Summer is on its way, and along with it comes fun in the sun.
For many people that means fun in the water; and fun that can be shared with your furry friend.
But before you take your four-legged friend with you on a trip to the ocean, a lake, a river, or your favorite pet-friendly swimming hole, take a few precautions.
Make sure your dog can swim.
Not all dogs can swim well. Dogs with smashed faces and broad chests are not well designed for swimming. Some athletic dogs that are very muscular, such as greyhounds and whippets, have little body fat so are not buoyant and can also have trouble swimming. And just because a dog belongs to a breed that typically likes the water, it doesn't mean your particular dog likes to swim.
If you don't know if your dog can swim, introduce him to the water slowly, on a leash, with you by his side. You can help keep him calm, and help hold his hind end up until he starts using his hind legs as well as his front legs to swim. Putting him in a doggy life jacket can help him feel more comfortable until he gets the hang of swimming.
Don't just drop or throw your dog into the water. It can cause panic, which may leave him with a permanent fear of the water, or could even result in drowning.
Make sure the area is safe.
If you're planning to swim in a river, check the current and make sure it's not too strong. If it's an area where people also fish, watch out for fish hooks and line. Ensure there are no snakes or fish you wouldn't want to swim with (or roll in).
If you plan to swim in the ocean, make sure there are no riptides or eddies that can take your friend too far out in the open sea. Watch out for jellyfish. Keep your eyes open for small sharks that don't pose a threat to humans, but might to your dog. Keep your dog on his leash. If you feel like you have to let him swim loose, make certain he will come when he's called—every time, without fail—so you can call him back if he starts to swim too far out.
Read more at The Honest Kitchen blog.
For years I did not put a life jacket on my dog because I thought he would overheat. A K9 master trainer convinced me not so. Remember dogs don't sweat like we do! When we are working on a boat we may put a wet towel under their feet if the boat surface is hot.
My dogs are both strong swimmers. My old male was not. He could swim but never looked like an otter like my two now. I found he enjoyed swimming much more with a life jacket, I think he felt more secure. I certainly did.
My dogs wear life jackets on boats, and dock diving in a lake with waves.
I may make my old girl wear one even in calm water from now on. At her age I worry that she would get a cramp or who knows...my dogs don't mind them and I'm all about simple precautions.
I really like the Ruffwear jacket as it does not seem to interfere with their natural swimming ... some coats put too much buoyancy on the back end and it forces the head down.
Beginner swimmers I like to put a long bright colored biothane lead on just in case they go out to far and may get into trouble. With a life jacket for their first swim. I often go in the water with them especially in the beginning. I don't use balls like the chuck it balls with the holes in the middle it collects salt water which dogs can swallow on accident. Yes I used this particular ball with the hole in the middle not realizing it was collecting water and pulls water in. Max was swallowing tons of sea water when he swam to collect his ball unbegnost to me. He then vomited up incrdible amounts of salt water that he swallowed accidentally fetching the ball with the hole in the water. It was incredibly frightening and I was so upset and angry with myself for not realizing this. He was okay after he vomited but swallowing that amount of sea water can be life threatening. So no more chuck it balls with holes in the middle to play in the water or any toy like a plastic frisbee that has a lip that can collect water.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
German Shepherds Forum
2.6M posts
121.9K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to all German Shepherd owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bloodlines, training, breeding, service dogs, and more!