Dog swimming rules

How to have a relaxing and safe swim with your dog? Just follow some simple rules and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

Whether you love or hate the heat, in most cases it leads us to water. It's the best way to cool down and have a lot of fun. We can't leave our dogs at home in the heat, but not every dog loves water. Therefore, if this should be your pet's first time in the water, it is necessary to proceed prudently. I've written more on this topic in the article “How to "teach" your dog to swim”.

Whether we're going to water for the first time or for the hundredth time, there are a few simple rules to follow for the safety and well-being of all involved. First, it is important to keep in mind that we are taking the dog with us when choosing a location. If you are going to a public bathing place, first find out if dogs are allowed and under what conditions. If you're going to a river, choose a place with good access to the water and a slow stream. You must also be mindful of fishermen. If you're heading to a pond or lake, make sure the water is not green. Your dog could get poisoned by cyanobacteria and algae. Wherever you go, you should stay in the shade.

Don't let your eyes off your dog when at the water. If there are other people around, don't let your dog annoy them or steal their snacks while they're in the water. Your four-legged partner should come when you call him, even if it he's in the water. Do not let him approach another dog, especially in the water, without the owner's permission. The other dog may not be a good swimmer, and the presence of another dog could throw him off.

Don't forget to bring floating toys, a quick-drying towel, a travel bowl, dog waste bags, a leash and a collar for your dog A life jacket may also be useful if your dog doesn't feel comfortable in the water, treats for praise and motivation, an anchor peg, if the situation requires it, cooling pad if it's hot , and a first aid kit for dogs just in case.

Does your dog love water, or does he not feel comfortable in it? Do you have any favorite places for swimming?

 

Related articles

Diarrhoea in a dog

Every one of us has for sure encountered diarrhoea in our fuzzy friend. Usually, there’s nothing to fuss about, the body reacts to food that it isn’t capable to digest or that didn’t do it good. However, it is good to know, when we are capable of...

Dog history I: cosmonaut Laika

I have been sharing with you my experience with dogs and other animals for quite some time now and it occurred to me to wander a little bit into history as well, but into an interesting one! I’d like to introduce you to several well-known dog...

Even dog can have an allergy

Allergy is a disproportionate reaction of the immunity system to common stimuli. It cannot be cured, but we can suppress its manifestations. In the last years, allergies in pets and dogs especially are on the rise. Currently, about 10% of house-dogs...

FIP, the cat killer

Today, we are going to take a look at the Feline Infectious Peritonitis - FIP, an utterly exceptional virus illness that always has a fatal end. Most of the cats get into contact with the viruses that cause FIP in their lifetime, even though the...

Dog in bed

We can divide dog owners into two groups. The ones that allow the dog in bed and those that feel that this is no option. Let’s take a look at what such bed sharing with a dog actually entails.

Geocaching with a dog

If you like going on treks with your fuzzy friends, geocaching is something precisely for you. This way, you will liven up your trips and maybe you even discover places that you wouldn’t have found otherwise. I and my pack can’t get enough of it.

Moving with a cat

Contrary to dogs, cats have a strong bond with the place where they live. That’s why moving is very stressful for them and this stress may cause a number of diseases. It’s a good idea to plan everything well, so that you could make the situation of a...

Dog Instincts

Even though the dogs went through long years of domestication, they still retain fundamental instincts as we do. They might not be as strong as in wild dogs, but they still play a very significant role in the life of a dog and in their behaviour. So if...

Dog rescuers

It is no news that the dog isn’t only a pet and that it can also help saving human lives in various catastrophes. But have you ever thought about what it means for dogs to become rescuers? You haven’t? Well, then it’s the right time to set off together...

What to do when your dog queen is pregnant?

The usual pregnancy period in female dogs is indicated at about 58 – 65 days, the average is 63 days. In case of the nutrition of a pregnant female, possible changes in diet can be likened to the changes in diet of pregnant women. Pregnant female dogs...