Fun Water Activities for Dogs: Making a Splash with your Canine Companion
Summer is here! There isn’t a better time to enjoy the water than when you include your dogs. Read along as we take a look at some of the fun activities that you can do with your dog in the pool, lake, or ocean!
Dogs enjoy getting out on the water in a variety of ways. Boating is one of them. Feeling the air rushing by them, they view this shared time with you with all the enthusiasm expected in man’s best friend! They also love surfing and boogie boards. Just be sure to have your dog fitted with the proper floatation vest to keep them safe.
Towing is another fun way to expend the energy of your pup. Teach your dog to grab the rope on a flotation device that you are laying on and encourage them to pull you around on it. Just be aware of your dog’s physical ability and endurance and watch them closely for fatigue.
Canoeing and paddle boarding are great pastimes to enjoy this summer with your dog. Place the canoe on dry ground and encourage your dog to investigate the canoe jumping in and out of it until they are comfortable. Once you are able to control them by voice command to be able to sit quietly, you can then push into the calm waters and paddle away! The same method can be used with the paddle board. As with many of these water sports, outfitting your dog with the correct size water vest will ensure their protection should he/she go into the water.
Enjoy a freestyle swim with your pup. Let them splash and swim around like the child they are at heart! Retrieving is pretty straightforward, throw a stick, ball or disc and watch them plow into the surf to bring it back for another round of fun.
Dog diving is for those breeds who LOVE to retrieve and don’t mind swimming under the water to get it! Whatever the ‘it’ is they are game, just keep a close eye on their hydration and fatigue levels and handle them appropriately. Be aware of eye irritants and look into providing your pup with goggles to protect them from sun, surf and debris.
Dock jumping is a major sport for dogs and their owners. You don’t have to be a pro at this though. All you need is an eager dog and the help of someone to hold them until you toss the object you want them to jump for high and far away from whatever you want them to launch off of. Make sure that the entire area surrounding the jumping platform as well as the water 20 feet out or so is free from limbs, rocks or other things that could cause injury to your canine. Also make sure that the water is deep enough for them to dive into safely.
Check your local area out for water parks and pools that allow your dogs to join you. Many municipalities have an end-of-summer fun day at the pool event that your social and happy dog just might enjoy.
You don’t have to go anywhere to have summer water fun with your dog. Setting up a dog-friendly “water park” in your yard is an excellent option. You can purchase water pads and sprinklers that are made just for your dog to interact with.
Using some pvc and ingenuity you can make your own hoops they can jump through, place flexible tunnels for them to slide through and be sure to have on hand plenty of ball launchers for fetch or retrieve games.
Freezing fruits and vegetables that are dog safe in ice trays, bowls and buckets and then placing them throughout your yard is a great way to help your dog maintain his hydration and energy levels.
If you have a digger, place a kiddie/doggie pool on a large tarp and fill it with sand. Hide exciting toys or treats and let them have fun finding them. Cleaning up will be simpler with the tarp there to catch the flying sand!
Never underestimate the fun quotient of BUBBLES! Dogs love jumping for them and you can purchase premade and flavored ones or make your own at home. Use your imagination here.
A day of fun and sun isn’t complete without enticing water toys and a shade station for your pup to relax in out of the sun. Check out these recommendations of water toys your dog might enjoy. Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of cool water and a shady place to relax and recharge.
Throughout your day of fun in the water with your pup, frequently check them for cuts on paw pads or scrapes on their body. Look at their eyes and ears and make sure to dry their ears well after being in the water. Check exposed skin for sunburn paying particular attention to the nose area and tips of their ears.
Playing with your dog in the water this summer will be fun and safe if you follow some of the basics. Watch for fatigue in your dog, always remain near them in case they fatigue quickly. Have a dog emergency kit for minor issues. Keep emergency clinics and veterinary hospital numbers close by in a waterproof packet. Bring plenty of towels, fresh water, bowls and food/snacks.
With a bit of preplanning, whether you are going out to enjoy the water or staying home in your backyard, you are going to have a terrific day around the water with your dog!
By trying some of these tips I am confident that you and your dog will be worn out and ready to sleep at the end of your day!
