We hope you and your pups are having fun and staying cool in this warm weather.
If you’re looking for fun activities to beat the heat, you may consider taking your pups swimming. Some like to swim in the pool or on a leash/line in a lake or the ocean!
But please consider the following four tips when taking your dogs to any of these spots:
- Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause a dog’s skin to burn (just like humans!). And hot sand can burn their pads, so avoid long walks on the beach and always provide a shady spot for them to rest.
- Salt, chlorine, and algae can irritate a pup’s coat and make them sick if ingested. Please discourage them from drinking the water and monitor for signs of itchiness, GI upset, and/or disorientation.
- Always rinse off/bathe your pup after it is done swimming. Remember to dry the fur and ears thoroughly. Use an ear cleaner with a drying agent so they don’t develop an ear infection. Watch for hot spots or skin irritations that may develop under moist fur.
- Provide the pup with plenty of fresh, clean water and give them time to chill out and observe what’s going on around them. It’s a great exposure opportunity; think of it like TV for dogs!
Credit: Puppy Raiser Manual, 6.8: Picnics; 6.9 Summer Tips; 6.10: Beach Tips;Is It Safe for Your Furry Friend to Join You Poolside?
