Splashing in the pool is one of the highlights of summer for humans and dogs alike. Swimming together can be great exercise and wonderful bonding time for you and your pup. However, pet pool accidents can and do occur, so it’s important to keep some safety precautions in mind, before heading poolside with your dog.
Many people falsely assume that all dogs can swim, perhaps in part because a common swim stroke is called the “doggy paddle”. This is blatantly false and thousands of pet dogs drown every year because of these misconceptions. Read on and learn how to enjoy swimming safely with your pup.
Tip #1 Asses your dog’s swimming potential.
Before asking fido to hop in the deep end with you, first consider if your dog should be in the pool to begin with. Swimming can be a strenous activity and not every dog is up to the task. While it’s true that most dogs could attempt a few paddles with their front legs, that is a far cry from being a competent swimmer.
In fact, there are certain breeds who are physically incapable of being strong, natural swimmers because of their body shape. Listed below are the following breeds/breed types that are at higher risk for drowning.
Bulldogs- French bulldogs, English bulldogs, or bulldog mixes. These dogs have smooshed snouts with large noses making it easy for them to inhale water. They also have large heads, barrel shaped bodies, and short legs. This body shape makes it impossible for them swim safely without the assistance of a life jacket.
Pugs. Pugs also have flat, smooshed faces, making it difficult to not inhale water through their nose. They also have round bodies and short legs.
Bull Terrier. This type of dog has a round body type with short legs and a deep chest cavity, making balance in the water very challenging.
Boxers. This one may surprise you given the athletic and boisterous nature of boxers. However, boxers have smooshed faces and large noses that can inhale water while attempting to swim. More importantly, they have a very deep chest cavity that makes them unable to achieve proper balance in the water.
Dobermans. As surprising as the Boxer, this extremely athletic and capable breed is not a naturally strong swimmer, mainly due to their deep chest cavity. The enlarged chest cavity causes imbalance as the top half of the body tilts upwards, this causes the back half to sink down.
Corgis. These compact cuties have very short legs and round bodies, making swimming comfortably much more of a challenge.
Dachshunds. Less rotund than corgis, these short stack canines are not the best swimmers due to their short legs.
Basset Hounds. These regal scent hounds are not the most capable of swimmers due to their large heads, barrel shaped bodies, short legs, and long, floppy ears. Their floppy ears are excellent at trapping water in the ear canal, making them susceptible to ear infections.
Shih Tzus. These delicate fur babies have smooshed faces, short legs, and a fabulously long-haired coat. Unfortunately, these lovely locks can become heavy when wet and weigh down this little swimmer.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a framework of what types of body characteristics can hinder a dog from being a strong, natural swimmer. If you have one of these types of dogs and want them to be able to participate in the pool party, fear not.
Non-natural swimmers can enjoy the water safely with the aid of a properly fitting life jacket and careful supervision. If your dog has a longer snout, long legs, and more symmetrical body proportions, they may have a natural aptitude for swimming!
Tip #2 Teach your dog to swim.
With the aid of a well-fitting life jacket and positive reinforcement techniques, non-natural swimmers can be taught to swim and may come to enjoy the water. Conversely, dogs of a natural swimming breed such as a Labrador retriever, may be hesitant around water and need extra help getting comfortable in the pool.
Never force your pup into the water, as this can cause them to panic and create a negative association with water.
Only use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your pup to swim and allow them to go at their own pace. One of the best options for teaching a dog to swim is to introduce a canine swimming coach. Dogs learn through observation and watching another pup swim can help them learn better swimming techniques. If you don’t have the option of enlisting a canine swim coach, consider enrolling your pup in a swim class at a local dog sport’s center.
Tip #3 Invest in a well-fitting life jacket.
If you have a non-natural swimming breed, a life jacket is must for any water activities. If you intend to go out into live water such as a lake or river, a life jacket is recommended for all dogs, regardless of how well they can swim. Just like humans, dogs can become exhausted in the water and fall victim to strong currents, and this can lead to drowning. Help them swim safely by selecting a well-fitting, high quality life jacket.
When choosing a life jacket, be sure to select the right size and fit for your dog’s body type. A life jacket should fit snuggly and allow plenty of room for legs to move at full range of motion. A jacket that is too loose can slip off or be ineffective.
Be sure to trim and remove any long, dangling straps as these could entangle around your pups’ legs while swimming. Extra strap lengths can also snag and get caught on objects as your pup swims by.
I prefer to choose a life vest with a handle attached to the back so I can easily lift my pup in and out of the water. My favorite life vest for my smaller breed pups is the Float Coat ® Dog Life Jacket by Ruffwear. For my large lab boxer mix, I use the Protector Life Jacket by Nonstop Dog Gear.
It’s best practice to choose a life vest that is a bright color and features reflective materials for high visibility.
During hot summer days, be sure to remove the life jacket from your dog when they are not actively in the water, as life jackets cover the back and can trap in heat.
Tip #4 Provide a safe exit from the water.
Regardless of where your dog is swimming, ensure they have access to a safe, stable, ramp or ladder to exit the water. If you are out on a lake, docks can be slippery and difficult for your dog to pull themselves up on, so consider getting a dog specific ramp or ladder for your pup to safely exit the water. Here is a portable and inflatable option that you can pack along for any boating excursions.
For a pool setting, make sure your pup has a highly visible and accessible method to exit the pool when they get tired. After some research I discovered a company who create dog specific ladders and ramps for safe water exits, so be sure to check out Waterdog Adventure Gear. They have created an extremely durable and stable ladder that provides a nonslip surface and doesn't wobble as your pet climbs up.
Most accidental pet drownings occur because of exhaustion, so providing your pup with a safe, accessible exit from the water is crucial to their safety.
Tip #5 Supervise and monitor.
We often forget how much our dogs rely on us to keep them safe. Dogs can drown as quickly and as easily as any toddler and need to be vigilantly supervised around water. If you plan to let loose with some cocktails and alcohol at a pool party or boating excursion, it’s best to leave Fido at home. Alcohol impairs our senses and increases the chance of an accident occurring, simply because no one noticed anything was wrong. Monitoring your dog takes energy and focus, so if you need to kick back with a cocktail, leave your dog at home.
If you choose to bring your pup along, be sure to monitor them for signs of exhaustion while swimming and remove them from the water if you sense they are beginning to tire. If you see your dog open mouth panting in the water, it’s time to get out at take a break. Panting can cause them to accidentally inhale water, causing them to panic and flounder. Many high energy dogs will stay in the water far past the point of exhaustion so it’s up to you to ensure they take proper rest breaks. Give them lots of fresh water to drink and provide a shady place to recover.
Tip # 6 Learn Dog CPR
Even when we take precautions, accidents do happen. Be proactive in case of an emergency and learn dog CPR. To learn how to administer dog CPR, check out this walkthrough from the Red Cross. Red Cross also offers online courses for more detailed instructions on this life saving measure. If you prefer to learn in person, reach out to a local humane society and take a class on pet emergency first aid.
Remember to always supervise your dog around water and never leave them unattended, ensuring their safety at all times. By prioritizing safety measures and staying vigilant, you can enjoy quality pool time with your furry companion. So, stay informed, stay safe, and cherish those moments splashing around with your pup!
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