Swim Safety

Water Safety and Dogs

Many dogs absolutely love the water; however, it is a myth that all dogs can swim, and there are certain dogs who are at an increased risk of drowning or other harm from swimming.  Some examples of these dogs include

• Dogs who are “brachycephalic,” meaning they have short muzzles and flat faces;
• Dogs who have large heads and short legs;
• Puppies under 4 months of age;
• Old and/or sick dogs.

If you have one of these types of dogs, you may not want them to swim or want to consider limiting their time allowed in the pool. You should never leave your dog unsupervised in the water.  Providing other fun activities for these dogs outside of the pool is a great way to ensure that dogs who may not be strong swimmers can still enjoy the event.

It is important to never force your dog into the water.

Did You Know?

Dogs can suffer from heatstroke.  They can also ingest too much water from the pool, resulting in water intoxication, which can be fatal. It is important to keep dogs cool by providing a shaded area for dogs to rest, along with ample fresh, non-chlorinated water for dogs to drink.

Dogs that have spent time in the water are at an increased risk of burning their pads which can be a very painful and serious injury. Paws get extra sensitive after time in water and can easily burn on the hot pavement, metal or asphalt. If it is too hot for you to stand barefoot then it is too hot for your dog.

Dog toys and food and/or treats can quickly incite dogs to fight with one another, so you should consider prohibiting dog toys in the pool and closely monitoring any food or treats owners may bring with them. Diving and carrying toys can cause dogs to ingest too much water and lead to water intoxication.

Always watch your dog.  It is important to have people monitoring the condition of the dogs in the pool and be ready to rescue and obtain veterinary care for any dog in distress.

Some signs that indicate a dog may need immediate veterinary care include

• Bluish skin and/or gums
• Coughing with clear to frothy red spit-up
• Cessation of or difficulty breathing
• A crackling sound from the chest
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Difficulty walking
• Restlessness
• Change in consciousness
• Change in heart rate
• Increased salivation/drooling
• Dilated pupils and/or glazed eyes
• Seizures

Dogs sometimes need help getting out of the pool.  Once a dog is fatigued, it may be difficult for the dog to find the steps to get out.  Your dog may not have enough energy or ability to pull himself out of the pool so be ready to help him out.

Consider getting your dog a life jacket for safety.