East Valley K9 Services

DOG TRAINERS HELPING TO MAKE HAPPY, CONFIDENT, WELL-MANNERED DOGS

5 Tips for Your Dog’s Safety in the Water

Name: East Valley K9 Training Services
Address: 4120 East Fairview Circle, Mesa, AZ, 85206, USA
Telephone: 480-382-0144
Price range: $$$

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Summer is here and that means poolside fun in the sun! But should your dog join you in the pool?

Read on to get 5 Tips for Your Dog’s Safety in the Water!

$C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\hungarian-viszla-658007_1280.jpg$ Letting your dog swim is a great way to exercise them while also keeping them cool. Swimming is also a great low-impact exercise for older dogs with stiff and achy arthritic joints.

But there are some things to know to keep your K9 safe while he enjoys the pool!

Are All Dogs Natural Swimmers?

A common myth is that all dogs can instinctively swim. This is actually not true; not all dogs can, want or should swim. (While most dogs will instinctively do the “doggy paddle,” this is not enough!) Never assume a dog is a good swimmer, even with breeds who are typically excellent swimmers! If you’re unsure of your dog’s swimming abilities:

Make them wear a well-fitted life jacket;
Enlist the help of a professional trainer to help them learn how to swim; or
Leave them in the kiddy pool.

Not All Dogs are Built to Swim

There are some canine breeds that are not naturally “designed” for swimming.

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“Top heavy” dogs
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
Short-muzzled dogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
Dogs with very short legs
- Dachshunds
- Basset Hounds

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. But it bears repeating, until you are confident your dog is a competent swimmer, always put their safety first!

Click here to see which dog breeds are typically good swimmers

and those who are not!

Dry Drowning is a Risk for Your Dog Too!

Dry drowning is a physical phenomenon that can happen hours or even days after swimming. (Dry drowning is also known as “near-drowning” or “secondary drowning.”) Most people know about this danger when it comes to children, but it’s also a very real danger for canines. Carefully monitoring your dog while swimming and limiting their time in the water can help avert this potential danger.

$C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\DryDrowningCanHappenToDogs.jpg$ Dry drowning happens when a dog inhales water (potentially allowing fluid into the lungs); which in turn, can cause cardiac arrest. Inhaling water can happen with:

Grabbing high-profile toys in the water;
Inexperienced dogs 4 months or younger; and
An exhausted dog “gulping” for air.

Dry drowning includes the following symptoms:

Bluish gums and skin
Vomiting
Difficulty in – or lack of – breathing
Semi-conscious and dazed; comatose
Increased or decreased heart rate
Coughing clear to frothy red spit-up

5 Tips for Your Dog’s Water Safety

$C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\KeepAnEyeOnYourDogSwimming.jpg$ Enclose your pool with safety fencing (at a height your dog cannot jump) with a gate that securely locks.
Mark the exit of the pool with a pot or cone and train your dog to reliably find the marked exit/steps.
Only use low-profile toys in the pool (like a bumper pictured above) or a flexible Frisbee to stop your dog from swallowing too much water.
Always supervise your dog when they are in the pool just like you would if it were a child. Watch for signs of tiredness and limit their time in the water. Also, monitor them afterward for any adverse reactions or symptoms.
If your dog was in a chlorinated pool, rinse them off with fresh, cool water to remove any chlorine residue in their fur and between their toes.