Keeping your dog safe around water is crucial, especially if your furry friend enjoys swimming in lakes, pools, or the ocean. Water can be a fun playground for dogs, but it also poses potential dangers that owners need to be aware of. Making sure your dog stays safe while having fun in the water is important to prevent accidents and health issues.
How can you ensure your dog stays safe around water? By following essential safety tips and being mindful of your dog’s abilities and environment, you can make water activities enjoyable and secure. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or just playing in a backyard pool, knowing how to protect your pet will give you peace of mind and allow your dog to have a great time.
Table of Contents
- 1) Use a Dog Life Jacket
- 2) Supervise Your Dog at All Times
- 3) Train Your Dog to Exit the Pool
- 4) Provide fresh drinking water
- 5) Avoid strong currents
- 6) Rinse off after swimming
- 7) Dry your dog’s ears
- 8) Teach Basic Swimming Skills
- 9) Create a dog-safe pool area
- 10) Use a pool ramp or stairs
- 11) Check Water Temperature
- 12) Limit Swim Time
- Understanding Your Dog’s Relationship With Water
- Creating a Safe Aquatic Environment
1) Use a Dog Life Jacket
A well-fitted dog life jacket is essential for keeping your dog safe around water.
Measure your dog’s neck, rib cage, and hips with a soft measuring tape to find the right size.
A good life jacket will keep your dog’s head above water and make swimming easier.
2) Supervise Your Dog at All Times
Always keep an eye on your dog when they are near water.
You need to be close by to react quickly if something goes wrong.
When near a pool, lake, or ocean, your presence can make a big difference. Keep your attention on your dog to ensure they stay safe.
3) Train Your Dog to Exit the Pool
Start by showing your dog the pool exit. Use a ramp or stairs if possible. Encourage your dog to use it by giving treats and praise.
Practice this a few times daily. Stay patient and keep training sessions short. This helps your dog understand and remember the exit.
Use positive reinforcement. When your dog exits the pool correctly, reward with treats and praise. Be consistent and encouraging to make the learning process enjoyable.
4) Provide fresh drinking water
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water. During hot days, your dog may need to drink more because of the heat.
Fresh water helps prevent your dog from drinking harmful ocean, lake, or pool water, which can cause stomachaches or other health issues.
Always bring a portable water bowl and a good supply of clean water when you’re out and about.
5) Avoid strong currents
Strong currents can be dangerous for your dog. If the water looks swift or choppy, it’s best to keep your dog away. Fast-moving water can quickly tire them out and make swimming difficult.
Check for warning signs and avoid areas prone to currents. Stick to calm water for a safer experience.
6) Rinse off after swimming
After your dog enjoys a swim, it’s important to rinse them off with fresh water. This helps remove salt, chlorine, algae, and other substances that can irritate their skin.
Even if they’ve been in natural water, rinsing helps prevent skin infections and keeps their coat clean. Always have a hose or a jug of clean water ready.
7) Dry your dog’s ears
After swimming, gently pat the outside of your dog’s ears with a towel. Don’t insert the towel inside their ears. Use a drying solution from your vet if needed. Put a few drops in each ear and massage the base to help the solution reach any trapped water.
Check for excess moisture or debris with a clean cotton ball. Be gentle to avoid hurting their ears. If your dog shows signs like shaking its head, scratching, or redness, contact your vet. These could be signs of an ear infection. Regularly drying your dog’s ears can help prevent issues.
8) Teach Basic Swimming Skills
Start by choosing a shallow area where your dog can stand comfortably.
Let them get their paws wet and explore on their own.
Use toys or treats to encourage them to go deeper.
Support their belly to help them feel secure.
Always stay close to guide and protect them.
9) Create a dog-safe pool area
Make sure your pool area is secure by installing a pool fence. This keeps your dog from wandering in when you aren’t watching.
Use a dog pool ramp or steps so your pup has an easy way to get out of the water. These tools can be a lifesaver.
Always have fresh drinking water available. If your dog drinks pool water, it might upset their stomach. Keep your canine hydrated with cool, clean water from a bowl.
10) Use a pool ramp or stairs
A pool ramp or stairs can be a lifesaver for your dog. It provides an easy and safe way for your dog to get in and out of the pool.
Without a ramp, your dog might struggle to exit the pool, leading to unnecessary stress or accidents.
Choose a ramp that fits the size of your pool and your dog’s needs. Make sure it’s stable and non-slip.
Pool ramps and stairs can also help older dogs or dogs with joint issues. Practice using the ramp with your dog so they become comfortable and confident.
11) Check Water Temperature
Before letting your dog go for a swim, always check the water temperature. Cold water can cause your dog to get too cold quickly, especially if your dog has thin fur.
Warm water might seem safer, but it can harbor bacteria. Your dog can get sick from bacteria in warm water. Always aim for a comfortable and safe temperature.
12) Limit Swim Time
Monitor how long your dog spends in the water. Just like people, dogs can get tired. Make sure to give your dog breaks to rest and drink fresh water.
Short swims are best, especially if your dog is new to swimming or if it’s a hot day. This helps prevent overexertion.
Understanding Your Dog’s Relationship With Water
Some dogs love water while others are more hesitant. Recognizing your dog’s behavior around water and knowing which breeds are naturals at swimming can help you keep them safe.
Recognizing Water-Related Behaviors
Just like people, dogs have different reactions to water. Some might jump right in and start swimming with enthusiasm. Others might be more cautious or even scared.
Signs Your Dog Loves Water:
- Eagerly jumps into water
- Paddles energetically
- Seeks out water sources
Signs Your Dog Is Wary of Water:
- Hesitates at the water’s edge
- Shows signs of stress (e.g., tail tucked, ears back)
- Tries to avoid getting wet
Watch how your dog behaves near water. If they seem nervous or unsure, take it slow. Don’t force them in; instead, let them explore at their own pace.
Breeds That Love Water
Certain breeds are known for their love of water. These dogs often have physical traits that make them excellent swimmers, like webbed feet or water-resistant coats.
Water-Loving Breeds:
- Labrador Retrievers: Known for their strong swimming ability and love for water activities.
- Newfoundlands: Built for swimming with their webbed feet and thick coats.
- Portuguese Water Dogs: Originally bred to help fishermen, they have excellent swimming skills.
Each of these breeds is naturally inclined to enjoy the water, making them great companions for water sports and activities. If you own one of these breeds, encourage their water love, but always monitor them to ensure safety.
Creating a Safe Aquatic Environment
To keep your dog safe around water, you need to take specific actions like setting up fencing, barriers, pool covers, and alarms. These safety measures will help ensure your dog’s well-being while they are near any water sources.
Fencing and Barriers
Fencing and barriers are essential to keep your dog safe near water. They act as a physical deterrent, preventing accidental falls or unwanted access to pools, ponds, or lakes. A sturdy fence should be at least 4 feet high and have securely latched gates to keep your dog out when you’re not around.
Consider using mesh or solid fencing materials that your dog can’t climb over or squeeze through. For ponds or lakes, temporary barriers such as garden fencing can be effective. Always check that your barriers are in good condition and repair any gaps or damage immediately.
Installing a safety gate at the entrance to pool areas can provide an extra layer of protection. This simple step can prevent your dog from accessing the water when unsupervised.
Pool Covers and Alarms
Pool covers and alarms are effective tools for enhancing water safety. A quality pool cover can keep your dog from accidentally falling into the water when the pool isn’t in use. Make sure the cover fits securely and can support your dog’s weight if they step on it.
Pool alarms add another safety layer by alerting you when your dog enters the water. There are several types, including surface wave alarms and subsurface disturbance alarms. These devices can give you peace of mind, especially when you can’t directly supervise your dog.
When installing pool covers, avoid ones with gaps or that can easily slip off. Regularly inspect both the cover and alarm system for wear and tear to ensure they function correctly.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
