Staying cool in a pool? It\u2019s summertime and playing in the water is a must, especially if your dog enjoys jumping in. But before they take the plunge, here are a few things you should keep in mind.<\/p>\n
Those common-sense things you do around the house apply at the lake, too. So remember to bring drinking water and a dish for your dog to drink from like you have back home. Keep an eye on them\u00a0at all times (even if it\u2019s just the eyes in the back of your head). Staying close to them\u00a0means you can get to them\u00a0sooner if something goes awry.<\/p>\n
Does your dog love swimming in a pool?<\/a> Do you even have a pool at home? Fence it off so your dog can\u2019t go for a swim unsupervised, when they are not wearing a life jacket. Make sure it\u2019s tall enough so they don’t get any big ideas.<\/p>\n Get \u2018em. Love \u2018em. Keep \u2018em in your car for the whole summer. And for goodness sake, make sure the life jacket fits your dog. You should be able to pull them\u00a0out of the water by the straps with no problem. Make sure the jacket is a nice bright color that you can pick it out of a crowd. Or at least a pool.<\/p>\n Not sure what to put in your pup\u2019s first aid kit? Check out this handy list!<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re swimming in a pool, make sure your dog\u2019s nails are trimmed before letting them\u00a0free on the vinyl. Untrimmed nails can snag the pool lining, which would be uncomfortable for them\u00a0and expensive for you!<\/p>\n Dogs can\u2019t tell you when they want to regain their land legs, so make sure there are steps, a non-slip ramp or a doggie ladder available to them. A way to exit the water quickly can save a life.<\/p>\n Some dogs aren\u2019t natural swimmers and have trouble keeping their head above water. Never force your pup into the water if they don’t\u00a0want to be there.<\/p>\n Lake, river, pool or ocean \u2014 none of this water should be quenching your dog\u2019s thirst. Bacteria and chlorine do not have a place inside their furry bodies, and neither do parasites. Make sure you\u2019re constantly giving them the water you\u2019ve brought so that they don\u2019t get tempted to taste what they\u2019re swimming in.<\/p>\n You should also check for postings or regulations about whether there is blue-green algae present in the water. Dogs are very susceptible to blue-green algae blooms, and just licking the water off their fur or accidentally swallowing some when they are fetching in the water can be lethal.<\/p>\n Some dogs love the water so much, they\u2019ll swim faster than you out into the waves. Keep your dog close by so you can rescue them if they get\u00a0too tired.<\/p>\n Your dog might play until they\u00a0fall asleep swimming \u2013 or become overheated in warm water on a hot day. That means it\u2019s up to you to pull them\u00a0out of the chaos and make them\u00a0nap. Give them\u00a0some shade, make them\u00a0catch some ZZZs and drink some water. Then send them\u00a0out well-rested and ready to play like crazy again.<\/p>\n Beneath that fur is skin just waiting to get zapped by the sun. Slather your dog in pet sunscreen<\/a> to prevent irritation by a wicked sunburn. And when water time is done, their coats need attention again. Wash them off immediately to make sure chlorine, salt and other not-so-great things don\u2019t dry in their fur and cause skin problems later.<\/p>\n3. Life jackets + first aid kits<\/h2>\n
4. Clip those nails before you get in<\/h2>\n
5. Where\u2019s the way out?<\/h2>\n
6. Don\u2019t force your dog to swim<\/h2>\n
7. Swim laps: don\u2019t lap it up<\/h2>\n
8. Don\u2019t let them get away<\/h2>\n
9. Set aside nap time<\/h2>\n
10. Take care of their skin before and after swimming<\/h2>\n