A Water Safety Guide for Dogs: Keeping Your Pup Safe and Happy Around Water
Summertime is the perfect season for enjoying the pool, beach, or lakes, especially with your pup. However, it’s important to know how to keep your pup safe and happy around water. The Dog Stop has put together this dog water safety guide for dog parents to make enjoying the water a safe and fun experience for their pet.
Assessing Water Conditions Before the Plunge
The first thing to keep in mind is the kind of water your dog is going to be exposed to. Dogs can be sensitive to the cold just like humans. Therefore, you must be mindful of the water temperature, especially for pups with less fur.
Always be aware of the current! Undercurrents, fast currents, and waves can be as dangerous to your pup as they can be for you.
And, for all lake-lovers, know that blue-green algae can make your dog sick.
Recognizing and Preventing Water Intoxication
As rare as it may be, water intoxication is a serious condition that can happen to dogs when they swallow a lot of water. A large intake of water can lead to hyponatremia causing critical low levels of sodium in the bloodstream, which can lead to swelling. Your pup can suffer brain damage if the water causes brain cells to swell.
The American Kennel Club provides extensive information on water intoxication including prevention, symptoms of poisoning.
One way of preventing water intoxication in dogs is to make sure your pup is playing with water safe toys which prevent your dog from ingesting too much water. The Dog Stop has many options for water safe toys that your dog will love to play with!
Be Cognizant of Your Dog’s Swimming Ability
It is important to keep in mind that not all dogs can swim naturally or swim easily. Some breeds of dogs, like American Water Spaniels or Labrador Retrievers, love the water and can swim with ease. Others, especially brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces or extremely short snouts) are more prone to drowning because water easily goes up their noses. Corgis and dachshunds are poor swimmers, because of their body’s shape, particularly their short legs.
Ensuring Water Safety for Your Furry Friend
In addition to always keeping a watchful eye on your dog while they’re in the water, The AKC stresses the importance of life vests or even a dog life jacket especially for dogs with shorter limbs who may struggle to swim.
Here at The Dog Stop, we care about helping you learn how to best care for your pup while also providing you with all your dog care needs to make this summer the best yet! For more information on what The Dog Stop has to offer, click the link to find a location convenient to you!
The Dog Stop’s Take-Away Message
The Dog Stop encourages you to make this the best summer yet with your furry companion. Most people and pups absolutely love the water, and we want you to have fun and be safe! We’re committed to helping you learn how to best care for your pup while also providing you with all your dog care needs-no matter the season.
For more information on what The Dog Stop has to offer, click the link to find a location convenient to you!
References:
Flaim, Denise. “Water Intoxication in Dogs: Can Dogs Drink Too Much Water?” American Kennel Club, 5 July 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-drink-much-water-dangers-water-intoxication/. (Accessed: 28 July 2023)
Reisen, Jan. “Dogs That Can Swim Easily: 16 Dog Breeds That Love the Water.” American Kennel Club, 9 June 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/breeds-that-are-born-to-swim/. (Accessed: 28 July 2023)
Stephanie Gibeault, MSc. “Can All Dogs Swim? How to Teach a Dog to Swim.” American Kennel Club, 21 June 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/teach-dog-to-swim/. (Accessed: 28 July 2023)