A Routine for Keeping Your Dog Safe by the Water
From Wearing a Life Jacket to Water Quality, Drinking Water, Exiting the Water, and Ear and Skin Care: Essential Summer Water Play Guidelines
Not all dogs instinctively swim safely. Their ability to float and navigate can vary based on their body shape, age, health condition, and experience; even dogs that are good swimmers may suddenly struggle due to waves, currents, or fatigue. Before starting water play, it's important to prepare a properly fitting life jacket, identify safe entry and exit points, and establish a spot for the guardian to keep a constant watch.
This list covers various necessary actions for water play, including starting slowly in shallow, calm water, taking short breaks, checking water quality warnings, preventing the ingestion of seawater or pool water, managing sunshine and hot sand, as well as rinsing off and drying after play. If you see bubbles, currents, strange smells, or dead fish in the water, be sure to keep your dog out. It's also essential to prepare clean drinking water and ensure that toys are not thrown repeatedly to avoid overexertion.
If your dog loses direction or slows down frequently swallowing water while swimming, immediately bring them to land. If you notice vomiting, coughing, stumbling, excessive lethargy, ear pain, or skin rashes after play, be sure to contact a veterinarian. A life jacket does not substitute supervision, and wearing one does not guarantee safety in deep water.
Fit the Life Jacket Properly
Fitting the Life Jacket Properly
Start Slowly in Shallow, Calm Water
Keep an Eye on Your Dog at All Times in the Water
Never Take Your Eyes Off Them in the Water
Playing Briefly and Resting on Land
Play Briefly and Rest on Land
Avoiding Stagnant or Discolored Water
Avoid Stagnant or Discolored Water
Preventing Your Dog from Drinking Seawater and Pool Water
Prevent Them from Drinking Seawater or Pool Water
Teaching Entry and Exit Points First
Teach Them Entry and Exit Points First
Avoiding Sunlight and Hot Sand
Avoid Sunlight and Hot Sand
Rinsing and Drying After Playtime with Clean Water
Rinse and Dry with Clean Water After Play
Following Water Regulations and Keeping Distance from Wildlife
Follow Water Regulations and Maintain Distance from Wildlife
The standard for good water play is not the duration of swimming but rather whether the dog can enter and exit by themselves and comfortably recover afterward. At first, check the fit and mobility of the life jacket while it’s wet, and encourage them to repeatedly find the exit. Guardians should monitor their dog’s breathing and direction closely rather than just taking photos from the bank. If there are strong currents, congestion, or water quality warnings, changing your plans is the safest course of action.
On-site, prepare life jackets, clean water and bowls, leashes, shade, towels, and basic first aid supplies, but don't overestimate the role of equipment. Bright colors and handles can help with visibility and rescue, but they don’t replace supervision. Do not force a dog that dislikes water into it or excessively excite them by repeatedly throwing toys; take short breaks on land to assess their condition. Ensure opportunities for drinking clean water are frequent to prevent them from drinking seawater, lake, or pool water.
After play, rinse off with clean water and gently dry the outside of their ears, skin folds, and between their paws. If symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, lethargy, unusual behavior, or persistent ear odor or skin redness occur, seek veterinary care and avoid using home remedies or human cleansing products. Following water regulations and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife are also essential for future visits to be possible.
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