Dog News

Dogs and Water Safety

by Shawn Finch, DVM

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One of the best parts of summer is time in the water with our dog friends.  Whether you have a pool or play in a lake or the ocean, make sure you are doing everything possible to keep your dogs safe!

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Consider a fitted life jacket for your dog.  Many pet specialty stores have them, and they can also be found online.

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Do not let your dog play in the water unsupervised, no matter how good of a swimmer he is.

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Though most dogs learn to swim quickly and have a knack for it, dogs are not born knowing the doggy paddle!  Get them used to water gradually and give them time to learn to swim before they spend any time in deep water.

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Some dogs, even “water” breed dogs, do not like water.  These dogs may be happier to sit on the sidelines and watch.

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Call it a day when your dog is tired.  She will not stop until she is done having fun, and that will be WAY past the time she has enough energy to swim safely.

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Make sure one or more of the people with your dog knows pet CPR.  The American Red Cross has an excellent course, as do many veterinary hospitals.

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If you have a pool at home, make sure you have a tall fence around it to protect neighborhood dogs who may otherwise wander into the yard, and do not let your own dogs out near the pool unsupervised.

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Be safe and have fun!  And if you have to choose…be safe!

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Bailey Dog is dog tired after swimming in the lake!