Despite the temperature disappointing us, dogs aren’t so fussy when it comes to getting wet in the sun. They are very willing to frolic under the hose or jump into the blow up pool. And then there are the great Scottish summer days where a long walk is usually along a river or around a loch. That’s a tempting treat for your dog.
There are a lot of benefits to allowing your dog to play and swim in the water, including exercise, keeping cool in the heat waves, and building confidence, but there are some things you should know about dogs in water if you’re new to keeping a dog. Read on to find out what you should know.
First Steps
It’s important to take it slow when it comes to introducing your dogs in water, in order to make it a positive experience. If you have a puppy, let them get used to the pool area, including the sights, sounds, and smells, by letting them roam around at their own pace. You can ease your dogs in water with toys and treats and place them around the pool to build positive associations and then let them paddle and explore in shallow water to begin with.
Remember to offer plenty of praise and maybe start playing some games with your dog or puppy and gradually increase the water exposure until your dog is fine diving in on their own.
Safety Cautions
If you want to take building your puppy’s confidence a step further, you can invest in doggy life jackets for added buoyancy and safety. This will allow you to teach them some basic swimming skills, like paddling and getting out with ease.
Some safety concerns to remember are to keep an eye on your dogs in water, and don’t leave them unattended near the pool unless it is shallow and allow for shade and fresh water nearby to let your dog cool off.
Most importantly, make sure your dog has nailed the commands. Teach them to “get out” the pool at your command, for emergencies, but also, just know when to say when. Pawsitive Solutions can help you really nail those commands with your dog no matter what stage of life they’re in.
Swimming in Nature
And then there are the great outdoors. We don’t need the sun to take advantage of the Scottish countryside, and that will usually involve the dogs, who love it. The problem is that their love of getting into water should be encouraged but met with cautious optimism.
Many dogs in water love lakes, ponds, rivers and the sea, which is great for your dog because natural settings allow dogs to experience different smells, sights and textures. However, there are some things to be aware of, like strong currents, deep drop offs and other hazards.
One famously notorious hazard for dogs in water is blue-green algae. Algae blooming in the UK is becoming more common due to climate change and can cause a lot of sickness in your dog. It can even be fatal.
Algae releases toxins that can be ingested by dogs when they are paddling during a walk or simply trying to take a sip from the loch. Keep an eye out for some pea-soup-coloured water and keep your dogs away from it – which is where those commands come in handy.
Wildlife Awareness
Make it a general policy to try not to disturb wildlife while you’re in nature with your dog. For instance, swans can be vicious birds and divas at that. They won’t take kindly to a dog pushing past them and their nests to get to the water – and they might even attack. Also, be aware that some areas prohibit dogs in water due to environmental sensitivities.
A few more tips…
– Rinse dogs after swimming to remove pollutants and algae.
– Ensure dogs are properly vaccinated and protected from parasites.
– Bring fresh water to prevent drinking from stagnant sources.
Conclusion
Dogs love going for a swim, even when the water is freezing. Sure, it makes a mess, but while you’re wondering how to get mud stains out of the car seats, also think about the problems that can arise in nature and at home if your dog isn’t properly trained.
