Top tips for safe water play
Danny Nelis-Rouse, owner at tug toy company Tug-E-Nuff, shares some tips to enjoy safe water play with your canine clients.
1. Keep an eye on the temperature
On hotter days the sand or ground beneath a dog’s feet can still pose a paw risk and they’re still susceptible to heat stroke, even with water to cool them down, so make sure you limit water play.
2. Be aware of water conditions
A dog can very quickly get into trouble in water that has a current, so be careful not to let your dog stray too far or too deep. Consider using a life jacket and perhaps even a long line lead for extra safety.
It’s also important to be aware of the cleanliness of the water you’re considering letting a dog swim in. Stagnant water, such as ponds and lakes can have algae which poses a risk to dogs and can even be fatal. If you’re not sure, be safe and stay on dry land.
3. Know your exit points
Be the brains for your dogs and make sure there’s a sloped entry and exit point or somewhere easy for them to get in and out before allowing them to get their swimming fix.
The chances are that if you have a water loving dog who just wants to dive into the nearest available lake, river or pond, they won’t be looking for this themselves.
4. Be sensible playing games in the water
Some dogs just can’t get enough of running into water to fetch a ball or water toy. I get it, it’s a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep an eye on how much water a dog is swallowing as they swim and fetch.
To help prevent them from swallowing too much, pick a dog toy that floats so there’s less of a need for your dog to dip and dive to retrieve.
It’s also a good idea to set a time limit and take breaks, or switch to playing fetch on land so the fun doesn’t have to stop.
5. Don’t force it!
Last but not least, as desperate as you might be to show how fun playing and swimming in water can be, if they are reluctant, don’t force it. Trying to force a dog to do anything will only lead to a dog who’s more anxious, more fearful and less trusting of you.
Instead, start near shallow water and positively reinforce your dog for an interest or interaction.
