From fitting a life jacket to checking water quality to post-swim ear and skin care, ten habits that carry a dog through water play safely.
Not every dog is a natural, safe swimmer. Body shape, age, health, and experience all affect how well a dog floats and navigates, and even a dog that swims confidently can suddenly struggle from currents or fatigue. This list walks through ten habits in order โ from getting ready before you go in, to watching closely during play, to what to do once you're out.
A life jacket doesn't replace supervision, and wearing one doesn't make deep water automatically safe. Keep your dog out of any water with foam, algae streaks, or an odd smell, and if anything looks off afterward, call a vet rather than trying a home remedy.
