Water Safety Tips From Blu

You might think your pet can doggie-paddle, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. If you plan on bringing your pet to the pool, here's some safety tips:

At the Pool

• Make sure the water in shallow and the there is no distraction when first introducing your dog to water.
• Keep your dog on a leash until you know he can swim.
• Get into the water with him.
• Never throw your pet into the pool.
• If he doesn't want to go, don’t force him.
• Keep it positive. You want him or her to enjoy the experience.
• Rinse your dog off after swimming as chlorine can irritate and dry out his skin.

At the Beach

Most dogs love the surf but there are also safety concerns to consider before hitting the beach:

• Just like humans, watch out for riptides and currents. Avoid letting your pet in rough seas.
  
• Don't let your pet drink the water. Salt water will make him sick. Bring fresh water to the beach for your pet
• Don't let your dog eat anything that has washed on shore - dead fish, crabs, trash are all health hazards
• Rinse off your pet after a trip to the beach to remove sand or salt which can dry out his skin.