Safe Swimming With Your Dog

It’s hot and your dog would like to enjoy a swim to cool off? Here are ten tips for enjoying the water with your dog safely, whether in a pool, lake or at the beach.

Before Swimming

• Make sure your companion obeys your commands. This will come in handy if you need to call him back! If your dog won't listen to you on land, there's little chance he'll do so while swimming.
• Remove your pet's collar before swimming. This could get caught on a branch, debris or obstacle in the water.
• Do not throw your dog into the water. In deep water, it is better to submerge your animal gradually. If you dive into the pool, remember to show him where and how to get out.

While Swimming

• Supervise your companion at all times. In case of distress, he will not necessarily be able to call you for help by barking.
• Don't let your dog drink the water: chlorine from swimming pools, salt from sea water or parasites from lakes can make your dog sick.
• Give your companion a life jacket. In case of emergency, it will allow you to grab your dog much more easily.
• The sun's rays are stronger in water. Once their fur is flattened by water and their skin is exposed, animals are more at risk of sunburn. Don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your furry friend's skin.
• Whirlpool baths are not recommended for animals. The high temperatures of this type of equipment can cause problems for them.
• Avoid swimming in cold or strong currents. Even dogs who are champion swimmers or water lovers can quickly become hypothermic.

After Swimming

• Wash and dry your dog thoroughly after a dip. Chlorine in swimming pools can irritate pets' skin and water in their ears can lead to infections.

A word about drownings

Animals are not immune to drowning. According to the Veterinary University Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, drowning can occur in various situations:

• Exhaustion during long-distance swimming
• Hypothermia while swimming in cold water
• When the animal cannot reach the surface (in water with a lot of turbulence, for example)

In case of drowning, the first thing to do is to get the animal out of the water. Before proceeding, always make sure you are safe to do so. Then take the animal to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.