With the weather getting warmer, many of us will be trying to get up to the cottage for some relaxation by the water. Many dogs love the cottage life, jumping in the lake and going for a swim! Feeling that breeze through their fur when they’re next to you on the boat. This week we will be discussing how to keep your pooch happy and safe when playing in or near the water.
Not All Dogs Love to Swim While there are many natural born swimmer breeds such as the Newfoundlander and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, there are also some breed who don’t often take to swimming very well. Breeds with short little legs and/ or short snouts can have trouble paddling strong enough to keep themselves up when in water. Some examples of these breeds are Pugs and Corgi’s. Due to their shorter legs, it can be somewhat rare to see these types of dogs enjoying deep water as they aren’t physical built for swimming. Of course, there’s always an exception to the rule and some shorter legged dogs are in fact great swimmers. It is always a smart idea to stay nearby if your little legged dog wants to try swimming, just in case you need to help him out.
Life Jackets and Vests There are many places online that make breed and size specific life jackets for any dog breed. If your dog isn’t a confident swimmer, it may be a good idea to put a life vest on if you know you will be near the water. If you plan on taking your dog on a boat ride, no matter what breed or swimming experience he has, he should be wearing a life vest. Just in case you happen to go over a big wave or if your dog unexpectedly reacts to something while on the boat, you always want to make sure he is wearing a life vest for any unexpected moments. These doggy life vest often come with durable handles on the top so you have a much easier time pulling him out of the water if needed.
Keep Your Dog Within Eyesight You never know what your dog can get into. He may be enjoying himself in the water so much, that he ends up going too far out. This prevents you from being able to reach him in time if there’s any sort of emergency. Be sure that your dog knows to stay close and within your eyesight. If you’re with others, have them help keep a look out, the more eyes the better when it comes to safety!
Check The Water First We all know that it can take some time for large bodies of water to warm up near the beginning of summer. If the water is too cold, it can put your dog at risk for hypothermia. Some dogs that were bred to swim and hunt in the water have a double coat, helping to protect their body from cold water. For dogs that don’t have this double coat, it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in. A good rule before your dog goes swimming, is to check the water yourself first! Take a quick dip to check the water first. Check around where you are to make sure there aren’t any warning signs posted for things like jellyfish to ensure your dog won’t have any unexpected encounters.
Some dogs can’t get enough of the water while others prefer to stay on land. Whatever your dog’s preference is, make sure he stays safe this summer by following our water safety tips!