Five Guidelines for Ensuring Safe Swimming Practices With Your Beloved Pet
As the summer heat rises, you and your furry companion may seek relief by taking a refreshing swim. However, not all pets, including dogs, are born natural swimmers, so it’s essential to take proper precautions when enjoying water activities with your four-legged friend. Here are five valuable tips to help ensure the safety of your pet while swimming.
Tip #1: Provide Access to Fresh Drinking Water
When your thirsty pet ventures into a pool or any body of water, they may unknowingly consume water that contains harmful chemicals or contaminants. To prevent this, always make sure to offer your pet plenty of fresh drinking water before and after swimming to keep them hydrated.
Tip #2: Outfit Your Pet with a Life Vest
If your pet will be in deep water, it is advisable to have them wear a life vest in addition to relying on their swimming skills. Prior to entering the water, allow your pet some time to become accustomed to wearing the vest, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Tip #3: Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in the Water
Pets can easily panic when left alone in the water, making constant supervision crucial for their safety. Always keep a close eye on your furry companion while they are swimming to prevent any potential accidents.
Tip #4: Teach Your Pet How to Exit the Pool
In the event that your pet accidentally falls into the pool without your presence, they may struggle to find a way out on their own. It’s important to provide a stable set of stairs or an exit point that your pet can use to climb out of the pool. Make sure your pet is familiar with using these exit points to ensure their safety.
Tip #5: Thoroughly Rinse Your Pet’s Fur After Swimming
Chemicals, pathogens, and debris can easily become trapped in your pet’s thick fur after swimming in a pool or lake. To prevent them from grooming these contaminants off their body, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse your pet’s fur after each swim.
Accidents can occur around bodies of water, especially if your furry companion leans in for a drink without knowing how to swim. If your pet experiences a water-related emergency this summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.