Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog if they love the water. However, what are the things you need to think about relating to dog care and swimming?

1) Make sure that you are not taking your dog to swim in an area with a strong current. If the current is too strong they may have a difficult time swimming and may wear our too quick. It could also create a very dangerous situation if they are no longer able to swim because of the current.

2) Ensure that your dog’s recall is excellent if you are having them swim off leash. This ensures that they won’t go chasing down the road after a rabbit and will come back to you when called.

3) Find a spot to swim that is away from high speed and or busy roads. This is especially important if you are taking your dog off leash swimming to ensure their safety.

4) Show your dog and make sure they understand where and how to get in and out of the water.

5) Make sure to bring a water toy you can throw with you so they have something to fetch in the water. I recommend using a toy that enables them to keep their mouth mostly closed to keep your dog from swallowing a large amount of water when swimming.