Dog walking safety near water

There’s nothing like a quick swim to keep your dogs cool on a hot summer day and some water babies will enjoy a dip all year round. Being aware of some basic dog walking safety near water will ensure you keep all your dogs safe whilst still enjoying a swim.

1. Stay away from fast flowing rivers
2. Watch for hidden dangers under the water
3. Be mindful of the wildlife
4. Watch out for blue-green algae
5. Be aware of man-made hazards
6. Know the signs of water intoxication
7. Have an emergency plan just in case

Stay away from fast flowing rivers

Heavy rainfall can change your usual swimming spot into a hazardous activity. Always visually check the river before letting your dogs offlead.

Not only does the speed and volume of water increase, but the amount of debris being carried along by the water also increases. This floating debris can stop even the strongest of swimmers from exiting the river if they’re washed away.

Watch for hidden dangers under the water

Some dogs love to dive into the water but be careful of any hidden dangers under the surface.

Rocks and branches can cause injuries if they’re landed on so make sure the water is deep enough for your more excitable divers.

Canals can be surprisingly deep and with sheer sides, they’re difficult for dogs to get out of, especially if they’re disused. Reservoirs should be approached with caution for the same reasons. Sheer sides and deep, cold water under the surface layer can lead to cold shock in dogs

Be mindful of the wildlife

Although there has never been a recorded incident of a swan breaking someone’s arm (it’s a myth, sorry) their attacks are incredibly intimidating and they defend themselves by pushing the dog underwater. They are incredibly aggressive during the breeding season in protecting their cygnets so never allow your dogs to swim near swans.

Although less aggressive, other wildfowl and ducks may make the most exciting noises according to dogs but it’s good practice not to allow your dogs to chase or stress any wildlife. Make sure your dogs have awesome recall skills even with distractions.

Any body of inland water in the UK is likely to have a colony of rats nearby and therefore the possibility of catching leptospirosis from contaminated rats’ urine in the water. Although dogs don’t need to be vaccinated to be walked by a dog walker (they do to be boarded or kennelled in the UK) it’s a good idea to know if your dogs have been or if you should avoid water with the unvaccinated ones.

Watch out for blue-green algae

Blooms of blue-green algae appear mainly in stagnant (non flowing) bodies of water in warmer weather. So lakes and reservoirs are commonly affected.

The algae is highly toxic to dogs and has no antidote, so it’s hugely important that you can recognise what it looks like and avoid swimming in it or drinking it. If you suspect your dog has been swimming in it rinse them immediately with fresh water and seek medical advice. Most dogs who come into contact with it sadly do not survive, and those who so are left with lifelong health issues. 

Be aware of man-made hazards

Along with the usual warnings about stopping your dogs picking up dropped food, the beach can wash up all types of unsavoury items that your dogs might want to attempt to eat or harm themselves by standing on. Broken glass is often half hidden in the sand or shingle and more and more reports come each year of palm oil being washed up.

Inland the same rules apply regarding dropped food and general littering and, if walking near popular fishing spots, you might also have to deal with fish hooks and fishing line.

Know the signs of water intoxication

When your dog is swimming they are going to ingest some of the water they’re swimming in. If they’re retrieving a ball or toy, then their water intake will be increased.

When a dog takes in too much water it dilutes the sodium levels in the blood. This is called hyponatremia. Hyponatremia causes the cells to swell throughout the body, including the brain. When the brain swells it increases pressure against the skull which, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage, or even death.

It is a rare condition but if you suspect a dog in your care may have hyponatremia after swimming and is showing some or all of the following symptoms take them to a vet as an emergency.

Symptoms include;

• lethargy
• bloating
• glazed eyes
• loss of coordination/staggering
• Drooling excessively
• pale gums
• Vomiting water
• dilated pupils

Dogs who tend to splash and agitate the water more when they swim tend to be at higher risk of water intoxication. Smaller dogs with a lower fat percentage are also affected faster than larger dogs.

To reduce the risk give the splashers plenty of breaks in between swims to reduce their swimming time and if you’re playing fetch with a toy replace the ball with a flatter toy that the dog can close his mouth around and keep more water out.

Have an emergency plan just in case

If one of the dogs in your care gets into trouble whilst swimming the official advice is NOT to go in after them. Call the emergency services on 999 and ask for the coastguard or fire brigade depending on your location.

Having the what3words app on your phone will give an accurate location within 3 square metres for them to find you.

Ensure the safety of all the other dogs in your care by putting them back on their leads and away from the water.

Most importantly keep your first aid certification up to date with refreshers every few years so that you know how to resuscitate a dog.

dog walking safety near water