Did you know that cats and water usually don’t mix?:
Most cats dislike getting into water, but there are special cats that enjoy diving into lakes, and will even swim underwater for a fishy snack! Please be cautious with your cat if it is curious enough to approach a body of water (especially the bathtub!), as some can stumble in and become endangered. Most cats do not know how to swim.
Did you know that swimming is fantastic exercise for dogs?
Here are a few common safety tips for dogs if you bring them to your favorite swimming hole this summer:
- Keep a close eye: Preventing accidents and illness is 95% paying attention! By knowing where your dogs are and what they are doing, you are able to prevent or quickly respond in case of an emergency. Never allow unsupervised swimming.
- Appropriate access to water: If you have a backyard pool, make sure to have stairs, non-slip ramps and/or ladders for your pet to easily get out of pool in case they fall or jump in. Most pools have smooth sides with slick surfaces that are impossible for claws to grip. Even better, get a tall fence to surround your pool. Fencing off the pool area prevents your pets from unsupervised swimming, and can save their life.
- Get soapy: Bathe your pet in clean water after each swim to wash out any chemicals, bacteria and/or salts that may have stayed in their fur coat. Prevent licking or swallowing of the water while swimming as it can make them sick. Swimming in lakes and other fresh water can contact infectious agents like Leptospirosis, toxic algae, and parasites. Drinking salt water can cause dehydration, salt toxicity and other illnesses. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if your little one seems unwell after swimming.
- Keep them afloat: A well fitted life jacket, equipped with handles and bright visible colors, are vital to be able to find and pull your dog out of the water in case of emergency.
*** Puppies don’t know how to swim. While they may be able to “dog paddle” a little bit, they can tire easily. Teach them to swim by starting them in shallow water, bringing them into and out of deeper water for one or two paddles, and have only short swimming sessions. Some puppies learn faster than others, so take your time. Never throw your pet into deep water.
- Rest and Restore: A nice shaded area and fresh drinking water is greatly needed for those hot summer days at the pool or at the beach.
- Clean Drinking Water Only! The chemicals, bacteria, parasites, and salt from the waters they play in can make them sick. Provide them with water you are willing to drink too! Trust us, your furry little ones with appreciate it.
