Keep Your Dog Safe While Swimming in the UK
We spoke to natural pet food experts Forthglade and certified animal behaviourist, Caroline Wilkinson, to help you introduce your dog to swimming.
Swimming is a great way for dogs to exercise, cool down on summer days, and have a lot of fun with you. Whether it’s a refreshing dip in a lake, a paddle in the sea, or a splash in a river - we have plenty of choice in the UK when it comes to swimming with your dog. Like any activity, water brings its own set of risks. Follow these tips to ensure your dog’s swimming adventures are safe and enjoyable.
Choose Dog-Friendly Locations
We have plenty of beaches, lakes, and rivers, but it’s important to research if the location is both safe and welcomes dogs into the water.
Look for areas with clean water - avoiding locations which have signs stating there’s pollution or blue-green algae, as these can be toxic to dogs. Avoid areas where there are strong currents or the potential for large waves that might overwhelm your dog, even if they are a strong swimmer. Gradual slopes with shallower water can make it easy for your dog to enter and exit the water.
Understand Your Dog's Swimming Ability
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Breeds with short legs or heavy builds, like Basset Hounds or Bulldogs, may struggle to stay afloat. Whether your dog is a water lover or not, it’s important to assess their swimming ability before allowing them to go too far out. If you have a younger dog - or one who is new to swimming - start with shallow water and gradually build up their confidence.
Invest in a Dog Life Jacket
A dog life jacket will provide buoyancy, making it easier for dogs to stay afloat. Get your dog measured to ensure a good fit. A life jacket with a handle on the back makes it easy to lift your dog out of the water if needed. If your dog struggles with you putting new pieces of clothing on them, talk to an ethical dog behaviourist about the best ways to introduce this new piece of kit.
Be Aware of Water Temperature
Even during the Summer months, water in the UK can be pretty cold! Cold water can lead to hypothermia in dogs, especially if they swim for extended periods. It can also provide a bit of a shock to the system if your dog had got really hot beforehand. Monitor your dog - watching out for any shivering or slowing down. Give them plenty of breaks between swims to allow them to rest and warm up.
Rinse Off After Swimming
After your dog has finished swimming, rinse them off with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or chlorine. This helps prevent skin irritation and reduces the risk of ingesting harmful substances should they groom themselves later. A dryrobe is a great way to warm up your dog and save your car from getting too wet on the journey home.
Build Positive Associations with Swimming
If your dog is hesitant about swimming, don’t force them. Build a positive association by letting your dog explore shallow areas at their own pace, rewarding them with tasty treats such as Forthglade Meaty Nibbles.
Keep sessions short to start with and never put your own excitement for your dog being in water ahead of their emotional needs should they be fearful.
Keep Swim Sessions Short
Swimming is a strenuous exercise. It’s important to recognise when your dog has had enough. Signs of fatigue include difficulty keeping their head above water or them slowing down. If you notice these signs, allow them to rest. It’s better to have shorter, more frequent swimming sessions than to push your dog.
Have Fun, But Stay Safe!
Swimming can be an enjoyable activity for many breeds of dogs and the humans they share their lives with. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog stays safe while making the most of the amazing water locations the UK has to offer.
With proper preparation, close supervision, and positive reinforcement, swimming can become a fun part of your dog’s life. So, grab those treats, find a safe spot, and dive into some fun with your canine companion.
Forthglade have a range of advice for pet owners through their Canine Community