Dog Water Safety Tips for Summer 2023
Summer is a great season to enjoy the water at the beach or in the pool in your backyard. Both owners and dogs can have a lot of fun. Dogs must be safe in the water, especially during the summer heat. Here are some tips to ensure your dog is safe when you take him out on the water.
Water safety tips for dogs
Spending time with your dog in the water is a great way to make him happy, especially in summer. Dog swimming can be an excellent exercise that will keep your dog happy and healthy. You should be familiar with the basics of water safety to ensure your dog has fun and doesn't endanger his life.
Every year, an estimated 5,000 dogs drown in water accidents. These tragedies are often due to dog owners not paying attention or because the dog doesn't know how to swim.
These are the top water safety tips from Pet Insurance Review for dogs. They will ensure that your dog has a safe and enjoyable summer.
Don't leave your dog alone near water.
Be careful when your dog is near water. As you would with children, watch out for your dog in any body of water. You can keep your dog safe by using a cover or fence to stop them from getting in the water. Accidents can occur in seconds. A dog left unattended for more than a second could drown or sustain injury.
Dogs should never be allowed to play in shallow water or during a swim session. Also, keep an eye on your dog afterward. Look for signs such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lack of appetite, and lethargy. You could have a bacterial infection in your furry friend. Dog owners should notify a vet as soon as possible to ensure their furry friend's best chance of recovery.
Prepare your dog for the water.
Many people believe that all dogs can swim, but it is false. Some dogs are not able to swim. Some dogs are naturally born swimmers. Many dog breeds aren't because they don't have the physical ability to swim or use their legs to support themselves when doggy-paddle. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have an inborn ability to swim. However, this doesn't mean every dog can swim. Never force your dog to swim if he is afraid of water.
To stay afloat, a canine must have a shape that allows them to swim. Bulldogs and other breeds with short legs and big chests will struggle to swim in the water. Waves or currents can quickly overwhelm small breed pups like the Chihuahua and Maltese. Breathing problems are more common in flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds, like the Bulldog or Pug. These dogs are more susceptible to water hazards because of their breathing problems.
Let's say your dog wants to go swimming but isn't able to swim. Before you take your dog out in the water, teach him how to swim. Even if your dog is a pro at swimming, giving him breaks every so often is essential. Swimming is tiring and causes fatigue fast. Short breaks can help protect your furry friend from potential health hazards and other dangers.
Invest in a dog life jacket.
No matter how experienced or novice your pet is at swimming, he must always have a life jacket. The right-sized life vest can be a lifesaver and help your dog feel more confident swimming.
Your dog should have fun in the water, and not fear. Do not allow your dog or puppy to swim in a pool of water. Dogs can use their life vests to help them float and paddle in the water. Without this safety device, dogs can panic, drown, or swallow too much water. A life jacket is essential for all water dogs, even the most experienced swimmers.
Choose a waterproof jacket to keep your furkids safe while enjoying the water. The jacket should be adjustable to fit the dog's body. Life jackets should have reflective trim to increase visibility in low light conditions. They also need a handle to grab the dog and pull him out of the water. Consider jackets with an extra flotation layer under his chin to keep your pup afloat.
Rinse your dog after swimming.
When you take your dog out of the water, rinse or bathe him. Swimming in a backyard pool can cause skin irritations and make your dog sick. The chemicals can be removed by bathing, which will help to relieve itching and discomfort.
It is vital to thoroughly bathe your dog if he swims in open water, such as ponds or lakes, streams, rivers, rivers, or ocean waters. Many chemicals and bacteria in water can lead to canine diseases like leptospirosis or giardia. You want your dog to be free from bacteria and not spread it around your house.
Do not let your dog drink water.
Do all you can to stop your dog from drinking the water. Your dog could get sick from waterborne bacteria, algae, and parasites. Ocean water can cause "beach diarrhea" in dogs who drink too much. The salt levels can lead to dehydration. Salt poisoning, or hypernatremia, can cause severe neurological effects on a dog who ingested large amounts of salt water.
Another concern are algae blooms, including red tide and blue-green alga. The plant-like organisms responsible for red tides can be found in coastal saltwater. They release toxic chemicals into the water, infect marine life and land animals, and even end up in the atmosphere. Red tides can be responsible for respiratory and neurological problems.
On the other hand, blue-green algae can be found in freshwater. The bacteria appear covered in slime and have a dull color. Dogs that come in contact with this algal substance can experience liver damage, neurological problems, and even death.
Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink at all times.
Avoid fishing spots.
Avoid letting your dog swim in areas where there are fish. Although it's hard to see the fishing line, it can be difficult for your dog not to get tangled.
Fishing hooks can get caught in your dog's paws or skin. Even worse, many dogs end up at the veterinarian's office with embedded hooks in their tongue or nose. A dog can also swallow a fishing hook. You can keep your dog safe by avoiding fishing piers and other popular fishing spots when she swims.
Avoid water-related hazards.
Swimming can present a variety of hazards for dogs. These are the top three things you need to know.
Hyponatremia (or water intoxication) is a rare but potentially fatal condition. This problem happens when dogs consume large amounts of water quickly. Dogs who dive open-mouthed in ponds or pools for their ball may experience this health problem. Too much water can cause a drop in blood electrolytes and thinning of blood plasma. These events cause swelling in the brain and other body parts, leading to death.
Acute caudal syndrome is also known as "swimmer's tail" or "limber-tail syndrome." A dog's watery tail becomes swollen from too much time in the sea. Dogs use their tails for swimming, and excessive strain on the muscles that hold them up can cause the tail to droop. Dogs can experience significant pain when the tail becomes stiff and unresponsive.
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature that affects dogs who have been exposed to cold water for a prolonged period. Hypothermia can also be caused by wind chill, cloud cover, and damp air. Know this rule, which applies to all dogs: If the water is too cold for you, it's too cold for your dog.
Stay safe in the water this summer.
Follow these water safety tips for safe, happy, and wet water adventures for your pup this summer. Stop by the Pawsitive Destinations store to purchase the items you need to protect your dog. Happy swimming tails!
