Most people look forward to Summer because they look forward to swimming with their dogs. You may think this is safe, but even the best swimmers can encounter hazards.
PREVENT the situation by always knowing where your dog is. Never leave an unsupervised dog or puppy near a pool or any body of water. Dogs don't realize where the steps are in a pool once they get in the water and may even drown trying to climb out. Your best bet is to work with your dog to make sure they know where the steps are, just in case an accident occurs in the pool. Make sure your dog will listen to you before ever taking him/her near a body of water. A dog should be able to come when called to avoid accidents. You should always carry a squeak toy or a retrieving toy in case your dog gets frightened or excited and won't come to your calls.
PREPARE your dog and yourself for any dangers in the water. Survey the area before letting them off leash. Check for currents, tides, and anything that could be under the water. Algae scum is toxic to a dog and can kill them if they come in contact with it. Always check for algae and never let your pet swim alone.
Lastly, stay AWARE of your pets behavior in the water. If they start to tire get them out! If they get to tired, they become sluggish and have a higher risk of drowing. Keep young and old dogs close to the shore. Older dogs don't swim well and young dogs may panic in the water.
When it comes to pools and water, remember that the safest pool is a kiddy pool. There's no risk of drowing and it gets him/her used to the water. If they are small enough, you can even use the tub.
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