Whether in a lake, the ocean, or a plastic baby pool, lots of pet owners like to include their dog in their fun summer activities.
Some breeds are more inclined to enjoy the water than others. However, no matter what type of dog yours is, it’s important to take health, safety, and behavioral measures into consideration.
For example, although most dogs will instinctively pick up on swimming rather easily, it’s important not to just throw him in! Not only could this lead to ingesting unsafe quantities of water or drowning, but even if he ends up swimming fine, the experience may scare him so much that he won’t enjoy the water thereafter. Instead, every dog should be taught to swim at his own pace, in an area where he can get gradually into the water (like walking into a lake), rather than submerged all at once (such as off of a dock).
If you’re swimming with your dog, stay close enough to help your pet if needed, but steer clear of those hard-paddling paws to avoid unintentional scratches.
Since it’s an off-leash activity, obedience is another important aspect in dogs’ swimming. As a responsible pet owner, you must make sure your dog will come when called, and won’t run off to playfully pounce on an innocent child eating a tuna sandwich. Dogs with very strong play drives may swim out too far and then become too exhausted to swim back. Avoid these problems by ensuring your dog is under your command at all times.
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the water (such as snapping turtles), and out of the water (such as ticks). Take care of your dog’s skin and coat by rinsing him with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming, especially if he was in salt water.
You’ll need to frequently call your dog out from swimming and use the down/stay for him to rest in the shade and have some fresh drinking water. Too much swimming could lead to exhaustion, danger, and dehydration. Remember that dogs can get sunburned too, especially ones with thin coats or lightly colored skin. (Dog sunscreen is now available at www.amazon.com.)
Just like summer sports and activities for humans, a little safety and common sense will help your dog to enjoy a safe and fun summer too!
Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, small business consultant, and Certified Master Trainer for 18+ years. Her novel, “Momnesia,” (contemporary women’s fiction) has been designated a National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, and her nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” has been widely acclaimed in its genre. To learn more, please visit www.LoriTheAuthor.com and join Lori on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor.
