I've had many canine friends through the years and most of them regardless of breed or size enjoyed the water. Until my most recent dog, Oscar, I assumed all dogs could swim and would enjoy the water. Oscar is a wonderful dog. He's smart, energetic and loving. He enjoys running along beside me on my bike. He's up for a hike any day. When it comes to water sports though, Oscar's a land lover! He can't seem to swim a lick! I realized the first time I took him to the lake I'd need to review dog water safety quick!
If you are going to be out on the water with your dog, I highly recommend getting a dog life jacket. These pet floatation devices come in sizes XXS to XXL and I every color imaginable. Oscar is an XXS dog topping out at 5 pounds on a good day after he's just had most of my steak! Finding a life vest that worked for him was harder than I expected. Many of the life vests that said they were XXS were meant to fit dogs up to ten or twelve pounds and were way too big for Oscar. You may have to do a little shopping around to get a good fitting life vest for your dog.
The design of all the dog floatation devices I've found so far will not keep your dogs head out of the water. Even one I found that supported from underneath didn't keep Oscars head up. So just keep in mind that while these devices will keep your dog basically on top the water they won't keep him from drowning once he gets tired of holding his head up. They do, however, give you more time to reach your dog, make him easier to see, and easier to get out of the water and back into the boat as most have handles on the back.
You may also want to consider getting a dog ramp for your boat. Like a ladder, these devices allow your dog to get on and off the boat more easily.
If you own a pool, teach your dog where the steps are so he can get out if he decides to jump in when you're not there. Also keep in mind the chlorine used in pools is irritating and you will need to rinse your dog off after he swims. The same is true of salt water.
Keep fresh water available for your dog even though you're surrounded by water. Lake and river water is full of bacteria and other critters it would be best your dog not ingest. While he's not as likely as you to get sick from drinking lake water, it's best to have fresh water available for him. Also, rapidly running river water is just as dangerous for your dog as it would be for your child. Keep your dog on a leash when near rivers.
Hypothermia can occur in dogs just as it can in humans. Signs of hypothermia can include shivering and rapid heart rate. Your dog's pupils may look dilated. In advanced stages hypothermia can cause coma and even death. Very young, very old, and very small dogs are more prone to hypothermia.
Follow these basic tips on dog water safety and enjoy the water with your canine friend this summer!
If you are going to be out on the water with your dog, I highly recommend getting a dog life jacket. These pet floatation devices come in sizes XXS to XXL and I every color imaginable. Oscar is an XXS dog topping out at 5 pounds on a good day after he's just had most of my steak! Finding a life vest that worked for him was harder than I expected. Many of the life vests that said they were XXS were meant to fit dogs up to ten or twelve pounds and were way too big for Oscar. You may have to do a little shopping around to get a good fitting life vest for your dog.
The design of all the dog floatation devices I've found so far will not keep your dogs head out of the water. Even one I found that supported from underneath didn't keep Oscars head up. So just keep in mind that while these devices will keep your dog basically on top the water they won't keep him from drowning once he gets tired of holding his head up. They do, however, give you more time to reach your dog, make him easier to see, and easier to get out of the water and back into the boat as most have handles on the back.
You may also want to consider getting a dog ramp for your boat. Like a ladder, these devices allow your dog to get on and off the boat more easily.
If you own a pool, teach your dog where the steps are so he can get out if he decides to jump in when you're not there. Also keep in mind the chlorine used in pools is irritating and you will need to rinse your dog off after he swims. The same is true of salt water.
Keep fresh water available for your dog even though you're surrounded by water. Lake and river water is full of bacteria and other critters it would be best your dog not ingest. While he's not as likely as you to get sick from drinking lake water, it's best to have fresh water available for him. Also, rapidly running river water is just as dangerous for your dog as it would be for your child. Keep your dog on a leash when near rivers.
Hypothermia can occur in dogs just as it can in humans. Signs of hypothermia can include shivering and rapid heart rate. Your dog's pupils may look dilated. In advanced stages hypothermia can cause coma and even death. Very young, very old, and very small dogs are more prone to hypothermia.
Follow these basic tips on dog water safety and enjoy the water with your canine friend this summer!