Overall, ponds and lakes are great places for dogs to swim because they don’t have to fight tides or currents. But there are some dangers to be aware of. Underground obstacles such as debris humans have thrown away (old appliances, etc.) or rotting trees under the surface can trap a swimming animal. Another danger to be aware of. Lakes and ponds in neighborhoods, parks and golf courses may have chemicals in them to ward off algae and some of those chemicals can cause skin problems, neurology problems and liver damage to your dog.

Residential lakes and ponds may also have other chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Obviously these are dangerous for your dog to swim in and ingest. Bodies of water that have lots of motor boats on them may have a high concentration of motor oil and gas in them.

Using a dog life jacket on your dog will help you while boating or on the dock. If your dog falls in the water, the handles on the life jacket will make it easy to retrieve your dog from the water. Bring fresh water for your dog to drink when going on outings around water. Don’t let your dog drink the water from the lake or pond.

If you are at a pool, make sure it has steps and show them to your dog so he/she caneasily get in and out of the pool. Do not leave your dog alone around bodies of water. Always supervise your dog, even if he/she is wearing a dog life vest. Keep your pool in your own backyard covered when you aren’t using it. Make sure the chlorine in the pool is not bothering your dog’s eyes and skin.

Keep your dog from drinking the chlorinated pool water. The chlorine levels are higher than tap water.

Hose your dog off after a swim in the pool. If you take your dog to the ocean, make sure he is wearing a flotation device (life jacket) and keep an eye on him. The undertow and currents can sweep your pet away very quickly. Don’t allow your dog to go out very far in the ocean. If you are throwing a ball or stick for them, try to throw it in very shallow water.

Keep an eye out for jellyfish.

If your dog gets red, itchy bumps on his skin, he may have been bitten by sea lice. As with other bodies of water, do not let your dog drink the sea water. Bring some fresh water for him.

Don’t let your dog get too tired in the water. Specially with pups or older dogs that tire easily.

After swimming in the ocean, hose off your dog to get the salt off of him. Salt can irritate the skin. Clean his ears too after a swim and make sure they are dry to lessen the chance of bacterial ear infections. It may seem like so many deterrent and things to watch out for when letting your dog swim, that it just isn’t worth the trouble. If you have a dog that loves water, buy a kiddie pool for the backyard and let him play in that. Some dogs enjoy playing in sprinklers too. But if you do let your dog near larger bodies of water, be sure to heed the cautions listed above and always have your dog wear a life vest. Life jackets for dogs can save your dog’s life.

But, unfortunately swimming does not come naturally to all dogs. Some breeds cannot swim at all or if they do, it’s very hard for them to do. These breeds include Dachshunds, Corgis, Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Pugs Boston Terriers, and Scottish Terriers. There are some breeds that are natural swimmers. These include most Spaniels,Poodles, Setters, Retrievers, Akitas, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Hungarian Pulis.

Some dogs can swim like Chihuahuas and Malteses but because they are prone to health problems such as hypothermia, arthritis, etc., take care with letting in the water. You can teach dogs who don’t naturally swim, how to swim. Many of the same things you do when teaching children to swim are the same things you do when teaching dogs.

Rule number 1: Never leave a dog unattended in the water. Also try to take them to a quiet area where they will not be distracted or frightened.

You want your dog to be calm and focused. Keep your voice positive.

Do not throw your dog in the water and don’t try to force him in. Instead lure your dog into the water with a treat (if he’s food motivated) or a toy (if he’s toy oriented).

If your dog doesn’t want to go in the water, sit on the side of the pool, or better yet, on one of the steps leading into the pool with your dog and try just putting his paws in the water. If he lets you do it, give him praise and a treat. By sitting on the steps, this also shows your dog how to get out of the pool.

Once your dog is in the pool, hold him gently under his waist ( even if he is heavy, he will feel much lighter in water) and let him paddle. He will eventually feel comfortable enough to do this on his own without you holding him. For added protection, there are life jackets for dogs out on the market that will keep your dog safe while in the water.