs and pugs who have shorter snouts who shouldn’t be swimming in the first place.
By throwing your dog in the water, you’re creating so many risky situations:
- Potential drowning
- A hatred for water (which is detrimental if they ever do need to swim)
2. Teach Your Dog To Swim First
As mentioned in tip number one, dogs aren’t always natural swimmers. The best time to teach a dog to swim is when they’re a puppy. What my mom and I used to do is fill up the bathtub about half way and hold them in the tub and allow their legs to start paddling in the water. They are fully supported at all times and we would do this consistently as they got older and stronger. Only do this for a little bit at a time since they are so little and be sure to keep the experience positive! You want them to enjoy water and think of it as a good thing.
Whenever you are teaching your dog to swim, it’s always best to start in shallow water. This not only allows the dog to get comfortable with water, but it keeps them in a safe environment. Also, make sure to be in the water with them at all times. Animals have incredible instincts and can feel what your’e feeling. So, if you’re comfortable in the water, they’ll feel more comfortable too!
3. Know The Dangers Of The Water You’re In
Every location, be it a the beach or pool, come with their own precautions. Below is a breakdown of what to be aware of for each:
a) The Beach
- Be aware of the tides/currents that are present that day. Just like people, dogs can get swept away as fast as you can blink.
- Don’t let your dog drink the salty, ocean water or eat anything off the ground. Both can make your dog sick.
- Don’t let your dog eat too much sand. I know this isn’t a water tip, but there have been many studies about how the amount of sand inside of your dog can cause a blockage in their intestines.
- Rinse off and dry your dog from the salt water afterwards! This prevents any itchy skin or ear infections.
b) The Pool
- Teach your dog how to get out of the pool using the steps. This shows the dog how to get out in case it falls in by mistake.
- Keep the pool blocked off (by fence or sturdy cover) when not in use. We don’t want any accidental falls!
- Similar to beach water, don’t let your dog drink the chlorine water and be sure to rinse off their fur after being in the pool!
4. NEVER Leave Your Dog Unattended Around Water
This tip is SO important. I know it sounds scary, but anything can really happen. Always keep a close eye on your dog and never let them swim too far out away from you.
Dogs can get tired really easily, and if they’re too far away from you, it will be harder for you to get to them to rescue them. Also, if you have a larger size dog, you have to be aware that they will weigh even more in the water, which will make a rescue mission even harder. Prevent any unfortunate events by keeping them close by and in a safe area.
5. Invest In A Life Jacket AND A Dog CPR Class
If you plan on bringing your furry friend with your on your next boating excursion, they have to have a life jacket/vest. Dog life jackets/vests come in all sizes (even Diesel’s size haha) by many brands. I found Diesel’s life jacket at PetSmart! Below are a few brands that carry life jackets/vests for dogs:
When it comes to pet CPR, I truly hope you never have to use it. However, it’s still a great skill to have. The American Red Cross has a great article that walks you through how to perform pet CPR, as well as a class locator where you can learn in person.
If you’re one who spends a lot of time in the water with your dog, or someone who lives near a ton of water (fellow Floridians I’m talking to you!), then this is a must-have skill!
Photography: Nikki B Photography
Thank you for all the great information about water safety for the dogs….. ??
I’m so happy you liked it Linda! Thanks for the positive feedback. 🙂