06/03/2026
It's a common misconception that all dogs are natural swimmers. Many breeds, especially bulldogs, pugs, and dachshunds, struggle in water. Even strong swimmers can panic, tire out, or fall in unexpectedly. Pool drownings are one of the most common summer pet emergencies, and most happen when no one is watching. 🏊♀️
Keep pools fenced, install easy exit points like ramps, and never leave pets unsupervised near water. For boating or open water, use a dog life jacket, even for confident swimmers. After swimming, rinse off chlorine and salt, dry their ears thoroughly to prevent infections, and provide fresh drinking water (lake and pool water can make them sick).
Water can be fun, but it always deserves respect.
Got questions about your pet and water safety? Ask your vet.