Summertime is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the warm weather with your furry friend. Whether you're hitting the beach for a day of fun in the sun or taking a scenic walk along the river, keeping your dog safe while enjoying the great outdoors is important.
Here are five ways to help ensure that your pup stays safe while swimming and playing in water this season. 1. Always keep a close eye on your dogs when they're around water. Never leave them unattended.
2. Make sure your dog knows how to swim and is comfortable in the water. Surprisingly, not all dogs like the water. Even though certain breeds may be known to like water, each dog is an individual, and don't assume that just because you have a Lab, your dog will be excited about swimming. Some dogs may still need to learn to swim, or they may have had an experience in water that caused them to fear it. Be attentive to your dogs behavior around water and never force them to get in if they don't want to!
3. Teach your dog basic commands like "stay" and "come" so you can better control their behavior near water. When the rivers are running fast and strong or the waves at the ocean are big and powerful, you need to be able to call your dog away from dangerous situations.
4. Invest in a life jacket or doggie floatie for extra safety. They come in all sizes and are well worth the money if your dog is going to be in deep water. 5. If your dog isn't a good swimmer, avoid taking him to deep water or areas with strong currents unless you are keep him on a leash. Small dogs don't often like swimming and could be easily swept away, so it's best to keep them leashed if they are anywhere close to dangerous waters.
Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the water with your furry friend, but it’s important to remember that dogs can drown just like people. Follow these simple tips to keep your dog safe in the water, and you can both have some fun swimming together.
Have you ever gone swimming with your pup? Let us know in the comments!