Summer is the perfect season to ramp up your outdoor adventures with family, friends, and your four-legged companions. It also is the season to find the best spots to cool down and beat the heat, whether that be at the beach, in a kayak or boat, or in your backyard pool.
In the same way that we understand the importance of water safety for adults and children, it is equally important to consider water safety best practices for our dogs as they join us on our summer travels.
Sadly, it is estimated that 5,000 family dogs drown in backyard swimming pools annually. This statistic doesn’t account for family trips to the beach or to the lake, where even more unforeseen dangers can occur. https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/risk-of-pet-drowning-on-the-rise/
So in order to keep our best friends as safe as possible this summer, we have compiled a list of 5 reasons why your dog should always wear a life jacket when around a body of water.
1. Not all dogs are swimmers
While it may be common to think that all dogs have a natural born ability to swim, it is important to note that not all dogs are swimmers, and even breeds that are identified as “water dogs” still need practice and experience in the water to determine their comfort level.
Certain breeds, particularly those with flatter faces and shorter legs, like Bulldogs, Pugs, Corgis, and Dachshunds, can struggle to keep their nose and mouth above the water and may tire easily with the pace needed to stay afloat. Other breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Poodles may historically be better swimmers, but it is still in their best interest to get plenty of practice at a young age.
Wearing a dog life jacket can help to balance the weight of dogs who may be more top heavy and help keep their nose and mouth high above the water. The added buoyancy of a life jacket can help dogs who may tire easily stay afloat on the surface of the water. For inexperienced swimmers, a life jacket can help them gain confidence in the water as they learn to use all four legs to stay afloat. Our DFD life jackets come in a full range of sizes to fit any dog from XS to XL and are all completely adjustable to make sure your dog is secure and comfortable no matter the circumstance.
2. Even strong swimmers can get tired
Even strong swimmers can quickly tire out in the water for a range of different reasons. Too much excitement, lack of hydration, or extra exposure to the sun can all impact their strength while swimming in the water. Our DFD life jackets are built with up to 50% more ultra-buoyant material to keep your dog in a natural, easy swimming position at all times and to give you extra peace of mind when monitoring their time in the water.
To keep your dog as safe as possible during a day on the water make sure that you pack plenty of fresh water for them to drink, take several breaks throughout the day, and rise them off with clean water to ensure that salt water, bacteria, or other chemicals don’t irritate their skin. (https://vbspca.com/dogwater-safety/)
3. There can be unexpected hazards or dangers in the water
Particularly in larger bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans there can be unseen and unexpected dangers in the water. Dogs can find themselves tangled on debris or underwater plant life and may tire from trying to free themselves. It is also important to be mindful of the current as mild to moderate currents can impact dogs differently based on their size and strength. All of our dog life jackets are designed with easy to grab top handles so that you can easily pull your pooch out of the water and onto the boat or dock quickly and safely.
4. Dogs that are under water for more than 45 seconds need medical attention
Supervision while your dog is in or around a body of water is essential. Any dog who has reportedly been underwater for more than 45 seconds will require medical attention.
(https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/risk-of-pet-drowning-on-the-rise/)
By ensuring that your dog has a life jacket on at all times, you can reduce the immediate hazard of an unexpected jump into the water or sudden difficulty to stay afloat. Even with the protection of a life jacket, if your dog is struggling, immediately remove them from the water to allow them to regain their strength and stability.
5. A life jacket makes your dog easier to spot in the water
Even if your dog is not an active swimmer, that does not always guarantee that they will not jump in or accidently fall in. Wearing a dog life jacket, even while on a boat, dock, or on the shore closest to the water will keep your dog from immediately coming into danger and will also make them easier to spot if the water is murky or deep.
If you are enjoying the water before the morning light or as the sun begins to set, the reflective material built into to all our dog life jackets will ensure that your pup is easy to spot no matter the time of day.
There are so many great things about summer, and we want you and your pup to have everything you need to enjoy a safe, active, and happy season! For more information on our dog life jackets and to view our full range of flotation and water friendly products visit: https://store.ezydog.com/categories/dog-life-jackets/
NOW GO AND PLAY!