It's your first time going to the seaside with your dog and you want to be ready for everything that awaits you? 

We know, we understand. In this article, we're going to talk about what to watch out for when your dog does or doesn't want to go in the water. 

 

First and very important thing is to check your dog's breed to see if it is generally predisposed to water or rather not. Below we have tips for both. 

 

You don't have much to worry about other than their nails, but more on that below. A lot of dogs are natural swimmers, they are wired to love the water and to dive in like a duck is just the most normal thing for them to do. However, here are a few things to make your water adventure with your pooch safe and fun. 

 

1.      Dogs can't reach the deep end. 

 

While you're sitting in the water up to your waist and super comfortable and laid back, remember that your dog is pretty far from the bottom and certainly won't think to stand on two feet like a human. Also, unlike us, dogs can't float - i.e. sit in one place and rest without moving their paws. So the only way for your dog to sit on the surface of the water is to swim, which would mean in any case that he would probably spin around you in circles. And that's tiring for him. Think about that while you're in the water and taking care of pooch. It will be more important to him that he doesn't leave you in the water alone than that he doesn't drown. Yeah, they're that good. Overexerting a dog in the water can lead to a broken tail, vomiting and other unpleasant consequences for a pooch. Spare him these and go lie down on the sand for a rest. 

 

2.      Drinking salt water 

 

It's usually very hot at the beach, but the water in the sea is very inviting and even if he doesn't particularly like it because it's salty, he'll have a drink - either while he's just hanging out or while he's swimming. There are two things that can happen from drinking too much water - 1. Vomiting it, which is just the body's reaction, but worse is … 2. Serious diarrhea - salt does wonders to a dog's poop and if you're not careful, you'll see this miracle spill on the wet sand with no chance of picking it up and then you'll see the stares of others on the beach. Be sure to always have fresh water for your dog so he doesn't get tempted. 

 

3.      Don't go into rough seas with them. 

 

As we wrote above, your dog will care more about being next to you in the water than not drowning because you are the most important thing to them. While in calm water they may only get tired, in the waves, things may happen to them that they don’t expect at all. Most of all, they can get very scared. Let's not scare our best friends. When the weather is fine you can play in peace! 

 

4.      Really beware of their claws. 

 

I, for one, have a Labrador who is a great swimmer, loves the water, can sit in it for hours. But he loves me just as much. And when we're both in the water, he'll swim around me constantly, much of the time concerned if I'm okay. Waving his paws around me, he's scratched me more than once, quite unsolicited. You know how dogs swim - the front paw movements are pretty much the same movements he'll use later to dig a hole in the sand. Those same movements, if he decides to "rescue" you or you decide to approach him while he's swimming, they might try to dig you out too (in this case me..). Their paws are splayed to give them surface area and scoop up more water, which means their claws are as long and tight as possible. We've seen more than one or two people seriously injured by their dogs. Not that bad, quite the opposite, but it can get messy. Watch out! 

 

1.      Do not rush. 

 

Like any new thing - the important thing is to have patience and don't push your furry friend towards the water. If he's scared, he may never get in and that's perfectly okay. But if he's willing to do anything, you should try to do it gradually and calmly so that he's confident that the water is a nice place where you'll have fun together. 

 

2.      Praise and encourage him continuously. 

 

As with any other thing you want your dog to learn, you need to be very positive and encouraging about getting in the water so he can feel how good it feels. You can give him treats while he is on the shore. Remember, he has to ask for it himself and if that means waiting - you will wait. Think about his favourite toy coming into use too. In a Dogin’box for example, you'll find just about every toy in the world, many of which are perfect for the beach. You’ll also find our great 100% natural dogin' treats that will keep your dog even more motivated for adventure. 

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3.      Find where the water is calmest at the beach. 

 

Find calmer stretches of sea water for your pet to swim in. Start in the shallow end where it can tread calmly. It's important that he gets used to the water first and then he'll realise that there may not be a bottom. In any case, do not try to do it when the sea is rough. Also avoid places where there are surfers, jet skis, water wheels and anything else that is big and might scare or hurt your dog. 

 

4.      Dog vest. 

 

For professional swimmers who want to explore the deep, you might consider investing in a dog life jacket. Just like with baby belts and other inflatable things, a life jacket for dogs gives peace of mind and makes it easier to move and stay in the deep. 

 

And if you've stumbled here by chance, check out our personalised happiness boxes, with treats and toys you can over for your dog or give as a gift to a friend. 

 

Merry Marine! 

dogin'TEAM