Summer Fun Water Safety for a Dog

Summer Fun Water Safety for a Dog

The dog days of summer are just around the corner, and depending on where you live, may already feel like spring was skipped, and it went straight to summer. Warm days and long days mean lots of fun outside with our pet dogs, especially fun on the water. Summer and the lake, river, or ocean go together, but can present some challenges and dangers for our four legged companions. What we can take for granted can easily turn into a disaster for our pets. In general most dogs do not take to water very easily.

Instinctively they have built in danger signals regarding water bodies, especially moving water, and are usually cautious. I have had many dogs over the years, and but for a few, most were very leery of water.

Lakes and Standing Water

Dogs are born swimmers, but not all dogs can swim equally, or are comfortable in the water. Depending on the breed of dog that you have, and the water activity that you both are participating in together, will determine to what extent the dog can participate and enjoy the activity. Paddling in a lake or standing body of water does not necessarily present too much danger to the puppy or dog, if it is only fetching a ball or floaty that is thrown out a few feet into the water. But can present danger if the animal has to swim out a good distance from shore, it could get fatigued over time, and the consequence could be fatal.

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Streams and Rivers

A stream or river can also present some hidden dangers. Streams and rivers flow. Depending on where the flow originates, snow melt runoff from mountains, or dam spillway runoff, can create a body of water that can flow erratically throughout the day, and throughout the season.

Streams and rivers have rock, and boulder beds, and eddy’s and deep pools can be created by varying flow rates, creating extra hidden dangers. A couple of inches of flowing water is enough to knock a grown man off its feet. Although dogs are steadier on their feet having four of them instead of two, and instinctively have a better understanding of flowing water, as a pet parent, we must be vigilant to the dangers streams and rivers can pose.

The Ocean

The ocean is a dynamic powerful force, subjected to tidal changes and impacted by wind. It is constantly in a state of motion, even if the surface appears glass smooth and mirrored. Rip currents can occur out of the blue. It is also a heavily salted environment. Dog beaches have become a staple in a lot of coastal communities the world over, and why not. After all the beach is a popular destination over the hot summer months for families wanting to escape the heat and seek out much needed relief.  

Dogs being a part of our family are included in this activity. But the ocean can be frightening for a puppy or dog. The water is heavy and in motion against them, so they tire easily while swimming in the surf. Winds and breezes can easily cause a dog to be blown out further into the ocean, presenting mortal danger to the animal.

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Swimming Pools

The biggest danger with a swimming pool is that when a dog gets into one without adult supervision, then after swimming around for a while enjoying the activity, depending on the size, weight and the breed of dog, may have difficulty climbing back out, and simply drowns, without the human there to save it.

This is a very common occurrence, especially in our urban communities that have a lot of domestic swimming pools. Pool activity for dogs has become very popular as an exercise regime. But as long as the right precautions are in place then it should not be a dangerous activity for the pet.

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Simple Safety Rules for Water Pet Fun

1. Have the dog wear a Life Preserver or Flotation Aid.
2. Always supervise the water activity.
3. Watch the dog for excessive fatigue.
4. Cast balls and floats a short distance from the shoreline only.
5. Don’t allow the dog to swim out into the ocean too far --- remember if it is windy then your call will be dissipated by the wind, and the dog will not hear you to respond.
6. Watch for rip currents and don’t allow the dog into the ocean if they are present.
7. Watch for wave height, remember waves come in sets, each preceding wave could be bigger than the one before, you could easily lose sight of your dog.
8. Don’t have your dog swim in a surfing area, go to a swimming area of the beach, and then go to the outer edge of this zone.
9. Lakes can be super busy with boating activity, be aware of this.
10. Wilderness streams and rivers attract wild animals to feed and drink, be aware of this in wilderness.
11. Secure your pool from your dog. Only allow the dog swim in the pool under supervision.

So in conclusion;

Water fun for our pet dogs and puppies can be enjoyable, and super beneficial to their health, and a must activity over the hot summer months. As long as common sense prevails, and we are aware of the different dangers the varying water bodies present to our pets, then the right precautions with the right equipment can mean the difference to safe enjoyable fun.