Don’t forget that your dog can get into just as much trouble on dry land as when in the water. A natural beach offers many things to get into that can cause harm, from eating some tasty dead wildlife that has washed up on shore to inhaling or eating too much sand. Keep an eye on your dog whether they are in the water or not to see whether they need to be redirected from paying too much attention to that dead fish. Check your dog regularly to make sure they have not cut themselves on rocks or have irritated their eyes with sand, both problems that can cause serious injury if not treated.

Even experienced swimmers can fall into water accidentally and drown. This accounts for a large number of canine drowning deaths every year, especially when dogs have unrestricted access to pools and waterways. You can keep your pets (and other little ones) safe by always securing your pool with gating or a hard cover when you are not around. It is also important to provide easy-exit ramps. Part of water safety is practicing with your dog how to use the exits so that they know how to get themselves out of the pool should they fall or jump in unexpectedly.

Do not release your pets into an area with water without first ensuring they will remain safe should they get into the water. Swimming can be great fun, but precautions are necessary to stay safe year-round.

Just this week, the online community IFLScience released an article about the CDC warning swimmers that the majority of illnesses can be traced back to a water source. Water often finds its way into our mouths and nostrils when swimming, but are you aware that untreated water carries a variety of bacteria and parasites that can cause illness? Your dog could be lapping up little pathogens like Salmonella, E. Coli, Giardia, Legionella and Campylobacter Jejuni.

To lower your risk of picking up these bugs, avoid soapy-looking, scummy, or discolored water and always bring a supply of fresh drinking water. Redirect your dog to their own drinking water whenever you see them drinking from the swimming hole. If your dog gets sick after swimming in untreated water, a visit to the vet may be in order to rule out serious illness.

Just because it is treated also does not mean it is good for everything. Chlorinated water or salt water can cause diarrhea or vomiting if too much gets into the stomach. If you are a habitual swimmer it can also cause skin irritation. To avoid these complications, rinse your pooch in fresh water before heading home and always provide fresh drinking water for thirsty tongues.

While dogs have a reputation for being natural swimmers, the truth is dogs have to learn how to swim just like us. Many dogs can manage a basic doggy paddle, but they must learn how to cope with currents and deep waters. Dogs must also build up their muscles so that they can swim for long periods of time without getting too tired. Some dogs, like Pugs, Bulldogs and other short-snouted, barrel-chested breeds, struggle to float at all and may have a natural dislike of the water.

If it is your dog’s first time swimming, make the experience positive by letting them get into the water on their own initiative while offering plenty of positive reinforcement. Remember to start swimming with short sessions and work your way up to all-day swimming trips so your dog does not become strained and muscle-sore.

Don’t be afraid of strapping your pup into a doggy lifejacket, which is designed to allow your dog to move naturally but also keep them floating if they have trouble swimming. Especially in unfamiliar areas or waters with strong currents, dogs can get too tired to swim back to dry land and find themselves sinking. A lifejacket can provide the assurance to not worry your pooch will go under.

Lifejackets for dogs can come with fun accessories like shark fins, but your basic model should be high-visibility, provide correct head support, have a clip for a harness, handles for hauling, and be well-fitted.

Just like you, your dog is sensitive to the sun and can easily get a sunburn if not careful. Light-coated dogs and those with very short fur are much more likely to get burned than those with the thick, luxurious hair. So, your Burmese Mountain dog might be safer than your Boxer. Not just itchy and uncomfortable, repeated sunburns can put your dog at higher risk for skin cancers.

To keep your dog safe, be sure to apply a pet-safe sunscreen throughout the day and before swimming. Epi-Pet Sun Protector is one of the few sunscreens FDA compliant for pets and offers an easy to apply spray which is supposedly lick proof. Are you extra cautious? Consider getting your pet an extra layer of protection with a lightweight swim shirt designed to offer extra protection from the sun.

Remember to enforce breaks for you and your dog periodically throughout a day spent in the sun and water. Stake out a shady area to rest your gear and place your drinking water source for you and your dog so that you can have a comfy spot to lay out on. These breaks will not only enforce a rest period for fatigues muscles but will also encourage your dog to drink from a potable source instead of where they are swimming.

While most of us already carry a first aid kit of some sort, going to the beach doesn’t mean you should leave it at home. Even the pool offers plenty of places for scrapes and cuts. Don’t forget to pack items appropriate for pet first aid in your kit as well, especially cotton swabs for drying out swamp ears. If you are unfamiliar with the basics of pet first aid, consider attending the online course at the American Red Cross for a small fee. This class educates students on how to assess emergency situations, how to check pet vital signs, and the basics of pet CPR.

Looking for a way to cool down without the water? Check out our article “10 Ways to Cool Down with Your Pooch in Denver” for some local ideas or let us know your plans in the comments!

By Lauren Pescarus