3 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe While Swimming

Once the weather becomes warm, pet owners are quick to hit the beach, park and hiking trails with their dogs.

In many instances, the opportunities for animals to go swimming arise, but it's not all fun and games when it comes to water. Dog wellness can be at risk in the event that a pet doesn't have experience swimming or paddling through deep water. That being said, there are a few tips you'll want to take into account to ensure that your dog has a fun, safe time in ponds and pools this year.

Dog Swimming Safety Tips

dog swimming under water

There are now swimming classes available in some areas for pet owners.

  1. Teach your dog to swim. Believe it or not, it's possible to teach dogs to swim in the same way that you would teach little kids to do so for the first time! ABC News claimed that there are now classes available in some areas for pet owners who want their animals to get used to water. Water 4 Dogs is one example of an organization that teaches both disabled and capable dogs to swim when necessary.
  2. Prepare for parasites. If you're going to be attending an area where other dog owners take their pets for a swim, you'll want to ensure that your animal is protected from parasites that may be lurking. Hartz® UltraGuard® offers flea and tick treatments for dogs and puppies that can keep ticks, mosquitoes and fleas at bay. Flea and tick control can give you peace of mind if you intend to let your dog swim alongside his peers.
  3. Know your dog's limitations. In some instances, your dog might simply not be suited for water. For instance, his limbs could be too short or he may be too small in size to effectively paddle through large pools of water. The AKC suggests that it's essential to take your pet's body and breed into account before you let them jump right in. Doing so can prevent an accident or even save your pet from drowning.
Pug struggling in the water. Do learning to swim

In some instances, your dog might simply not be suited for water.

While it can be fun to take your dog for a dip when the weather is warm, there are numerous safety precautions worth considering beforehand. Take these three tips to heart to ensure that your dog has a fun, healthy summer. This content is provided by the flea and tick experts at Hartz. We believe in offering safe, effective and affordable parasite prevention for every dog and cat.