Dog owners should know that most dogs are born natural swimmers, an innate skill. However, some dogs are afraid of water and very resistant to deep places, so pet owners should find ways to overcome their dogs' fear of water. Today, the editor from Boqi Network will talk about the precautions for dogs when swimming. Let's take a look together.

1. Prepare the Equipment

Swimming is prone to bacterial infections, so owners must clean their dogs thoroughly after swimming. Before taking the dog swimming, it is best to prepare adequate equipment, including highly absorbent towels, anti-allergy and anti-parasite medicines, appropriate dog food, and drinking water. After swimming, dogs must be bathed and their whole body washed with clean water. When necessary, special cleansers should be used to wipe the entire body to prevent infections and parasites. If swimming in seawater, bathing is even more important because seawater contains elements harmful to dogs' skin. If the dog exhibits allergic reactions such as rashes after swimming, it needs to be taken to the vet.

2. Observe the Dog's Reactions

Although dogs have a natural talent for swimming, some dogs are nervous when entering the water for the first time because they have never been in it before. With patience and careful attention, they can all learn to swim.Some breeds are particularly good swimmers, like Labradors, which often get hooked after one or two swimming sessions.However, some dogs have mental blocks and fear water, so owners must be especially careful. Many dogs only paddle a few times when they first go into the water; this is actually a psychological need. Pet owners should distinguish whether their dog likes or fears water. Only when the dog truly learns to swim can it be allowed to move freely, but owners still need to supervise closely to prevent accidents. Every dog hopes to play in the water accompanied by their owner. Owners can arrange swimming frequency based on the dog's physical condition; going once or twice a week is very beneficial.

3. Choose Suitable Times and Locations

Regarding the choice of location, it is recommended not to go to places with deep or dirty water. Some owners take their dogs to very deep and wide waters to swim, which is quite dangerous. The best locations are swimming pools at professional training centers, where the depth and water quality are more suitable. Always watch your beloved dog carefully to prevent it from accidentally entering deep water. It is best to use a chest harness leash to make rescue easier in case of danger. As for the timing, although swimming can help cool off, not every time is suitable for dog swimming. For example, do not take dogs out at noon because the sunlight is too strong and might burn the dog's skin. Also, going swimming at noon increases heatstroke risk. It is best to swim in the afternoon after the sun has set to maximize cooling and fatigue relief.

4. Stay Calm in Emergencies

Some unexpected situations can happen while swimming, such as cramping due to insufficient warm-up. Once you notice your dog cramping or twitching, immediately carry it to shore. Cramping in dogs usually resolves on its own after getting out of the water, but if cramping, frothing at the mouth, or other symptoms occur frequently, be alert to potential underlying problems.

These are the main precautions when dogs swim. The editor reminds that owners should observe the dog's swimming condition. Each dog's stamina is different, so if obvious fatigue appears, do not let the dog continue swimming exhausted.