Summer is here, which means many people will be pulling pool parties and taking trips to the lakes, rivers, spas, and oceans. Often, they will be hitting the beach, the pool, or going boating, along with their trusty four-legged friends.
While taking your pooch out for a paddle can be a great source of fun for both the dog owner and the Bulldog, if pool or water safety tips aren’t followed, the experience could potentially turn tragic. To prevent accidents from occurring, Bulldog owners should follow these simple pool safety tips to help their dogs stay safer in and around the swimming pool water.
Get your dog a flotation device like a life jacket
As with children and water, the risks are the same for dogs. Dogs need something to keep them afloat when their legs are too tired to paddle or when they experience muscle cramps or Hypothermia.
Even if your Bulldog is an experienced swimmer, it’s important to note that due to their physical appearance (flat faces and short snouts), they tire quickly and can get sucked under the water by a riptide.
Therefore, before you take your Bulldog to swim, ensure it’s wearing a flotation device like a special lifejacket for dogs.
Other than keeping your dog afloat, a life jacket will make it easy to spot your pet in open water, thanks to its highly contrasting colors. Not to mention, most dog life jackets come with nifty handles, so if you need to haul your pal out of the water, you can safely be able to do so.
Don’t force or throw your dog into the water if he doesn’t want to go
One mistake that most dog owners make is throwing their pals into the water. This is dangerous both to the owner and the animal. When you throw your dog into the water, he/she can get injured by hitting the water hard.
If your Bulldog is afraid of the water, get him into the swimming pool using toys, tennis balls, and treats. If he doesn’t want to go, don’t force him in.
Check the Water Condition before letting him in.
As a pool-goer, it’s important to be aware of the red flag on the beach that warns swimmers if the waters are not safe. Fast currents or riptides can easily sweep your dog under in seconds.
We highly recommend checking the water temperature to ensure it’s not too cold or hot for your dog. Extremely high or low water temperatures can pose a risk to your dog, especially if he/she has less fur.
In a lake, river, or pond, steer clear of the water with water plants such as water lilies and blue-green algae which can make your buddy sick.
Bring with you plenty of Fresh Drinking Water
You should not let your Bulldog drink pool or saltwater. Pool or seawater with high levels of chlorine or salt can be dangerous to your dog.
To keep your pup hydrated when hanging by the beach or backyard pool, make sure you have a collapsible drinking bowl and plenty of drinking water.
Rinse and Dry Your Dog Off
Rinse your dog off after he/she has been splashing around at the beach or playing in any type of water. As already mentioned, sea or pool water contain salt, chlorine, algae, and other pollutants which can irritate or damage the skin of your dog if not rinsed off well.
To keep ear infection at a bay, it’s more important than never to rinse and completely dry off your dog’s ears.