Water Fun Safety: Swimming, Lakes, and Summer Adventure Tips for Dogs

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the water with your dog. Whether you're heading to the beach, spending the day at a lake, or relaxing by the pool, water activities can be a fantastic way to exercise and cool off. But just like people, dogs can face risks around water if proper precautions aren't taken.

Not Every Dog Is a Natural Swimmer

It's a common myth that all dogs instinctively know how to swim. While many do enjoy the water, some breeds struggle much more than others.

Dogs with short legs, heavy bodies, or flat faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Dachshunds, may tire quickly or have difficulty staying afloat. Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with mobility issues may also need extra support.

Always introduce water gradually and never force a hesitant dog into the water.

A Life Jacket Can Save a Life

Even strong swimmers benefit from wearing a properly fitted canine life jacket.

A life jacket provides:

• Extra buoyancy if your dog becomes tired

• Better visibility with bright colors

• A sturdy handle that makes it easier to lift your dog back onto a boat, dock, or paddleboard

If you're boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in open water, a life jacket is one of the best investments you can make for your dog's safety.

Choose Safe Places to Swim

Not all bodies of water are equally safe. Before letting your dog jump in, look for:

• Calm water with minimal current

• Gradual entry and exit points

• Areas free of sharp rocks, fishing hooks, or broken glass

• Water without heavy boat traffic

Avoid fast moving rivers and areas with strong currents, even if your dog is an experienced swimmer.

Watch for Blue Green Algae

One of the biggest hidden dangers during the summer is harmful blue green algae. Despite the name, it isn't always blue or green. It may look like:

• Pea soup

• Green paint floating on the surface

• Thick scum

• Floating mats or streaks

Blue green algae can produce toxins that are extremely dangerous and can become life threatening within minutes to hours after exposure.

Keep your dog away from any water that looks questionable. If your dog swims in or drinks water containing blue green algae, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Don't Let Your Dog Drink Lake or Ocean Water

Dogs often gulp water while swimming, but lake and ocean water can cause problems. Lake water may contain bacteria, parasites, or harmful algae. Saltwater can lead to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, dangerous salt toxicity. Bring plenty of fresh water and encourage your dog to drink that instead.

Rinse Off After Swimming

After your adventure, give your dog a good rinse with fresh water.

This helps remove:

• Salt

• Chlorine

• Sand

• Dirt

• Bacteria

• Algae residue

Pay extra attention to your dog's ears, paws, and skin folds. Dry the ears thoroughly, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections.

Know When It's Time for a Break

Swimming is excellent exercise, but it's surprisingly tiring. Watch for signs your dog needs a rest:

• Heavy panting

• Slower swimming

• Difficulty keeping their head above water

• Reluctance to continue

Take frequent breaks in the shade and offer fresh water throughout your outing.

Dry Your Dog Thoroughly After Every Swim 

One often-overlooked part of water safety is making sure your dog is thoroughly dried after swimming. Moisture trapped beneath the coat, especially in thick, double-coated, or long-haired breeds, can create the perfect environment for hot spots, which are painful, inflamed skin infections that can develop surprisingly quickly.

Pay special attention to drying areas where water tends to linger, such as under the collar or harness, behind the ears, in the armpits, between the toes, and around the tail. If your dog has a dense coat, gently towel dry first and then use a pet-safe dryer on a cool or low setting if needed.

Taking a few extra minutes to dry your dog completely after every swim can help prevent skin irritation, reduce the risk of infection, and keep them comfortable for the rest of your summer adventures. 

Make Summer Memories Safely

Water adventures can be one of the highlights of summer when they're done safely. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing accidents and ensuring your dog has a fun, positive experience.

Whether you're exploring a local lake, heading to the beach, or spending the afternoon by the pool, keeping safety at the forefront helps every adventure end with happy memories and a tired, content pup.

From all of us at Pawsitive Dawg Walking & Pet Sitting, we hope you and your furry family members have a safe, fun-filled summer!