As the end of the summer nears and early fall approaches, regulation of pets on the beach are eased and beautiful early fall weather beseech you to take your furry friend outdoors to the nearest body of water to play. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe around water.

1)      While some dogs live to swim, others may be unable to or simply hate being in the water. Be conscious and considerate of your dog's preferences and skills. Don't try to force him or her to swim if your dog seems afraid or averse; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water.

2)      If you're taking your dog swimming for the first time, help coax him into the water by starting off in a shallow area. Try calling his name and creating a fun environment by using dog toys and/or treats to play with.  

3)      Swimming is very hard work, making it easy for your dog to overexert himself- especially dogs that are drawn to the water. Keep track of the time and evaluate your dog's level of effort to keep your dog from overdoing it.

4)      Never throw your dog into the water. Doing so may cause your dog to feel anxious or fearful of going into the water in the future. Also, since some dogs have large bodies and short legs, they are not built to swim for enjoyment and therefore may be traumatized by the act.

5)      If taking your dog swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides. Never let your dog swim far enough out to be swept away by the current. Use a doggy life jacket as a safety precaution.

6)      Moisture in a dog's ear can cause nasty infections if not cleaned properly after swimming. Ask your vet or local pet store for the proper supplies and a demonstration to make sure you are thoroughly ridding his or her ears of the nasty bacteria found in ocean and lake water.

7)      Never leave your dog unattended in water. If you have a pool, make sure to invest in adequate safety products, such as a baby fence or pool alarm to alert you if your dog falls in. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool by teaching him/her to locate the steps or ramp, and providing a refresher course on exiting at the beginning of each swimming session.

8)      Be careful of taking your dog swimming at night. Dogs' vision dramatically decreases after nightfall as well as with age, so swimming in the dark may be extremely scary for dogs, even those who normally love to be in the water.

9)      Just like humans, dogs are equally susceptible to getting hypothermia in cold water. Unfortunately, they may not understand that the water is what's causing them to feel cold, making it easier for an accident to occur. If the water is cold enough to prompt you to get out, it is safe to say your dog is at risk to getting cold as well and should be brought out of the water to regain warmth.

1    Never let your dog drink the pool water, which is filled with chlorine and chemicals that can make your dog sick. Salt water from the ocean and bacteria found in lakes can also be harmful. To prevent ingestion of contaminated water, keep a clean water bowl nearby for your dog to drink from.

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