Some dog breeds are naturally built to swim and therefore love water. But even if your dog is skeptical about water, they can easily learn to love the wet element if introduced correctly.
Having a water dog can have several benefits.
Swimming and playing are good fitness alternatives to walks and strengthen the back muscles. And it's perfect for the dog to cool off in the summer heat.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Give your dog plenty of time to learn to go into the water on its own. Never force your dog by carrying it out or pushing it into the water. Give your dog all the time and praise it needs to become familiar with the water. In general, it can be an advantage to have a flat sandy beach that slopes slowly - so that the dog can slowly go into the water on its own without the bottom suddenly disappearing.
Make bathing a breeze
Some dogs find toys to be the most fun in water. Use water toys to let your dog fetch or swim after or with. Toys that float are preferable here. Let your dog play at the water's edge so it gets used to having wet paws and belly. In the best case scenario, your dog will quickly forget all about the water feeling uncomfortable and concentrate on playing instead.
But be careful not to start a stress game where the dog goes completely manic because he just wants to get hold of the ball or whatever you choose as a toy. It is in water, as with much else, that many dogs cannot manage wild tug and throw games themselves, and stop again - you have to be the "adult" there.
Join the water
In general, you should only let your dog bathe in places where you yourself would want to jump in. During hot periods, you should also keep an eye on algae and other bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is to rinse your dog with fresh water when you get home and give it a good scrubbing.
Many dogs are more confident if you go into the water with them, so it can be a good start to put on a swimsuit if the dog needs to get used to swimming at the beach.
To help your dog discover that they actually float when they swim, you can put a life jacket on them at first. You can also start by holding the handle that is often on the back of life jackets for dogs. It can be a great help and comfort for your dog to know that you are there.
Be in good bathing company
Dogs are good at learning from each other. So if you know other dogs who love swimming or water, it can be an advantage to bring them to the beach and let them swim together.
It usually doesn't take long for the water-loving behavior to rub off on your dog.
Don't let your dog drink salt water.
It is almost inevitable that your dog will swallow some seawater. Unfortunately, seawater, due to its high salt content, has the unpleasant effect of giving your dog mild diarrhea. The salt water in the dog's intestines draws fluid from the surrounding intestinal tissue, and the dog will therefore have to defecate frequently.
You probably want to avoid this as much as possible, so always bring plenty of fresh water with you to the beach.
This will help relieve some of the diarrhea and counteract the fluid deficiency that occurs due to the diarrhea.
If things still go wrong, you can take comfort in the fact that the diarrhea is only a temporary phenomenon. And don't forget the doggy bags...
Really good summer
5 tips for bathing your dog
Having a water dog can have several benefits.
Swimming and playing are good fitness alternatives to walks and strengthen the back muscles. And it's perfect for the dog to cool off in the summer heat.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Give your dog plenty of time to learn to go into the water on its own. Never force your dog by carrying it out or pushing it into the water. Give your dog all the time and praise it needs to become familiar with the water. In general, it can be an advantage to have a flat sandy beach that slopes slowly - so that the dog can slowly go into the water on its own without the bottom suddenly disappearing.
Make bathing a breeze
Some dogs find toys to be the most fun in water. Use water toys to let your dog fetch or swim after or with. Toys that float are preferable here. Let your dog play at the water's edge so it gets used to having wet paws and belly. In the best case scenario, your dog will quickly forget all about the water feeling uncomfortable and concentrate on playing instead.
But be careful not to start a stress game where the dog goes completely manic because he just wants to get hold of the ball or whatever you choose as a toy. It is in water, as with much else, that many dogs cannot manage wild tug and throw games themselves, and stop again - you have to be the "adult" there.
Join the water
In general, you should only let your dog bathe in places where you yourself would want to jump in. During hot periods, you should also keep an eye on algae and other bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is to rinse your dog with fresh water when you get home and give it a good scrubbing.
Many dogs are more confident if you go into the water with them, so it can be a good start to put on a swimsuit if the dog needs to get used to swimming at the beach.
To help your dog discover that they actually float when they swim, you can put a life jacket on them at first. You can also start by holding the handle that is often on the back of life jackets for dogs. It can be a great help and comfort for your dog to know that you are there.
Be in good bathing company
Dogs are good at learning from each other. So if you know other dogs who love swimming or water, it can be an advantage to bring them to the beach and let them swim together.
It usually doesn't take long for the water-loving behavior to rub off on your dog.
Don't let your dog drink salt water.
It is almost inevitable that your dog will swallow some seawater. Unfortunately, seawater, due to its high salt content, has the unpleasant effect of giving your dog mild diarrhea. The salt water in the dog's intestines draws fluid from the surrounding intestinal tissue, and the dog will therefore have to defecate frequently.
You probably want to avoid this as much as possible, so always bring plenty of fresh water with you to the beach.
This will help relieve some of the diarrhea and counteract the fluid deficiency that occurs due to the diarrhea.
If things still go wrong, you can take comfort in the fact that the diarrhea is only a temporary phenomenon. And don't forget the doggy bags...
Really good summer