Water play with your dog, but watch out for the dangers!

Safe swimming water

Have you planned a swimming outing with your four-legged friend? Then it is first important to check in advance whether dogs are allowed at your swimming destination. Especially in the high season, dogs are not allowed to swim everywhere. There are various dog beaches, swimming ponds, and off-leash areas throughout the Netherlands where you can go with your dog, but make sure to check this well beforehand. This way you avoid unnecessary disappointments.

It is also very important to monitor the quality of the swimming water. With persistent warm weather, water temperatures rise rapidly, giving bacteria the chance to multiply quickly. Especially with stagnant water, caution is needed. The chance that blue-green algae are present in this water or that the water is contaminated with bacteria such as legionella and botulism (recognizable by dead birds and/or fish in and around the water) is quite high. These bacteria are dangerous for both humans and animals and can cause unpleasant side effects or even death. So avoid places with stagnant water as much as possible.

When you let your four-legged friend swim in chlorinated water or seawater, be sure to watch that the dog does not ingest too much of this water. Swimming in chlorinated and seawater increases the chance of irritated eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, make sure to bring drinking water for your dog and let him/her drink before and during swimming. Rinse the dog after swimming and dry him/her well so that he/she ingests less chlorine or seawater when licking their coat dry.

Finally, always check the water temperature. Swallowing (a lot of) cold water can cause stomach torsion in some dogs, and cold water is also not beneficial for a dog's muscles and joints.

Do you feel less inclined to go out with your dog on a hot day because, for example, you don’t have public swimming water nearby? Then a dog pool is a good alternative. These are made of strong plastic and have a sturdy outer wall. There are various types of water toys available that, for example, float and are suitable for hours of fun. Another fun activity is "cookie biting": throw some small snacks into a shallow pool and let your dog search for them on the bottom. Water fun guaranteed!

View all healthy and grain-free snacks from Riverwood here.

Do you have a dog that can swim well and also enjoys being in and around the water? Then definitely go into the water with your four-legged friend on warm days, but make sure you are prepared. We wish you and your dog(s) lots of safe water fun!


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