Some dogs absolutely love to swim and they will want to jump into any body of water that comes within sight.
The good news is that swimming is great exercise for dogs. However, it is important to train the dog so that you can stop him or her when they take off running for a body of water you know nothing about.
There are inherent dangers when it comes to swimming and it is important to use caution when allowing your dog to enter the water. Water can be contaminated with chemicals that could cause your dog to become sick or even worse. Parks, golf courses, subdivisions, and other sites often treat ponds to control algae. There could be chemicals that have accumulated from water runoff that contains herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers.
Some could contain sewage. Any of these chemicals could cause major skin and health problems. Ingesting some chemicals can be deadly, so it is important to know just what is in the water your dog is swimming in.
Swimming pools can provide a lot of fun for dogs, but some precautions are definitely needed. First, it is important to rinse the dog with fresh water when he or she is done swimming. Chlorine can cause the dog’s skin to dry out and it can make the dog sick if he or she drinks the water or consumes it by licking its fur.
If you own a pool, it is vital that you fence if off from the rest of the yard. Never allow your dog to access the pool unless you are there. Accidents happen in a split second. Many good swimmers have been known to drown as a result of exhaustion.
One of the first things you need to do if you own a pool that you plan to allow your dog to use is to teach the pet where the steps are. Some dogs can be trained to climb ladders; some will never do it. The dog needs to be taught where he or she can safely exit the pool. Dogs can become exhausted trying to find their way out and a dog that is panicked can ruin a pool liner in a very short period of time.
If you have a dog that enjoys lying in cool water but is not an avid swimmer, consider buying a life preserver for the pet. Once used to them, dogs appreciate the security the life vest provides and you will appreciate the ease of mind that you get from knowing your pet cannot sink.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your dog safe in the pool is to teach children that the dog cannot swim and fetch pool toys nonstop. Dogs need to have a break. Some children do not understand this, and left to their own devices, would throw water toys until the dog drops over from exhaustion.
There are several types of swimming pools designed just for dogs. Although one option is to use a child’s plastic pool, chances are good that it may not be durable enough to stand up to use by your four-legged friend. Plastic pools designed for canine use are usually made from the same type of material that is used to make bed liners for pickup trucks. The plastic is stronger and can hold up to the wear and tear a dog’s nails can inflict.
There are PVC pet pool models that can be folded for storage. Most plastic dog pools are designed with sloped sides or a built in ramp that allows the dog to easily get out of the pool.
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- Promoting Puppy Safety at Home
- Car Safety
- Types of Water to Give Your Puppy
- Top Ten “No-No’s” For A Puppy
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