Does your pet enjoy a cooling activity on a hot morning? Who doesn’t? There could be no better feeling than letting the steaming off on a humid day that is excruciating to pass by. Especially, dogs love chilling in the water, a small pool or the sea during those instances. But are our pets aware of all the risks involved with water? Unfortunately, they aren’t. But as responsible owners, you could help your pets enjoy a safe swim in the water without any obstacles and life-threatening scenarios.
Does swimming come naturally to dogs?
There is a misconception that all dogs are natural swimmers. Sorry for breaking it to you. Not all dogs. Yes, you got it right. In fact, there are some dogs and cats that don’t even enjoy swimming. When you force your pets to have a cool day in the water without knowing whether they are ready for it, you are only risking their lives. It is very important to analyze the swimming skills of your pets and if they aren’t well-equipped, it is your responsibility to make sure they stay safe in the water.
If your pets stay or play close to the pool or water, how you maintain pet water safety for them is very significant. To prevent any form of accidents, you will have to build a fence around the pool that ensures safety for both your pets and the kids. Pets usually are accustomed to drinking seawater or the chlorinated pool water that might mess up their body systems. For this reason, you will have to place a bowl of fresh water or take drinking water with you for your pets. When you take your pets for a swim, it is mandatory that you use a life jacket on them if you feel they can’t swim or when you put them on a boat. Either way, they can survive using the life jacket in case they get caught up in water. You can definitely not observe your pet throughout the day if you have a pool at your home. If you do not chain your pet, it is always advised to install a pool alarm on your pet’s collar. Slipping in the water accidents occur even when someone is very careful with their pets. Also, give your pet a nice bath after their swimming routine as it keeps them safe from any water-borne diseases.
Testing your dog’s swimming skills
Did you know that you could always test your dog’s swimming skills in some easy steps?
- See how your pet reacts when it is taken close to the water. If you prefer to try it out in a beach, it is important you tie a leash around your pet’s neck.
- You will have to observe your pet’s reaction and let him/her a bit deep based on their comfort. Do not pressurize your pets if they express discomfort.
- If your pets can naturally swim, they would start paddling in the water. But if paddling doesn’t come off as an instant reaction, you will have to demonstrate it.
- Making turns in the water is not an easy routine and your pets need little guidance with it.
- However, it is safe to keep them in a life jacket when they are learning to swim.
Surfing Canine – Dogs enjoy surfing better
Going to the beach with your pets can be a pleasurable activity at its best. However, there are certain things you could try at the beach with your pets to improve their enthusiasm. There are some valuable tips that you could follow while your pets have a great time surfing.
Most owners force their pets to use the surfboard without basic safety and comfort. First and foremost, use a foam top surfboard for your pets to have complete grip. Make sure your pet wears a life jacket before surfing. Also, he/she has to feel comfortable sitting on the surfboard, while it is on the sand. Use your command over him/her to keep them focused. The main trick is to calm your dog down when he/she sits on the surfboard and allow the board to sway in still water. Try going deeper gradually while assuring your pet of your presence and also helping them adjust to the moving waves. Spot a wave that is not menacing and withers away gradually. Once they get used to the waves like that, push them into bigger waves where your canine feels comfortable and also enjoys the moment. Once, your dog starts enjoying the activity, there is no stopping him/her from that absolute bliss.
Sources:
Water Safety Magazine: Pet Safety Tips, 6/4/12
http://www.watersafetymagazine.com/pet-water-safety-tips/
WebMD: Dogs and Water Safety
http://pets.webmd.com/pets-water-safety
San Antonio Humane Society: Water Safety
http://sahumane.org/news/animal-resources/pet-care-tips/water-safety
Skamper-Ramp: Home Page
http://www.skamper-ramp-store.com/
DogsLife: Teach Your Dog to Surf, 6/27/14
http://www.dogslife.com.au/dog-news/dog-training/teach-dog-surf
Surf Dog USA: Teaching Your Dog to Surf