Swimming is a pastime enjoyed by people everywhere. With that said, it could be a lot of fun if your pets get to enjoy the water with you. While this is true, it is essential that you keep their safety in mind. Here are some tips that will ensure you have a doggone good time.
Bring A Life Jacket
Many assume that all dogs know how to swim, but this is not the case at all. The kind of dog you have will likely have a huge bearing on whether or not they will do well in the water. Dogs with larger chests may be so heavy that they sink right away while smaller dogs may get swept away by rough currents and waves. In order to ensure that your pooch will not be in any danger, bring along a life jacket and place it in them if it is clear they are not a natural swimmer.
Never Let Them Drink The Water
Whether you decide to swim in a pool or a natural body of water, this is not good water for your pet to consume. Always bring along bottles of clean water so they can hydrate if needed. Chlorine, bacteria and all types of organisms may be in the water you are in and all of these can wreak havoc on your dog’s system. The best thing to do would be to keep them hydrated while you are out and give them plenty of clean water and the best dog food in uk when you get home.
This is especially true if you are swimming in the ocean. Drinking this water can cause your dog to begin vomiting and having diarrhea more severely than ever. This can lead to dehydration and it some cases it can be fatal. Make sure that your pooch is not sipping on this water since it can be ruff on their bodies.
Talk To Your Vet
Before heading out into the water, you should talk to a vet to see if it is necessary for your dog to have preventative treatments. This can be helpful when it comes to making sure your pet does not end up with Lyme disease, Leptospira or some other illness. It may seem like a huge step to take to enjoy a little time in the water, but you do not want to have your dog barking on death’s door.
Bathe Them After Swimming
Just because you have gotten out of the water, that does not mean that you are completely out of the woods. You need to give your dog and good bath to remove any bacteria, sand, debris or anything else that has become embedded in their coat. You should also clean and dry their ears well so there is no risk of them developing an ear infection.
There is nothing wrong with hopping the water and having a little fun with your pooch. The only thing you have to remember is to put their safety first every time.
