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5 Water Safety Tips for Dog Owners

large tan and white dog by the seashore

Water has the potential to be a great way to get your dog's energy out. But as a dog owner, you need to be cautious with your dog to make sure he does well in the water. A lot of owners will throw their pup in the water, but this may not be a good idea.

You need to practice basic water safety as a dog owner.

The safety tips that you'll want to follow are:

1. Encourage Your Pup to Swim

Dogs are not born knowing how to swim. A lot of dogs catch on quickly, but others will be horrified if you throw them in the water and hope they swim. You'll want to slowly gauge your dog's ability to swim.

A few tips to do this are:

When your dog starts to paddle with his legs, make sure to lift the hind legs to help him.

It's best to teach your pup how to swim when they're young. If you force your pup into the water, you may cause a stressful situation that discourages your dog to go in the water.

2. Invest in Dog Life Jackets

If you're bringing your dog to the beach or a lake where you won't be able to keep an eye on him at all times, you may want to invest in a dog life jacket. A life jacket will keep your dog afloat while allowing him to paddle around.

You can put one of these life jackets on your dog if he's scared to enter the water.

Life jackets are perfect for a safe time at the beach or when bringing your pup on a boat.

3. Pay Close Attention to Tides and Strong Currents

Weather conditions are going to change the strength of the currents and riptides. Pay close attention to weather conditions and the strength of the water. Even a strong swimmer can be pulled under a riptide and struggle to catch their breath when the current is too strong.

4. Keep Your Pup Away from Fish

Dogs can and should eat fish, but you want to keep your pup away from any fish that wash up on shore. The fish may make your dog sick.

5. Don't Leave Your Dog Unattended

Do not leave your dog unattended near a body of water. A lot of owners will allow their pup to walk around their pool, and the moment the owner turns their back, the pup jumps into the water.

You want to keep a close eye on your dog at all times when near a body of water.

Leaving your dog unattended near water may result in unintentional drowning.

Swimming is tiring for your pup. When you go for a swim, make sure that you take frequent breaks and provide your pup with ample water. If a dog is too tired from swimming, they will be at a higher risk of drowning.


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