One of the fun aspects of having a dog is that they can come with you on adventures. Many dogs love to swim and will be happy to follow you into the water at the beach or in the pool. As with children swimming, however, it’s important to take precautions so your pet can stay safe and avoid a trip to the veterinarian. Here’s a closer look at what you should do for your swimming pup—and what you should avoid.

Do:

Outfit your dog with a life vest. 

While many dogs take to swimming naturally or can easily learn how, they’re not built for it the way humans are, which can leave them vulnerable. To ensure their safety and that they don’t slip below the water, have them wear a life jacket. Even if they grow tired or there’s a big wave, the vest will bring them to the surface. 

Remember to take breaks. 

Even if your dog is a good swimmer, they can still be susceptible to fatigue. Especially if you spend hours by a body of water, all that activity can accumulate, leaving your dog tired and less able to stay afloat. By taking regular rest periods and monitoring your dog for signs of low energy, you can ensure they only go into the water when they’re ready.  

Don’t: 

Assume your dog is a natural swimmer.

Not every dog can swim adeptly right away, so the best practice is to get them used to the water first. Just like you would with a child, start your pet out in the shallow end—outfitted with a life vest—so they can become used to the sensation and movements at their own pace. If it seems like your dog’s personality simply isn’t going to embrace swimming as a fun activity, it’s probably wise to find another form of exercise to share with them. 

Leave your dog alone by the water. 

Another common mistake is to get overly lackadaisical with your dog near a big body of water. Those relaxing days can lend themselves to not paying too much attention, but letting your dog off the leash and free to go into the water can be dangerous and result in a trip to the veterinarian.

In the event of a riptide in the ocean, for instance, dogs are not as able to extricate themselves as humans are, since they may not instinctively know to swim sideways out of the tide. Their strokes are also not as powerful as what people take for granted. Keep an eye on your pet so that you can quickly intervene if needed. 

From exercise recommendations to examining a strange reaction your dog has had to being in the water, the trusted veterinarians at Westside Veterinary Hospital are here to help in Statesboro, GA. Bringing over 25 years of experience and compassion to each and every furry patient they see, the trained and certified pet hospital specialists will help ensure your companion’s health and happiness. To make an appointment, call (912) 489-1998. Learn more about the animal clinic by visiting their website.