Water Safety For Your Dog

Summer is a great time to enjoy the water with your dog. Whether you like boating, fishing or just taking a dip in the pool, your dog probably wants to do these things with you. But, do you know how to keep your dog safe in the water?

Many dogs are natural swimmers but that doesn't mean that yours is. There are many dogs that have some natural fear of the water. That means that you can't just assume that the first time you take your dog out to the lake or even the swimming pool that he will hop in and start dog paddling.

You should also keep in mind that dogs come in all shapes and sizes. It's not easy for some dogs to swim because of the way they're built. A Newfoundland or a Portuguese Water Dog, or a Labrador Retriever, have dense, water-resistant fur that sheds water. The Newf and the Lab carry a little extra fat that can keep them warm in cold water. The Lab has a tail like a rudder to help him in the water. The Portuguese Water Dog has webbing on his paws that helps him paddled in the water. Not all dogs are built to be champion swimmers like these dogs.

If you plan to have your dog near the water the first thing you should do is buy him a proper life jacket for dogs. Yes! They do make life vests for dogs! They are made from the same material as the life vests for humans. You can order them online or you may find them in a pet superstore.

Choose a life vest for your dog that is brightly colored. You want to be able to see your dog if he is out in the water away from you. Make sure that you get a vest that fits your dog well. The vest will have straps that fit around your dog in several places.

Once you and your dog are near the water you can help your dog learn to swim by slowly walking him into the water. Don't force him to go deeper than he wants to go. Most dogs will catch on and enjoy themselves. Dogs actually do dog paddle. But you shouldn't make your dog go into the water if he doesn't want to go. Remember to stay close by in case your dog has any problems. This is true whether you are swimming in a pool or any other small body of water.

It's particularly important with pools for you to teach your dog how to find the side so he can get out on his own. Many dogs drown each year because they don't know how to get out of the pool. If your dog can't find the steps then he may drown because he's stuck in the water. Swim with your dog to the side of the pool where the steps are and help your dog find the steps with his legs. Show him how to step out of the pool and make sure that you see him do this.

NEVER allow a dog to swim unattended. If you have a pool you should always keep a gate to the pool closed or keep the pool otherwise off-limits to your dog.

Swimming is a lot of fun for dogs but dogs can and do drown. Please be careful about allowing your dog near water.