Five Guidelines for Safe Swimming with Your Pet
You and your pet friend will want to go swimming to cool down as the summer heat rises. Even though it’s in their name, not all dogs or other pets can “doggy paddle,” so use caution when swimming with your canine companion. Following are five suggestions to keep your pet safe while swimming.
#1: Provide clean drinking water.
Your pet is more likely to drink water that contains chemicals or is contaminated if they go into the pool or another body of water to quench their thirst. Before and after swimming, make sure your pet has access to lots of fresh water to keep them hydrated.
#2: Make sure your pet is wearing a life jacket.
If your pet will be in deep water, make sure they are wearing a life jacket so they can stay afloat without having to rely exclusively on their swimming prowess. Put the vest on before getting in the water to give your pet a chance to become used to it.
#3: Don’t let your pet swim unaccompanied in the water.
Keep a close eye on your furry friend whenever they are swimming because animals can become frightened when left alone in the water.
#4: Teach your animal how to exit the pool.
When you aren’t home, if your pet falls into the pool, they might not be able to escape on their own. Make sure you have a solid set of stairs your pet can use to exit the pool and that they are familiar with them.
#5: Wash your pet off after swimming.
After a swim in a pool or lake, chemicals, viruses, and general dirt and debris can find their way into your pet’s thick coat. After swimming, thoroughly rinse your pet to stop them from combing these pollutants off their body.
Around bodies of water, accidents can occur, especially if your animal friend leans in for a drink and is unable to swim. This summer, if your pet has a water-related emergency, get assistance from our staff.