Keeping your dog safe by the water
Our top tips to keep your dog safe in the water
Although my own dog is not a natural swimmer he loves getting in the water and doing his own special dunk to keep himself cool. When the weather heats up we head to a few favourite riverside spots where we can walk and let the dogs swim.
Here’s some tips and advice to keep your dog safe and happy when swimming in lakes and rivers.
Rivers & Lakes - Chose a safe place for your dog to swim
Slow moving rivers and lakes are some of the safest places to let your dog swim. Chose lakes that have some safe, shallow areas for your dog to easily access and calm slow-moving rivers and streams where your dog can take a dip.
Check to see how strong the current is before you let your dog in the water. Even strong and confident dogs that love swimming can be swept away by fast flowing currents.
Spots to avoid
Reservoirs – they may seem harmless enough, but often have some very strong undercurrents which you cannot see.
Fast-flowing water – the rapid currents can cause dogs to be swept away
Flood waters – these are often full of debris which can injure your dog and can be fast flowing
Stagnant ponds, canals or pools of water – the stagnant water here likely contains toxins and pollutants. Read more about Do
Do Dogs need a Life Jacket ?
It may sound unnecessary especially if your dog is a good swimmer but if you and your dog are going to spend time in the water then it’s something to really consider. Bigger dogs like Labradors and Golden Retrievers tend to take to the water with ease. On the other hand, dogs with shorter legs – like Pugs, Bulldogs and Dachshunds – often struggle to stay afloat. Older and younger dogs often do not have the stamina to keep their head above water. Even dogs that are excellent swimmers get tired and with the handle on top of the life jacket you can grab and pull your dog to safety if needed.
I use the Vivaglory life jacket for my dog Alfie. It has a sturdy grab handle in case I need to help him out and they combine lots of bright colours and with a reflective strip so I can easily spot him.
Water + Dogs = Excitement.
The excitement can be all too much when your dog gets in the water and I know from experience they can become deaf to commands. It’s a good chance to practice those recall techniques so have favourite treats/ toy on hand to help keep the focus. You need to avoid having to wade in to the river to retrieve your dog!
Keep a look out
Check for anything lurking in in the water such as scrap metal, broken branches or underwater foliage that dogs can become tangled in as well as discarded litter and broken glass . In the warmer weather there is a higher chance of blue-green algae in many rivers, ponds and lakes. This is extremely toxic for dogs and can even be fatal. Do not let your dog drink, or swim in, water contaminated with blue-green algae.
Post Swim
I always stick a drying coat on Alfie when we get back to the car - we can recommend Ruff & Tumble .Once home do a good check for cuts and ticks. You should take extra steps to make sure your dog’s ears are completely dry, too. Water left in this area – especially in dogs with big, floppy ears which can easily lead to infection.
Hope you find some of these tips helpful so you can get out and about and enjoy Devon with your Dog down by the water.