Tag Archive for: water

Fun Water Activities for Dogs: Making a Splash with your Canine Companion 

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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! 

 

Do All Dogs Swim & Do They All Like Water?

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Do All Dogs Swim & Do They All Like Water?

The questions above are valid, and should be explored when looking to see if a particular dog is the right fit for their family. Many homeowners have backyard pools, or live near the ocean and other large bodies of water. While there are many dogs that are natural swimmers, there are some that may need a bit of training in order to keep them water safe, and still others that are probably not going to be safe anywhere near water.

More and more dog owners really enjoy going hiking and camping and they love sharing that experience with their beloved pet! When we are finished here, hopefully you are going to have a better idea what dogs are the safest to have around lakes, streams and other large bodies of water.

I think it is safe to say that there are some breeds of dog that just do not like water. First off we will look at those specific dogs that don’t like the water or are not very good swimmers. Secondly, we will see what breed of dogs like being in the water, and then we’ll conclude with the answer to the question of “Do All Dogs Swim?”

Dog breeds that are not the best for swimming

The flattened snout of the Pug with their unusually narrow trachea and nasal passages along with a long soft palate can cause the airway to restrict, causing panic and stress in water. While a particular pug may like the water, many just can’t get enough air into their lungs with the added effort needed to stay afloat.

French Bulldogs again are short snouted and have similar issues as the Pug. They have wide chests and shorter legs and their body type is dense. Most Frenchies do not like water and owners are wise to secure their dog around water with a personal restraint or fencing that they cannot get through.

Dachshunds can and do love the water but owners should always supervise them. With their long bodies and short legs it can be difficult to keep their heads above water. Like the Pug and French Bulldogs the Dachshunds can be made safer in the water if they like it, by using an approved and well fitting dog life vest.

Low body fat dogs like Whippet, Dobermans, and Greyhounds are not as buoyant and may not take to the water very well. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier like other bully types have large heavy heads that make it hard to keep their noses above the water.

While the Basset Hound is adorable with those big floppy ears, it’s their short legs and large heavy body that can cause them to sink more than swim. Since they have those droopy ears they tend to have issues with ear infections so being in the water may not be the best bet for these wonderful hounds.

Smaller dogs like the Maltese, Yorkie and Pomeranians have the problem of small trachea that can collapse with over exertion. Swimming can be strenuous so it is best if these cute little guys and gals stay high and dry on land!

Dog breeds that love to swim

The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog and fisherman’s friend! They can range from 35 pounds for a female up to 60 pounds for a male. Their smaller size makes them an ideal boating companion. They have wavy or tightly curled coats and have energy and enthusiasm that makes them ideal for dock-diving competition or an all around happy fun companion!

Did you know that the Poodle is a water dog? “Pudl” is German for to splash in water! They are bred to retrieve and have a curly dense single layer coat that comes in any number of colors. The toy is about 5 pounds, the miniature is approximately 12 pounds and the standard size can weigh up to 70 pounds. This breed is a favorite with families no matter what size you get them in!

Labrador Retrievers are consistently a favorite among families with children. They love to please their people and it can be a full time job keeping them OUT of the water! This wonderful sporting dog has a dense but smooth water resistant coat that comes in black, yellow or chocolate. They tend to be in the 70-90 pound weight range, so be sure that you allow plenty of room for them and consistent time for their exercise.

The Newfoundland is an expert and powerful swimmer. This breed thrives on water rescues and have worked side by side with fishermen for many years. Their coat lies flat and is medium length but thick. This is a large dog with the males weighing in at up to 150 pounds. Newfoundland’s are loyal dogs that truly love being in and around water everyday!

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers or Chessie is known for its waterproof coat. They have a strong mind and soft mouth that compliment their wavy coats and bright eyes. Males can be up to 80 pounds and have an average energy level. Plenty of positive training will keep this pup happy all day long.

The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, tolerant working dog that fits very well within families. They are easy to train but have a high energy level and need plenty of exercise especially in the water! They are pretty average in size for a large dog. Most weigh around 70 pounds.

Do all dogs swim?

Well, I think we have discovered that there are several dog breeds that may not be the best suited for being in the water. The ones with small stout noses and those with low body fat are just not as adaptable and therefore would not benefit from being in the water. Not all dogs know how to swim. They may love the water but have no idea how to navigate in it.

Remember it’s wise to carefully research the physical capabilities and other strengths of the breed before you bring them home to your family. Knowing the energy levels, body density and overall tendencies of a particular breed will aid you in finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

As with anything new, you will want to introduce your dog to water and swimming in a positive way. By taking the time at the very beginning you will help them feel more confident in the water.

Start by introducing them to the shallower water first, let them get comfortable with the temperature of the water. Too cold water can adversely affect your dog. Give them time to adjust to the feel of the ground under them. Sometimes there are big slippery rocks and other times it’s muddy and slimy. It’s also important that you always supervise your dog in and around water, even the best swimmers can encounter fatigue, get caught or stuck on something or become stressed while swimming.

Preventative measures such as having your dog outfitted with a dog life preserver, even for strong swimmers is a great way to keep your dog safe in the water. Drying your dog’s ears after their time in the water will help to prevent ear infections.

Check with your veterinarian about preventative measures for waterborne bacteria and or parasites. Make sure you provide flea and tick protection in the forested and grassland areas you will be hiking through. Also, know the area you will be swimming in and be aware of any water predators like, poisonous snakes, alligators or even sharks.

Conclusion

In closing we want you to have a safe and wonderful time in the water. Enjoying your dog’s enthusiasm for swimming and playing in the water will strengthen your bond and provide years of cool, wet fun!

5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer

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5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer

With heatwaves sweeping the country it’s important to keep your pets cool in the summer. We have a few ideas you can try to help cool down your pets. Some of these ideas are great for indoor and outdoor use, others are more suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

1. Refill Water Dishes Daily or as Needed

Keeping your pets hydrated is one of the best ways to help keep them cool.You should be refilling water dishes at least once a day but if you notice your pets dish is getting low or empty, make sure to refill it. Dogs need between 0.5-1 ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. Cats need 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.

If you’re looking for some more creative ways to keep your pets hydrated check out our recent post.

2. Frozen Treats

You can either purchase or make your own frozen treats to help keep your pets cool and hydrated. Here’s a recipe for our Frozen Apple Smoothie Bites. But if you’re not into making treats, companies like The Bear & The Rat make healthy frozen treats for dogs and cats.

3. Cooling Mat

Cooling mats are a nice way to help pets get that full body cool down during the hot days. These work similar to ice packs in that you chill them or fill them with cool water and they’ll stay cool for quite awhile. These a great to keep on hand even if you don’t plan on using them outside in case your AC breaks. Recently mine went out for a few days and it was sweltering in here. I laid out a few of these and everyone eventually found one to lay on.

Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs on Amazon, Starting @ $35.97

4. Cooling Bandana/Towel

Cooling bandana’s and towels cool your pet by using evaporation. For these, you’ll dunk them in water, ring them out, and then put them on your pet – unless it instructs you otherwise. As your pet hangs out outside the water will evaporate and create a nice cooling sensation for your pet.

ALL FOR PAWS Chill Out Dog Ice Bandana on Amazon, Starting @ $15.05

5. Cooling Vest

Is a bandana or towel not enough for your pet? Try out these cooling vests! They work the same way as the bandanas and towels but provide the full body experience of the cooling mat while your pet can still be on the move.

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket on Amazon, Starting @ $32.95

RUFFWEAR, Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest on Amazon @ $59.95

and a bonus….

6. Stay in the shade or AC

With record temperatures hitting the country, sometimes the best thing to do is stay indoors in the AC or near a fan. If you have to go out, try to stick to shaded areas.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

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The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

We all know the importance of drinking water daily. But did you know it’s just as important for your pets to stay hydrated as you?

  • Water maintains healthy cell function: Just like in humans, water makes up the majority of our pets cells and is essential to keeping healthy cell function.
  • Helps aid in digestion: Water plays a function in helping your pet digest food. Not enough water means they may have digestive issues.
  • Helps aid in nutrient absorption:  Similar to digestion, water helps your pet absorb nutrients from their food.
  • Makes movement easier: Water helps to lubricate your pets joints and helps to cushion them. Without enough water your pet may have trouble moving and may be in pain.

As you can see, water provides essential functions for life. Make sure your pet is getting between .05-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to help maintain healthy functions.

Here’s some of our favorite ways to help keep your pet hydrated!

  • Add more water bowls: Want to change it up? Try out a fountain with your pet or add ice discs to keep the water cool.
  • Freeze wet dog food to create a pupsicle: Stock up on wet food that comes in a pouch this season. Cut a small hole into the pouch, add a bit of water (ideal for pâté food), and insert a popsicle stick. Let freeze until solid.
  • Add water to your pets food: A simple trick to get more water into your pets diet, add a few teaspoons or tablespoons of water to their food.
  • Fresh fruit as a treat: Blueberries, apple slices, seedless watermelon, and cantaloupe are all hydrating and healthy treats for your dog.Pet Hydration Ideas Infographic

Have you tried any of these ways to keep your pet hydrated? Let us know your favorite methods in the comments!