Summer is in full swing, and it’s hot out! Many of our canine friends enjoy swimming, and as such, it is important to know how to keep them safe in the water. San Diego is extremely water friendly, offering close proximity to all sorts of bodies of water. Swimming is a great way to get that low impact exercise for your dog, regardless of their fitness level. The following are some important things to consider when letting your dog swim.
Not all breeds of dogs are strong swimmers. Even if they are, you should still take some precautions! Many of the heavy bodied breeds and those with short legs aren’t well adapted for being in the water. They make life jackets for dogs and can be found at Markim Pet Resort or many other pet stores. You can even take them to Cutting Edge K9 for swim lessons. Trish will work with your dog and teach you valuable tips to keep your dog safe.
Also consider the purity of the water! If you are at a dog-friendly beach, such as Fiesta Island, just remember that salt is not good for your dog, and ingesting too much salt water can make your dog sick. Salt will also irritate your dog’s paws and skin. Chemicals in a pool, or algae and bacteria in bodies of fresh water can also irritate your dogs skin or make them sick. Just remember to have lots of clean water for them to drink and rinse them off after their swim!
Most dogs enjoy the water, and as your best friend, you need to make sure they are safe! Enjoy the summer and stay cool!
Thanks!
