By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist
Emma and Natalie love swimming together. Does your dog like the water?
You may remember (how could you forget?) that I adopted a sweet puppy just a few short months ago, but it feels like we have been together forever. Granted, we are still working on making good decisions, but through it all we have a great time (yes, even when she potties in the wrong spot and I have to clean it up).
We’ve made several visits to the PetSafe dog parks in Knoxville, and traveled a few weekends to visit friends and family. Even though we have been able to make so many sweet, fun memories together, Emma has already picked her favorite activity - she loves to swim! If your dog loves to swim, tell me about it in the comment section below to be entered to win one of our Pogo Plush Splash toys.
I gave her a bath only a few days after I got her, and even then it was so apparent how much she loved the water. Sometimes, if I can’t find her in my house, all I have to do is check the tub. She camps out there just waiting for a bath in her "swimming pool." Since the weather has heated up (to well above both of our boiling points), I have taken her to visit family and friends who have pools to cool us off.
I was interested to see how she would react to such a big “bath tub,” but my guess was that she would immediately be in love. I could not have been more right. If there is a pool in sight, I can almost guarantee my dog will be perched on the first step waiting for the perfect moment to jump in for a quick swim.
Luckily, Emma has a natural ability in the water, but there are several swimming safety tips we practice to be sure she stays safe. If your dog has the chance to go for a dip this summer, you will want to be sure to put this advice to good use. After all, everyone is looking for a chance to escape the heat!
1. Learn the doggie paddle. Even if you pet loves the bath like Emma, you still want to be careful to monitor him when he is in the pool. Never force him in the water if he isn’t interested, and be sure you are within an arm’s reach in case he gets tired or can’t find the steps. Every pool is different, so I always make sure I’m in the water before Emma gets in so I can help her find her way out. You never want to leave your pet around the pool unsupervised, especially if they love the water!
2. Float the boat. Some dogs, especially bulldogs, pugs, and other brachy breeds, are not designed for the water and may have trouble maneuvering in the water. Older dogs may also tire easy. Robin’s dog, Buckley, frequently visits the lake and she wears a Pet Saver Life Jacket. I actually ordered Emma a dog life jacket, too, because a little extra protection never hurt anyone. Though you’ll still want to be close by, your pet will be safer in the water with a flotation device.
3. Rinse him off. I’m sure you remember how sticky and dry your hair and skin feel after you get out of the pool. Your dog feels the same way. Be sure to give him a bath as soon as possible to avoid discomfort. You also want to remove all the chemicals from his skin so he doesn’t ingest them when grooming. To that point, you should also keep your pet from drinking pool water.
Have you taken your pet to the pool yet? Do you have any other swimming safety tips? What other ways are you staying cool this summer?
ABOUT NATALIE As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.
