Summer may be a few weeks away officially, but it’s already getting quite warm. Many people love to cool off by going for a swim on sweltering days. Our canine pals also like the water! However, pools and beaches can be very dangerous for dogs, so you’ll need to take some precautions to keep Fido safe and sound by the water. A local Fredericksburg, TX vet offers a few tips on how to do that below.

Swim Lessons

If your furry friend doesn’t know how to swim, it’s definitely worth your while to teach him. One very common mistake is to just put Fido into the water and see if he figures it out on his own. This is extremely dangerous! Even if your pet sorts out the doggy paddle, he may be so terrified by the experience that he becomes frightened of water.

Lifejacket

Fido should have a doggy lifejacket. There are situations where these are absolute musts, such as if you’re taking him out on a boat ride. This applies even to pets that are strong swimmers. Dogs are in over their heads in fairly shallow water, and can get overpowered even by mild currents.

Supervision

First and foremost, never leave your canine companion near water unattended. It only takes a minute for a dog to get into trouble! If you have a pool, make sure Fido can’t access it on his own. We recommend keeping it fenced off.

Beauty Care

Sun and swimming can be rough on our hair and skin. This is true for dogs as well! Always rinse Fido off after he has been swimming, to get salt, sand, or chlorine out of his fur. You may need to brush him later, after he’s dried off. Pay close attention to your pup’s paw pads. Those little toe beans are quite delicate, especially when they are wet. Your furry pal can easily get blisters from hot sand or tar.

Training

Before taking Fido to the water, make sure that he is trained enough to obey simple commands, like Sit, Stay, and Come . If you are going to a pool, take time to teach your pet where the stairs are. This is absolutely crucial for safety reasons! 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Fredericksburg, TX veterinary clinic, we are always happy to help.