Water fun with your dog, but watch out for the dangers!

With summer weather, there is nothing better than cooling off with your four-legged friend. Whether you choose to swim in natural water or play with water in the garden; there are many different ways to let your dog cool off. However, there are a few points to be aware of when swimming with your dog. In the blog below, we explain some of these points. After all, forewarned is forearmed!

Can my dog actually swim?

Most dogs can naturally swim and, in many cases, enjoy doing so. However, there are some dogs that hate water or have never learned to swim. In these cases, a dog will therefore also not quickly go into the water by itself. Also the physical condition of your dog plays a role, think for example of injuries. Are you going to swim with your dog? Then do so under safe conditions. For example, lure your dog into the water playfully and start in shallow water. Also make sure you go swimming in a place where there is no current, it is not too crowded with boats and where the dog can enter and exit the water independently. Whatever you do, never force your dog into the water. Some dogs are just not water rats and will never become fans of water.

In addition, there are dog breeds that cannot swim at all. These include breeds with short legs and heavy bodies (e.g. Scottish terriers, Basset hounds and dachshunds). But breeds with a flat snout (for example, French Bulldogs and pugs) also have trouble swimming. It is often difficult for these quadrupeds to keep their snouts above water. These breeds also tire quickly and suffer from respiratory problems.

Safe swimming water

Have you planned a swimming outing with your four-legged friend? Then it is important to find out in advance whether dogs are allowed at your swimming destination. Especially in high season, dogs are not allowed to swim everywhere. There are several dog-friendly beaches, swimming ponds and off-leash areas throughout the Netherlands where you can take your dog, but be sure to check in advance. That way you avoid unnecessary disappointment.

It is also very important to keep an eye on the quality of the bathing water. With sustained warm weather, water temperatures rise rapidly and bacteria have the opportunity to multiply rapidly. Especially with stagnant water, you have to be careful. The chance that blue-green algae is present in this water or that the water is contaminated with bacteria such as legionella and botulism (recognizable by dead birds and/or fish in and around the water) is considerably high. These bacteria are dangerous to both humans and animals and can cause unpleasant side effects or even death. So avoid places with standing water as much as possible.

When you let your four-legged friend swim in chlorinated water or seawater, be careful that the dog does not ingest too much of this water. Swimming in chlorinated water and seawater increases the risk of irritated eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, make sure you bring drinking water for your dog and let him/her drink from it before and during swimming. After swimming, rinse the dog off and rub him/her dry well so that he/she ingests less chlorine or seawater when the dog licks his/her coat dry.

Finally, always check the temperature of the water. Swallowing (a lot of) cold water can cause a stomach upset in some dogs, and in addition, too cold water is not good for a dog's muscles and joints.

Let the games begin!

Are you less inclined to go out with your dog on a hot day because you don't have public swimming water nearby, for example? Then a dog pool is a good alternative. These are made of strong plastic and have a sturdy outer wall. There are different types of water toys for sale that, for example, float, making them suitable for hours of fun. Another fun activity is cookie-cutter: throw some small snacks into a shallow pool and let your dog search for them from the bottom. Water fun guaranteed!

Check out all of Riverwood's healthy and grain-free snacks here.

Do you have a dog who can swim well and also enjoys being in and around the water? Then be sure to take your four-legged friend into the water in warm weather, but be sure to be prepared. We wish you and your dog(s) lots of safe water fun!

Lots of dogs are already enjoying Riverwood every day. Would you also like your dog to feast on our delicious food and are you curious which variety would suit your dog best? Then answer a few questions here and order an inexpensive sample pack right away.