Thinking of Swimming With Your Dog?

• Do not leave your dog to swim all alone. Just as you would not leave a child alone in the pool because they are too short to stand on the water, in the same way, you must watch over your dog. This rule is pretty much common sense anyway.
• Never let your dog to go near the edges of the pool, because with either long or short claws, they might damage or scratch the lining of the pool, and that, of course, is damage to property. Make sure to keep an eye out for your dog’s action at all times to avoid extra expenses, even if you have a private pool, because replacing the lining of the pool costs a lot of money.
• Because dogs cannot stand on the pool ladders on their own (unlike us), their exit to the pool needs to be cleared, in case they want to get out. The reason why they can’t stand as long as we can is because their legs were not meant for standing like humans, so they get tired easily. Using the step ladder can be a handful.
• It is okay if your dog accidently gulps down a few sips of the chlorinated water; this amount will not really be toxic to your dog. After all, swimming is an exercise that can tire out you and your dog, so he will eventually get thirsty and drink some of the water. But be wary that he does not drink too much, and stop him/her when this happens.
• If you have two dogs in the pool, pay strict attention, especially if they are of different sizes. One’s paddling can overpower the other smaller dog.
• Last but not the least, have fun with your dog! Swimming was meant to be a leisurely activity so make the most out of it, following the above safety tips from a guide to swimming with dogs.

Do you like swimming with your dog? Please leave your experiences and any funny stories below.

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