Thinking of taking your dog for a refreshing dip this summer? Whether you are looking to explore dog-friendly pools, dog beaches, or dog parks with creeks and ponds, safety is the number one priority.
This Sploot Vets guide goes over tips for dog swimming pool safety and dog beach safety that you need to know.
Overview:
- Ensuring utmost dog swimming safety involves careful preparation, supervision during swimming, and proper post-swim dog care.
- There are different tips for ensuring dog swimming pool safety and dog beach safety.
- Always look at the latest advisories and/or reviews before going to a dog-friendly establishment or destination.
I. General Dog Swimming Safety
1. Teach Your Dog to Swim & to Be Comfortable In the Water
Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so the first step is to teach your dog how to swim. This is one of the most important dog swimming safety tips.
You can start with an inflatable pool at home or go straight to enrolling your dog for swimming classes. Whichever approach you choose, use positive reinforcement to help your dog learn to swim and be comfortable in the water.
Some dogs, however, will simply not love the water, and that’s fine. In case your dog doesn’t take to swimming, there are many other ways you can bond with your dog.
2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated During Swimming
Though your dog is surrounded by water during swimming, this activity can be dehydrating for your dog, especially on hot summer days. Therefore, make sure to bring fresh water for your dog and offer them some water every 15 to 20 minutes. This will help prevent dehydration and overheating in dogs.
3. Always Wash Your Dog After Swimming
Some dog-friendly pools, dog beaches, and dog parks with water access offer a convenient dog washing station where you can give your dog a bath after swimming. Use these amenities to rinse off any salt, chlorine, or waterborne bacteria that may be clinging to your dog’s fur.
We recommend using a vet-approved oatmeal shampoo for your dog, which cleans and moisturizes their fur at the same time.
In the absence of a dog washing station, a quick rinse with a hose can cleanse your dog’s fur of some impurities. Just make sure to give your dog a bath when you get home.
4. Always Clean Your Dog’s Ears After Swimming
Next up on our list of dog swimming safety tips is post-swim ear cleaning. Swimming can trap moisture in your dog’s ears, potentially leading to canine ear infections such as ‘swimmers’ ears in dogs’.
To avoid this, gently dry your dog’s ears with a soft towel after swimming. Then, after giving your dog their post-swim bath, use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner to clean their ears.
→ Learn more - How to Clean a Dog's Ears: The Best & Safest Method [Vet-Approved]
5. Get the Right Swimming Gear For Your Dog
Consider getting a well-fitted dog life vest, especially for beginners and small dog breeds. Water-safe toys and non-slip dog shoes for swimming can also enhance your dog’s comfort and safety.
6. Always Supervise Your Dog
Even strong swimmers can get tired, trapped, or disoriented. To ensure your dog’s safety while swimming, stay close to your dog and keep an eye on them at all times, especially in larger dog swimming spots like dog beaches and dog-friendly reservoirs.
7. Don’t Let Your Dog Swim Right After Eating
Swimming on a full stomach can lead to bloating or discomfort in dogs. Wait at least 1 hour after your dog’s last meal before letting them swim.
8. Don’t Let Your Dog Swim If They Have Cuts or Wounds
Any breaks in the skin are vulnerable to infection from bacteria in dog-friendly pools, dog beaches, and other bodies of water. Open cuts or wounds also put a dog at risk of contracting canine leptospirosis, especially in outdoor swimming areas.
For your dog’s safety while swimming, let any cuts or abrasions fully heal before swim time, and for an added layer of protection, ask your vet about leptospirosis vaccination.
9. Choose Your Dog Swimming Destinations Carefully
Different dog-friendly swimming destinations have their own pros and cons. Here are some examples:
- Dog-friendly pools are the cleanest and safest for beginners. They can, however, be crowded.
- Meanwhile, dog-friendly creeks and ponds offer a more outdoor experience, but may be prone to harboring bacteria.
- Lastly, dog beaches offer a lot of space (and oftentimes depth as well), but these dog swimming areas may be more risky for inexperienced swimmers.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly swimming destination in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Chicago, check out our guides:
- Best Places to Take Your Dog Swimming Near Denver→
- Dog Swimming Spots Near Colorado Springs: Pools & More→
- Top 5+ Dog Beaches Near Chicago, IL→
- Dog Swimming Pools Near Chicago, IL→
II. Dog Swimming Pool Safety: Additional Info
1. Is A Swimming Pool Safe For Dogs?
Yes, swimming pools can be safe for dogs if they’re supervised and the pool is dog-friendly. Make sure your dog knows how to exit the pool easily, and always monitor their energy levels while swimming.
2. Is Chlorine Bad For Dogs’ Eyes?
Chlorine can irritate your dog’s eyes, skin, and nose, especially with frequent exposure. Some dog-friendly pools use gentler alternatives like lower-chlorine treatments or salt to reduce risks. You can look for these kinds of pools in your area for utmost dog swimming pool safety.
3. How Do I Make My Pool Water Safe For My Dog?
Maintain proper pH and chlorine levels. It is recommended NOT to let chlorine levels exceed 5.0 mg/l as this can adversely affect dogs. In addition, a post-swim bath is recommended. Lastly, aside from checking your pool’s water, adding a dog-friendly ramp or steps can also improve dog swimming pool safety.
4. Get Your Dog Vaccinated
Some dog swimming establishments require proof of canine vaccinations for the safety of all dogs. Core vaccines also protect your dog from other common illnesses that can potentially spread in areas where dogs frequent.
III. Dog Beach Safety: Additional Info
1. Should I Let My Dog Loose At The Beach?
For utmost dog beach safety, only let your dog off-leash if it's allowed and your dog has excellent recall. Beaches can be full of distractions—other dogs, wildlife, or crashing waves. Always keep a close eye and bring a leash just in case.
2. Check for Hot Sand and Shore Debris
Before walking with your dog around a dog beach or dog-friendly beach, test the sand with your hand or foot. If the sand is uncomfortable for you, it might burn your dog’s paws. Also, scan for broken shells, glass, or fishing hooks that could injure your pet.
3. Know Beforehand Which Area Dogs are Allowed to Swim In
Just as there are designated swimming areas for people, there are also designated areas for dog swimming. Make sure to know where these areas are before your visit.
Staying in the designated areas for dogs ensures dog beach safety, as these areas are typically closed off from traffic, water sports, and other hazards that could endanger your pet. These areas also tend to have a more shallow shore to accommodate dogs that aren’t strong swimmers.
4. Look Up Any Recent Algal Blooms Before Going
Read the most recent park advisories and warnings (e.g., if the dog beach is open, if there is a bloom of dangerous blue-green algae in lakes). These algal blooms can release toxins that may cause vomiting, seizures, or even death in dogs if ingested.
IV. Dog Swimming Safety for Ponds & Creeks
1. Do Not Let Your Dog Drink the Water
For your dog’s safety during swimming, do NOT let your dog drink from ponds or creeks, even though they might instinctively do this. It is important to remember that the slow-moving or stagnant water has a relatively higher risk of becoming an ideal breeding ground for parasites like Giardia or harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
2. Get Your Dog’s Leptospirosis Vaccine Updated
We recommend making sure your dog’s leptospirosis vaccination is up to date before swimming in ponds, creeks, or other outdoor bodies of water to protect them from leptospirosis, a potentially serious bacterial infection. In addition, we DON’T recommend letting dogs swim if they have any cuts on their body, as this increases the risk of infection.
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for Every Adventure
Thinking of taking your dog on a swimming trip? We’re here to help ensure that your dog is in the healthiest condition to swim. Whether you need to update your dog’s vaccinations or are just coming in for a pet wellness exam before swimming, our vets will give you the guidance you need for a safe and fun trip.
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary, urgent, or emergency vet services. Visit any one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago, offering next-level, Fear Free vet care that you can count on 365 days a year, including holidays!
Book an appointment online or call us for urgent concerns. As always, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
