Even though our dogs possess a certain degree of reason, they are mostly dependent on our decisions and actions. Dogs are considered to be men’s best friends. Yet, the biggest difference between a human friend and a dog friend is the fact that dogs require much more attention, care, and understanding.
A human can escape life-threatening dangers, while a dog often can’t. They’re intelligent beings, but they live in a dangerous human world that is full of threats.
When it comes to water, dogs can have a really nice time, the same as we humans do. Swimming, walking on the beach, having a really nice “pool time” afternoon, or taking a nice bath in a beautiful river, lake, or pond are some of the most relaxing and fun activities that you can share with your pet friends.
However, before you do that, you should acknowledge and understand the risks involved. As an essay writer that provides constant tips and guidelines through a dissertation service, I like to believe that my educational information matters.
In today’s post, I chose to address a very important topic that every dog owner should pay close attention to. Here are the 12 dreadful water safety mistakes that you, a responsible pet owner, cannot afford to make.
1. Assuming that Your Dog Can Swim
There’s a widespread belief that all dogs can swim. Even though this may be true some extent, some dogs that end up in the water are merely trying to survive. There are the so-called “land-loving breeds” who absolutely hate water and swimming: Pugs, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bulldogs, and Dachshunds.
Of course, even though your dog may not be one of these breeds, he might still hate water. If that is the case, make sure you don’t put your desires first while making your dog struggle with something he doesn’t enjoy.
2. Assuming that Puppies Have a Swimming Instinct
As a matter of fact, every single dog regardless of his age will do his best to stay alive. Do not confuse a dog’s desperate attempt to get on a shore with the pleasure of swimming.
Nevertheless, puppies are extremely sensitive while they are young. When put under stress, they can panic, lose control, and start drowning. You can compare your young puppy to a 5-year-old child. The risks of drowning are huge, especially when they’re unattended.
3. Leaving Your Dog Unattended Near a Pool, Lake, or River
Many dog owners commit the terrible mistake of letting their dogs hang around unattended near deeper waters such as pools, lakes, or fast rivers. Unfortunately, this mistake can cost your little friend’s life.
As Paper Owl Reviews suggest, the biggest problem is not that dogs cannot swim, but the fact that they may quickly get exhausted trying to find a way out.
If your pooch doesn’t know how to reach the stairs or if he doesn’t have enough stamina to reach the shore, he’ll be in big trouble.
For that simple reason, never forget to pay attention to your dog while he’s near dangerous waters.
4. Not Having a Clue About Dog’s CPR
Some of us are not even familiar how to perform effective CPR on humans, not to mention dogs. If you’re a serious pet owner, you must take the time to learn how to save your dog if he’s drowning or if he stops breathing because of panic.
“If you ever have to do it, just know that you have to press your little dog’s chest 100 to 120 times per minute. Breathing for your dog is also important. For every 15 compressions, offer your dog two big breaths. You must breathe through his nose while closing his muzzle with one of your hands. “– Johanna Marx, dog expert at Study Bay.
5. Not Investing in a Life Jacket
Dogs should use life jackets too, especially if you’re traveling on a boat or swimming in open water. They’re called life jackets because they can save lives, especially when accidents happen. As Aussiessay suggests, “A dog’s life jacket will not only keep him afloat but will also allow owners to easily grab him by the handle that’s placed on the back of the vest.”
6. Forgetting to Check the Currents Before Allowing Your Dog to Swim in the River, Sea, or Ocean
If professional swimmers can get caught up and swept up in raging waters, be sure that your four-legged friend can also get into trouble if you allow him to. Before allowing your dog to get into the ocean, sea, or any fast river, make sure you check the currents to ensure that they’re safe for your dog.
7. Failing to Give Your Four-Legged Friend Enough Time to Rest
Even athletic dog breeds encounter troubles with fatigue and. Swimming is really tiring, especially to dogs that aren’t “professional swimmers” or puppies that are just getting familiar with swimming.
Before you allow your dog to swim, ensure that he is not tired or dehydrated. Provide fresh water and allow your four-legged friend to take breaks in the shade. If you observe signs of fatigue, simply keep him on the ground.
8. Keeping Your Dog’s Collar On
Keeping your dog’s collar on is a foolish mistake that many owners don’t even recognize as problematic. Nevertheless, there are many cases in which dogs accidentally get trapped underwater by debris or branches. Avoid that by taking the collar off before swimming – put it back on once the fun is over.
9. Forcing a Dog to Swim Just Because You Want to Have a Swimming Dog
Some dog owners cannot accept the fact that their dogs don’t want to swim. Many will try to accommodate their dogs with water over and over again without caring what their dogs actually want or feel.
Many times, dog owners send negative responses because they are not satisfied with the fact that their dogs won’t bend to their desires. That is an easy way to sabotage the relationship with your dog while making him feel like he’s doing something wrong.
Moreover, if a dog is forced to swim, he may end up panicking and injuring himself. If that happens, the dog will be left with traumas that will affect the rest of his life.
10.Allowing Your Dog to Drink the Water from the Pool
Bacterial infections and gastrointestinal issues are two of the things you’ll want to avoid as much as possible. If your dog is thirsty before he starts swimming, he’ll immediately drink the water that he has at his disposal. Since pools often contain chemicals that are truly harmful to dogs, you’ll both end up in trouble.
The solution is simple: provide fresh drinking water before any pool swimming session.
11.Forgetting to Wash and Clean Your Buddy’s Body and Ears after Pool Time
“To prevent irritation and a pretty nasty ear infection, ensure that you’re carefully washing your dog’s coat and ears after he gets out of the pool. The chlorinated water is quite dangerous if not washed away, regardless of the breed.” – dog trainer and CEO at Zipjob.
12.Assuming that Your Pet Knows the Exit
If you’re allowing your dog friend to swim in the pool, you shouldn’t assume that he’ll know the way out. Instead, you should show it to him a couple of times. Show the way back to the stairs and help him find his way out. Practicing this simple procedure may save your dog’s life if he’s ever getting in trouble while he’s unattended.
Final Words
If you love your dog, you will take every possible measure to keep him safe. Water can bring a lot of dangers that can be easily avoided if you take today’s tips and tricks into close consideration.
Remember: dogs are extremely intelligent beings, but they’re also extremely dependent on our care and attention. Since you’re the only one who can keep your little friend safe, assume this responsibility fully and never stop paying attention to your dog when you bring him close to shores and pools!
BIO: Scott Matthews is a dog trainer and a writer who regularly publishes interesting blog posts on Topresume and Uk.superiorpapers.com. Additionally, he is offering essay-writing services while being a part of a custom dissertation writing service that provides affordable help to students in need. In his free time, he enjoys traveling while holding dog training seminars across the world.
