With record high temperatures all over the country this summer, people are trying everything to keep cool. Whether your water activities are focused on backyard pool barbecues, picnics on the beach, or time spent on a boat, chances are that the family dog will be a part of many of these activities. Needless to say, it’s really important to keep your canine companion safe around water.
There is a common misconception that since there is a swimming style called the ‘dog paddle,’ that all dogs are strong swimmers. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Water Safety Tips for Your Dog’s Days of Summer
Sink or swim?
Your dog’s aquatic abilities will largely depend on its body structure. Breeds that are long-limbed, muscular, and strong – like golden retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundlands, standard poodles, water spaniels, English and Irish setters, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, and Portuguese water dogs – are good swimmers and also known to enjoy water.
On the other hand, short, stocky breeds, including bulldogs and pugs, and pooches with short little legs, like dachshunds and basset hounds, are likely to battle to stay afloat.
Troubled waters
It’s equally important to understand that just like children, some dogs are frightened of water. Know your dog’s level of comfort in water.
If she has never been in water before, it’s a good idea to slowly introduce her to a swimming pool and ensure that she knows where the steps are in the shallow end so she can learn to exit on her own. A ramp, just like the Scamper Ramp, placed permanently in a pool will give dogs an opportunity to get out themselves or stay safer until someone assists.
Dogs should never be left unattended poolside. This is particularly important around pools that are above ground and not easy for a dog to exit unassisted.
S.O.S.
There are actually excellent flotation devices for dogs of all shapes and sizes, like the Fun Fish life jacket. It has dual handles so it’s easy to quickly grab your pooch and take charge of a situation. It also features a front float section that goes underneath the chin to help keep a dog’s head out of the water.
Whether you are poolside, on a boat, or simply at the beach, it’s a good idea to ensure your dog is wearing a flotation device always.
Furthermore, never throw a dog into a pool “for fun.” Also, discourage children from throwing a ball or Frisbee into water for a dog to retrieve unless there is adult supervision. Kids are often having so much fun that they are unaware that a canine companion is in trouble in the water.
Skin deep
Whether it’s a saltwater pool or a chlorinated one, be sure to shower off your dog (and perhaps even give a quick shampoo) to ensure that the coat doesn’t retain any salt or chemicals, which can cause itchiness and even lead to a troublesome skin irritation. The same applies when your dog has been in ocean, river, or lake water.
A dog’s skin is sun sensitive, too, and they are generally equally susceptible to skin cancer. There are special pet-friendly sunscreens, which should be applied to light and pink-skinned areas of the body – don’t forget the nose!
Creature comforts
Again, if you are poolside, on a boat, or at the beach, be sure that your dog has somewhere comfortable to lie and relax that is off hot surfaces. Camping cots with a canopy or even a cooling mat are transportable and could be set up anywhere.
In hot weather, pets can dehydrate quickly. So it’s important to ensure a big bowl of water is available always. Adding ice cubes will help keep it colder for a longer time. Special bowls like FrostyBowlz consist of a special gel core than may be frozen separately and make the bowl’s contents cold for several hours.
Dry as a bone
Excessive panting and appearing listless are common first indications of dehydration, along with a dry nose, gums, and mouth.
Also, the skin actually starts to show a lack of elasticity. You can use the “skin test” by pinching just a little skin between your thumb and forefinger on your dog’s back. After you release it, it ought to pop back into place immediately. If it doesn’t, take your pet to a cooler environment right away.
If your dog is badly dehydrated, introduce fluids slowly. Better yet, start off by allowing your dog to lick ice. Drinking too quickly may cause vomiting.
Have fun in the sun, but keep safety as the primary goal for you and your loved ones – including your furry friend. If you have any other tips you would like to share, we’d love to hear them. Simply click here