Ensuring Pet Safety During Swimming
Ensuring the Safety of Your Pet During Swimming
As the summer temperatures rise, it’s natural for you and your furry companion to seek relief in the water. However, not all pets are instinctively skilled at swimming, so it’s crucial to take necessary precautions when swimming with them. Here are five tips to help keep your pet safe while enjoying water activities:
1. Provide fresh water to drink: When your pet is thirsty and enters a pool or any body of water, they may end up consuming chemical-laden or contaminated water. Always make sure to offer plenty of fresh water before and after swimming to quench their thirst.
2. Ensure your pet wears a life vest: If your pet will be in deep water, it’s wise to have them wear a life vest in addition to relying on their swimming abilities. Prior to entering the water, let your pet get accustomed to the life vest by trying it on beforehand.
3. Never leave your pet unattended in water: Pets can experience panic when left alone in water, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye on them at all times while they are swimming.
4. Teach your pet how to exit the pool: In the event that your pet accidentally falls into the pool when you’re not around, they may struggle to get out without assistance. Ensure there are stable stairs or an exit point that your pet can use to climb out of the water, and make sure they are familiar with how to use it.
5. Rinse off your pet after swimming: After a swim, chemicals, pathogens, dirt, and debris can become trapped in your pet’s thick fur. Thoroughly rinse their fur to remove these contaminants and prevent them from ingesting or grooming them off their body.
Accidents can occur around bodies of water, particularly if your pet leans in for a drink and lacks swimming skills. If your pet encounters a water-related emergency this summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.