Swimming rules for dogs: swim safely & have fun!

Preparation: What you should consider before swimming

The right equipment

Before going into the water, you should make sure that you and your dog are well equipped:

• Life jackets: a life jacket is a good idea, especially for dogs that are not experienced swimmers or that you are unsure if they can swim long distances.
• Fresh drinking water: Even if your dog is in the water, you should always provide it with fresh drinking water to avoid dehydration.
• Leash and harness: In unfamiliar or high-traffic areas, a special water leash can be useful to keep your dog safe.

Safety tips for swimming and splashing around

Get to know the water

Before you let your dog into the water, you should check the water for possible dangers:

• Depth and current: make sure the water is safe for your dog and that there are no strong currents.
• Substrate: Check the substrate for sharp stones, shells or garbage that could injure your dog.
• Temperature: Very cold water can be dangerous for dogs. Let your dog get used to the water temperature slowly.

Behavior in the water

There are also rules that you and your dog should follow in the water:

• Stay on sight: Never leave your dog unattended in the water and always maintain visual contact.
• Play calmly: Avoid hectic games or throwing sticks in the water, as your dog could choke or injure itself.
• Take breaks: Make sure your dog takes regular breaks and doesn't stay in the water too long to avoid overexertion.

Recognize dangers

Always be alert and recognize potential dangers early on:

• Swimming position: if your dog has difficulty staying afloat, bring him to the shore immediately.
• Do not enter the water on a full stomach: Wait at least an hour after a meal before letting your dog into the water. Swimming with a full stomach can lead to stomach problems and even vomiting.
• Fatigue: Signs of fatigue such as slow swimming or restlessness are an indication that your dog needs a break.
• Ingested water: Make sure your dog doesn't swallow too much water, as this can lead to stomach problems.
• Prevent drinking salt water: Salt water can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water so they don't drink from the sea.
• Watch out for blue-green algae: Blue-green algae can be toxic to dogs. Avoid bodies of water with visible algae growth or unusual odors.
• Protect your dog from sunburn: Dogs with light-colored or short coats are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Use special sunscreen for dogs and make sure they get plenty of shade.

After the bath: care and precautions

Drying and cleaning

Proper care is important after swimming:

• Grooming: dry your dog thoroughly, especially around the ears, to prevent infection. Brush the coat to avoid matting.
• Paw care: Clean sand, dirt and salt from the paws to prevent irritation.
• Clean ears: Gently dry the ears with a soft cloth to remove moisture and dirt.

Conclusion

Bathing and swimming are great activities that can bring a lot of joy to your dog if you follow a few simple rules. With the right preparation, good observation during bathing and careful care afterwards, nothing stands in the way of safe splashing around. Enjoy the summer and time in the water with your faithful four-legged friend!