How to Keep Your Dog Safe Around Water: Swimming, Beaches & Pool Time

Most dogs love water — splashing in lakes, chasing waves at the beach, lounging by the pool, or joining you on boat days. But here’s the hard truth: water safety for dogs is often overlooked, and accidents can happen quickly, even with strong swimmers.

Whether your dog is a natural-born water lover or a curious beginner, keeping them safe requires the right equipment, the right training, and the right awareness of potential hazards.

Here’s everything you need to know to make swimming and water activities fun, safe, and stress-free.

1. Not All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers

The idea that every dog instinctively knows how to swim is a myth. Some breeds are built for water:

• Labrador Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers

• Poodles

• Portuguese Water Dogs

• Newfoundlands

But others struggle due to body structure:

• Bulldogs

• French Bulldogs

• Pugs

• Dachshunds

• Corgis

These breeds tire quickly, sink easily, or struggle to keep their head above water because of short legs, heavy chests, or flat faces.

Every dog can learn to enjoy water — but no dog should be forced, and many require flotation support.

2. Always Use a Dog Life Jacket — Even If Your Dog Is Experienced

A proper dog life jacket is the #1 piece of safety gear for water-loving pups. Why? Because even great swimmers can get tired, swept by currents, or overwhelmed.

A high-quality life jacket should have:

✔ Strong buoyancy

Keeps your dog afloat with minimal effort.

✔ A secure, adjustable fit

Prevents twisting or slipping underwater.

✔ Easy-grab handles on top

Critical for lifting your dog out of the water quickly.

✔ Bright or reflective colors

Ensures visibility in open water.

Silver Paw’s aquatic safety gear is designed for comfort, buoyancy, and fast-grab rescue — all essentials for real-world water safety.

3. Start Slow & Build Water Confidence

If your dog is new to swimming, never toss them into water. Instead:

Step 1: Start in shallow, calm water

Let them explore at their own pace.

Step 2: Praise every small step

Confidence grows with positive reinforcement.

Step 3: Let your dog paddle while supported

Hold the handle on their life jacket to help them stay afloat.

Step 4: Keep early sessions short

Swimming is far more exhausting than walking.

This process builds trust and prevents panic.

4. Stay Alert to Water Hazards

Water looks peaceful — but it hides risks.

Currents & Waves

Even mild currents can pull a dog out farther than intended.

Cold Water Shock

Cold temperatures cause muscles to tense instantly, making swimming difficult.

Blue-Green Algae

Toxic to dogs and can be deadly if ingested.

Deep Drop-Offs

Dogs can panic if the ground suddenly disappears beneath them.

Pool Chemicals

Chlorine irritates eyes and skin.

Saltwater

Drinking it leads to dehydration and stomach issues.

Understanding the environment prevents accidents.

5. Pool Safety: Don’t Assume Dogs Know How to Exit

This is one of the biggest homeowner mistakes.

Dogs need a clear, visible exit route.

Even experienced swimmers can panic if they can’t find the steps.
To keep them safe:

• Teach your dog where the pool steps are

• Use visual markers or mats to guide them

• Never allow unsupervised pool access

• Use pool ramps designed for dogs if needed

Most drowning accidents happen because the dog couldn’t find a way out.

6. Keep Play Sessions Calm & Controlled

Water play gets dogs excited — sometimes too excited.

To prevent accidents:

• Avoid allowing multiple dogs to pile into water at once

• Stop fetch games if waves are strong

• Never let your dog chase waterfowl far from shore

• Monitor for overexertion or heavy panting

Safety > hype.

7. Rinse, Dry & Check Your Dog After Every Water Session

Water can be rough on skin, coat, and ears. After swimming:

✔ Rinse your dog thoroughly

Removes chlorine, salt, bacteria, and algae.

✔ Dry their ears

Prevents infections — especially in floppy-eared breeds.

✔ Brush their coat

Removes tangles and distributes natural oils.

✔ Check paws and belly

Sand, shells, and debris get stuck easily.

A few minutes of post-swim care prevents irritation and infections.

8. Hydrate — Don’t Let Your Dog Drink Pool or Lake Water

Dogs swallow water instinctively when swimming.
That water may contain:

• Chlorine

• Bacteria

• Parasites

• Algae

• Salt

Bring fresh water for your dog to drink before and after swimming to prevent dehydration and illness.

Final Thoughts: Water Is Fun — When You Respect the Risks

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, enrichment, and joy for dogs — but it’s only safe when you prepare for the risks. With a life jacket, careful supervision, environmental awareness, and post-swim care, you can turn every water session into a safe adventure.

The goal isn’t to scare your dog away from water.
It’s to protect them while they enjoy it.
Because when your dog is safe, confident, and comfortable, water becomes the playground it’s meant to be.