07/14/2026
Dr. Walker’s pups, Benny and Jerry, are pros at staying cool in the summer heat! 🌊🐾 While swimming is a fantastic form of exercise and enrichment for dogs, it’s important to be mindful of a few potential risks to keep your furry friends safe and healthy.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
🐶 Ear Infections: Water trapped in the ear canal can create a perfect environment for yeast or bacteria to grow. Check your dog’s ears after every swim and dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. You can also clean after swimming with an over-the-counter ear cleaner and some soft cotton balls or gauze! Signs of an infection include redness, odor, head shaking, or scratching.
🐶 Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis): Thick-coated breeds like Jerry (our Newfoundland) are especially prone to these. Trapped moisture against the skin can quickly lead to painful, inflamed, and infected sores. Ensure you rinse off any pond, river, or ocean water with fresh water and dry them completely, especially around the collar and dense fur.
🐶 Algae Ingestion: Keep a close watch for any signs of blue-green algae (often looks like pea soup, green paint, or scum) on the surface of the water. Ingestion is highly toxic and can be fatal. Never let your dog swim in or drink from water that appears discolored, murky, or has a suspicious odor.
🐶 Water Intoxication (Hyponatremia): Believe it or not, dogs can drink too much water while swimming! This dilutes sodium levels in the blood and can be dangerous. Limit intense fetching games in the water, and monitor your dog for signs like lethargy, bloating, stumbling, or vomiting.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has been swimming, give us a call right away! 📞 Stay safe and have a wonderful summer! ☀️😎
