Can dogs swim in the ocean for long periods of time?
While your pup may never want to leave the water, it is a good idea to give him or her some breaks. Rough tides can be quickly tiring and may make it difficult for a dog to swim back to shore. If your dog is coughing after swimming in the ocean, this may mean he or she ingested too much water. Diarrhea is another symptom of saltwater intake. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, call your local veterinary provider.
Is it OK for dogs to swim in the ocean?
It can be, with the right precautions. There are some hazards associated with dogs swimming: ocean waves, salt and wildlife.
Tip #1: Avoid rough waters. Just as with humans, its essential to pay close attention to riptides, the undertow and what nearby lifeguards are saying about the current conditions. You can also check the current surf reports. Never bring your dog out on high surf advisories, even if your pet is used to the ocean. Generally, the tides need to be safe enough for small children in order to consider bringing your dog into the waters.
Tip #2: Dont let your dog drink the water. Can dogs drink salt water? Ocean water, as we know, is salty. As your dog swims and runs around the beach, it will get thirsty. But drinking ocean water is not good for your dog as the salt will lead to dehydration or diarrhea.
Tip #3: Be careful of ocean wildlife. Theres lots of fun for your dog to have on the surface of the ocean but lurking below are some dangers of which you should be aware. Dont let your dog lick or eat jellyfish, shellfish, starfish or urchins as they have toxins that can harm your pet. Red tides, which are large growths of algae that form in the ocean, are extremely dangerous for dogs and humans alike, so if there is any indication of them, stay out of the water.
Tip #4: Observe any irregular breathing, vomiting or scratching after your dog swims in the ocean. They may mean your dog got exhausted, ingested saltwater or encountered wildlife.
Can Dogs Swim in Saltwater Pools?
Dogs can swim in saltwater pools, just as they can swim in the ocean. However, the same precautions should apply.
Avoid letting your dog drink an excessive amount of water from saltwater pools. Just because the water is from a man-made pool instead of the natural ocean doesn’t make the water any safer to ingest.
You should also make sure to follow the guidelines above for bathing your dog before and after swimming in the saltwater pool. As with swimming in the ocean, avoid bathing your dog before their swim to make sure they have natural oils that protect them from salt water.
Once your dog is done swimming, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to get rid of any excess salt that might be leftover in their coat.
What Diseases Can You Catch While Swimming?
You dont have to choose between your pet and your wallet when it comes to expensive vet visits. Prepare ahead of time for unexpected vet bills by finding the pawfect pet insurance.
Samuel Coleridge once wrote, “Water, water, everywhere/Nor any drop to drink.” While pet parents know full well the dangers of drinking seawater, your canine compadre is oblivious to this fact.
If you live near the beach, Rowdy probably loves nothing more than digging in the sand and splashing in the waves, which could lead to them ingesting seawater. But what are the dangers of drinking saltwater for dogs? And what do you do if your dog drinks seawater? Heres the lowdown.