Home > Learning Center > Spring & Summer Safety for Dogs - Warm Weather Hazards continued
Spring & Summer Safety for Dogs - Warm Weather Hazards
continued
Water Hazards
While it's true that most dogs can swim, some dogs are initially afraid of water and some dogs will never like swimming and water activities. If your dog doesn't jump right in or seems afraid of the water at first, let him/or her get used to it gradually. Never throw a nervous, inexperienced swimmer in the water. With gentle encouragement most dogs will soon realize that they can "do the doggie paddle" quite well.
Just as people who are experienced swimmers have drowning accidents, dogs can too. Retrieving games can be fun, but they can also be tiring, especially for very young dogs and older dogs. Rough currents or steep slippery banks can be too much for a dog who's already exhausted. Cold water can be dangerous. Though many Northern breeds and retrievers are well equipped for cold water temperatures, water that's too cold for people is too cold for many dogs. Unless you have steps to access your pool and your dog has already used them to get out of the water, prevent unsupervised swimming by raising ladders and locking pool gates.
If you spend time at the seashore in summer, and pets are allowed on the beach, always provide an adequate shady area and lots of fresh drinking water for your dog. Rinse thoroughly, from head to tail, after any time on the beach. (Another good use for a kiddie pool) Salt and sand can be very irritating, especially to paws and ears. Always dry inside the ears after every swim, bath, or rinse.
At home and while traveling, keep your dog away from any source of stagnant water. Drinking polluted standing water that contains certain types of of algae can cause rapid, serious illness and death. Ingesting even a small amount of a blue-green algae is extremely dangerous.
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