¶Teaching your dog to swim
The first time you swim with your dog, it’s important to stay in shallow water. You can use toys to keep your dog engaged, but make sure you don’t end up too far apart. In the beginning, you can help your dog by guiding its paws to paddle. Most dogs do this automatically, but you should still be prepared to assist—especially if it’s a young dog.
Not all dogs can swim. However, many of the breeds that don’t naturally know how can still be taught. Some breeds have a harder time learning to swim, such as dogs with heavy upper bodies and short muscles—for example, bulldogs.
You can make it easier for your dog in the water by using a flotation aid suited to your dog’s size and weight. It’s important to teach your dog how to get out of the water on its own—whether you’re at the sea or in a pool. Swimming is tiring, so never let your dog overexert itself in the water. Instead, teach it to be cautious.
¶Swimming with your dog in a pool
If you’re swimming with your dog in a pool, make sure it doesn’t drink the pool water, as this can cause problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues. The same applies to water in ponds and lakes. Bring fresh drinking water for your dog so it doesn’t feel the need to drink poor-quality water.
Never leave your dog unsupervised in or near the water. This is especially important when the weather is unstable, as waves and currents can pull your dog out to sea. Sand and small stones can easily scratch and irritate your dog’s skin and paws.
¶On a boat with your dog
If you bring your dog on a boat, it’s important to get a good life jacket designed for dogs.
You should also make sure there is enough drinking water on board—especially if you’ll be out for a long time on a hot summer day. Dogs get warmer than humans in summer and need to drink more.
¶After swimming
After a day of playing in the pool, sea, or lake, make sure to wash your dog thoroughly with dog shampoo. Pool chlorine can dry out the skin, and lakes and the sea can contain bacteria and parasites.
If your dog swims and bathes often, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian for advice on what type of shampoo is best for your dog and how often you should bathe your dog at home.
