It’s really hot out there. Heading off to the beach, lake or just staying at home by the pool are great ways to beat the heat with your pet, but fun can quickly turn to disaster if you’re not careful.
Don’t leave your pets unsupervised around water. Not all dogs are good swimmers.
Heat from the sun is more intense around water than on shore. Watch your dog for signs of sunburn or heat stroke, and keep him off hot sand as it can blister his paws.
If possible go out and buy your dog a life jacket and use it. If you’re spending time by the water or in a boat, please consider purchasing a life jacket for your pup. It’s so easy to become distracted, and a life jacket can save her life. Just like with people, it’s easy for your pup to develop a cramp in her leg, become exhausted too far from shore, or, in rivers or oceans, get overwhelmed by tides.
Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt, as well as bacteria or dirt she might pick up from a pond or lake. Be sure to remove wet collars to prevent hot spots.
Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that can easily cause a bellyache. Water from lakes, ponds and rivers should also be avoided as it often contains nasty parasites that cause vomiting, diarrhea and other health issues. Watch this video to learn more about water safety.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/3u-GjCQvj5g]
So take these tips and your dog(s) with you on your next swimming adventure and you’ll surely have a wonderful time!