Sunriver Activities
~ Swimming Safety For Your Dog
Swimming Safety
by Kirstin Wolter, CVT, CCRA
Pawsitive Strides - Physical
Rehabilitation and Conditioning For Dogs
for more information:
www.pawsitivestridesrehab.com
Here are some recommendations to keep
your canine companions safe and injury
free while you enjoy the summer sun.
1. Invest in a quality floatation device
that is appropriately sized for your dog
and be sure to use it! It will do no
good left at home or in the car.
2. If your dog has been a weekend
warrior over the long winter/spring,
gradual introduction to regular physical
activity is the best way to prevent
injury – in or out of the water.
Swimming is a very physically demanding
activity, both muscularly and
cardiovascularly. If your dog’s fitness
level does not match the physical demand
the risk of injury and fatigue will
increase.
3. Monitor for dehydration, fatigue and
heat stroke. It may seem implausible
that a dog can
overheat while swimming but they
certainly can if they are relentlessly
retrieving over and over again in very
hot weather. Dogs don’t pant while they
swim so the ability to maintain a normal
core body temperature may be reduced.
The first sign that your dog has reached
maximum cooling ability is when the
tongue is wide and flattened out in the
shape of a spade. When you see this find
a cool, shady place to let your dog
recover.
4. Look for water hazards such as logs,
rocks, sharp objects and strong currents
as well as safe entry and exit sites.
Parasites and blue-green algae are also
potential hazards so it is best to take
plenty of clean, fresh drinking water
for your dog.
5. Special considerations for seniors:
a. Have a
physical examination done by your
veterinarian before heading out for
summertime activities.
b. Always use a float
vest.
c. Older dogs do not regulate their body
temperature well so constant monitoring
is vitally important.
d. Confidence in their own physical
ability is often diminished so good,
gradual footing into the water is
recommended. If possible swim with your
dog or simply allow them to wade.
e. Closely monitor for fatigue, signs of
lethargy, excessive, difficult or loud
panting.
6. Water safety
doesn’t end when you head home. Continue
to monitor your dog for symptoms such as
coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased
appetite, pain or lethargy.
