Even if you travel all the time, you know that staying in hotels with dogs can get really stressful! There is just so much that can go wrong, that it’s easy to be on edge leading up to your trip. Before you start planning your getaway, be sure and ask yourself a few questions. Once you ask those and prepare yourself for what may be to come, you will be more prepared for your trip.
What questions should you be asking yourself? Well, things like “Will they welcome my dog?” “Will my dog behave?” “Are there rules specific toward canine visitors?” are great things to know before you head out. Having the answers to these questions can help make your trip a more stress free one.
10 tips for staying in hotels with dogs
Following these tips will help ensure you have a good trip with your furry friend!
Call ahead
I know that many people think dogs should be allowed anywhere. Unfortunately, they are not. A simple phone call or even a Google search can give you the answer as to whether or not you can bring your dog with you.
You may be tempted to, but don’t leave it up to chance. Just call the hotel ahead and make sure that dogs are welcome. It’s okay if they are not, there will be other hotels that welcome your dog. Do not, under any circumstances, try and sneak your pet into the hotel with you. First of all, that’s just not cool. Second, you can be kicked out and then what will you do?
Some hotels may have size or breed restrictions. You should also check to see if they have any other requirements. For example, you may need to keep your dog in a crate if you are leaving your room. So, make sure that you pack everything that may be needed.
Think about your dog’s preferences
Your dog likely has preferences and even triggers. Make sure the hotel that you are booking is something you think your dog will be comfortable with. If your dog is used to quiet and outdoors, look for a hotel that is a bit more spacious with outdoor space. If your dog is a social butterfly, you may feel a little more comfortable to book a room in a busy, more urban hotel.
Think about your preferences
Yes, you want your dog to be comfortable, but you need to be comfortable too! No one wants to stay in a hotel they hate. Am I right?
Find out what the hotel offers
Okay, so yes you have confirmed that your dog is allowed but exactly how dog friendly is the hotel? Some hotels are comfortable saying that dogs are welcome, but some hotels are very, very dog friendly. Some hotels offer dog beds, food bowls and more. Double check so you know what to expect.
Make sure your room has easy outdoor access
Before your trip, be sure to call and find out what room you will be getting and be sure and request a room that allows you to have easy access to the outdoors so your doggy potty trips aren’t a big production.
Make sure your dog is properly trained
This one should be a given, but let’s talk about it anyway. When hotels allow dogs to stay, they are making the assumption that your dog is house trained and will not be having accidents in the room. Make sure that your dog is fully trained before you take them to stay anywhere.
Additionally, make sure that they are well socialized. A hotel is going to have other people in it, and likely other dogs. If you are taking your dog, be sure that they are well behaved around other people and pets.
Pack food, treats, toys, and blankets
To keep your dog happy, be sure to bring a blanket or two at home, so your dog can have a comfortable item with the smells of home. Also be sure to bring along your dog’s regular food, treats, and toys with you.
Also, don’t forget their food and water dishes too (these collapsible travel ones are my fave!).
Go for a walk
As soon as you get to the hotel, grab the leash and head out for a walk! This will get your dog the exercise and fresh air that they need, plus it will get them more comfortable with their surroundings.
Stick to a routine
Do you have a routine at home? If your dog is used to a routine, be sure and follow it while you are at a hotel. If your dog is used to going outside to potty at 5:30 am, then be sure and be ready to head out at 5:30. Dog’s don’t care that you are on vacation. They need their structure.
Don’t leave your dog alone
Do not, under any circumstances, leave your dog alone in the hotel room unless you are 100% sure that your dog is happy to have you leave. Dogs can be very destructive when they are anxious and trust me, you do not want your dog damaging a hotel room.
These tips will definitely help keep your trip low stress and enjoyable!
Do you like to hike? Hiking is a great way to exercise and a wonderful way to enjoy the nature that is surrounding us! It’s simply beautiful out there. It makes perfect sense to want to bring your dog along on your hiking adventures. You know how much you love experiencing all of the sights and sounds around you, so just imagine your sweet pup experiencing that as well.
Before you hit the trail with your dog though, you need to be sure that you are ready. Just like you need to be sure that you are prepared for a hike, you need to make sure that you prepare for your dog to get out there too. You need to be sure that you have all of the right supplies and equipment for a safe and successful hike.
Tips for hiking with your dog
Dogs are the best kind of companion on every given day, but they are an exceptionally wonderful outdoor companion. They are always willing and excited to head out on the trail with you. The health benefits that you both experience from these adventures are an added bonus.
There are several considerations that you need to think about before you head out though in order to have the best trip you can.
Train your dog
Do not. I repeat, DO NOT head out on the trail with an untrained dog. I understand that you can’t train them for the trail before you hit the trail, but at least be sure that they know basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” before you head out.
A few other training commands to work on are “leave it” to prevent dogs from eating or messing with anything hazardous that you may find on trail and “quiet” to prevent excess barking.
While most places do have leash laws, your dog should still have a strong recall and “come” whenever you call. This is very important in case your dog manages to get away from you. It is even more important if you are letting your dog run around without a leash.
Know the hiking etiquette when hiking with your dog
There are etiquette rules when it comes to hitting the trail with dogs, and these rules are very important. Check out this to-do list of etiquette rules to follow when taking your dog out hiking:
Make sure the trail you are going on allows dogs. Not all trails are dog friendly and that’s okay. If dogs aren’t allowed on the trail, there is a good reason for it, oftentimes for your dog’s safety. You may find that you need to leave your pup home for this hike, or change your destination.
Keep your dog on a leash. While some trails are technically leash optional, keeping your dog leashed is always a good idea. You never know when you might encounter wildlife that your dog can’t help but chase and it’s important to avoid doing any damage to the habitat off trail (which can happen from your dog simply stepping off trail).
Clean up your pet’s waste. You may think that wildlife does its business outdoors, why can’t your dog, but I assure you, you need to be prepared to clean up your dog’s waste on the trail. Be sure to bring pet waste bags with you when you go. Dog waste can bring disease and pollution to the trail and this is a very important part of being a responsible pet owner and hiker. And if it’s a popular trail, other people may not appreciate having to watch where they step.
Be sure that you can always see your dog. You don’t want them getting lost or falling down somewhere.
Make sure your dog is healthy enough for a hike
You should already be making sure to take your dog to regular visits with the vet, but making sure your dog is healthy enough to hike is key for a good experience. While getting a health check up, be sure to ask if your dog’s breed is a good one for hiking long trails (not all of them are). Also, be sure to talk to the vet about the best options for flea and tick prevention.
Also, like people, dogs need to ease into exercise. Your dog won’t tell you if they are injured or tired so you should be mindful when hiking. The last thing you want is to have to try and carry your large dog back home because they overexerted themselves (we speak from experience).
Bring the necessary equipment
You may think that you can just head on out and hike, but the reality is that yes, there is equipment needed when hiking with your dog.
When you first start hiking with your dog, things likely will not go perfectly smoothly. Just like with any other activity you decide to take on with your pet, it’s going to require a learning curve. I have no doubt that it will be a success, but you just have to put some time and effort into it.
Also, there are a few more things to remember while you are out there:
Not everyone on the trail likes dogs or likes to see dogs on the trail, so don’t force interaction.
Not all dogs on the trail are friendly. Be sure to keep your dog from running up to others.
There are lots of things on the trail that can get lost in your dog’s coat. Consider bathing them when you get back home to remove it all. And be sure to check for ticks.
Are you a camping enthusiast? Who do you like to camp with? If you are like most dog owners that I know, you probably want to make sure your camping trips include your canine companion! Spending time with your dog is always enjoyable, but spending time outdoors with your dog will be a whole new kind of fun! You can learn a lot about your dog while being outdoors. You can get a real idea of just how curious and inquisitive they are. And you might also be surprised to find out just how much energy they really have. Spending this kind of time together with your dog can help you to strengthen your bond.
Additionally, camping trips with your dog are actually quite good for you too! Being outside with your dog will encourage you to be more active, it can help you learn more about outdoor skills and frankly, it’s fun for you too!
Tips that will help trips away camping with your dog go smoothly
Following these tips will help your camping trip stay successful and fun!
Prepare in advance
Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to make a camping trip with your dog go smoothly is to prepare for it accordingly. For starters, create a to-do list of things to do before you go. This list should include the following:
Research the dog rules for the campground. The rules you want to look out for include leash requirements, dog barking ordinances, breed restrictions, and aggressive dog rules.
Schedule an appointment with your vet. Be sure to schedule an appointment with the vet to be sure that your dog is in good health, up to date on all vaccinations, and is properly protected against fleas and ticks. Additionally, be sure and get your dog microchipped if they aren’t already. Being in a new location can cause confusion for your pet, making it easier for them to get lost, a microchip can help keep them safe.
Schedule an appointment with your groomer. A freshly groomed dog can better keep their temperature regulated outdoors. Additionally, it’s important to have their nails trimmed to prevent them getting snagged on anything.
Research for emergencies. You should find where the nearest emergency animal hospital will be and keep the address and phone number handy. The last thing that you want to do is start searching for numbers in case something happens.
Pack well
Camping with dogs means packing differently than you may be used to. When packing for a camping trip with your dog, be sure to include the following items on your list:
Dog food and bowl—it’s best to pack extra food
Treats—bring lots of treats to reward your dog for listening (don’t worry all the exercise will burn the extra calories)
Water (if your camping location doesn’t have water, be sure to pack extra for your dog) and bowl
Leashes—it’s good idea to bring a variety of leashes in different lengths
Extra collars and/or harnesses—just in case your regular one breaks (make sure your phone number is on them)
Extra towels
Vet/vaccination records
A recent photo of your dog
A flea comb and tick removal tool—even if your dog is taking protection, it’s still a good idea to do a thorough check daily
Life jacket—you may want to consider this if you are bringing your dog on the water for the first time
Crate—If you have to leave your dog unattended, you may need to crate them
Dog bed and/or blanket
Bring lots of toys
Be sure to bring plenty of your dog’s favorite toys with you on your camping trip. This will help keep your dog from getting bored, as simply being outdoors will likely not keep them stimulated. And you probably want to leave those fluffy or fuzzy toys at home and stick with something waterproof and easily cleanable.
Avoid leaving you dog unattended
When camping, it is important to never leave your dog unattended. This is not your dog’s normal home, it is unfamiliar territory and you simply don’t know how your dog may react to it. He or she may be the most well-behaved dog ever, but when they are scared or confused, you may find yourself experiencing unfamiliar behavior or dogs running off. (Or that strange critter is just too tempting not to chase.) Making sure to stay with your dog at all times will help prevent these situations from happening.
It’s also advisable to bring leashes of different lengths. If you are in a crowded area (or depending on the local rules), you may only be able to use a standard 4–6′ leash. But if you are more secluded, you could have a very long leash that will give your dog more freedom to explore. You can also allow your dog to drag the leash to give him/her a sense of freedom but it’s easily grabbable in case they start exploring too much. Ideally, you have been working on your recalls with your dog and this will be a great chance to practice (remember to bring those treats).
Do a trial run before heading on a long camping trip with your dog
Before heading out to your camping trip, take your dog on a trial run first. You can do this by going on a longer walk, heading to the forest for a day, or simply staying outside all day and seeing how your dog reacts. Additionally, working on socialization (with dogs and people) is a plus. Many campgrounds get busy, so you want to be sure that your dog isn’t nervous around unfamiliar people and animals.
Keep a routine even when camping with your dog
Even though you are having this camping adventure, try and keep your routine as closely matched to your life at home as possible. For instance, if your dog sleeps in a kennel, be sure to bring your kennel. If your dog sleeps next to your bed at home, be sure and bring a dog bed for him to place in the tent with you. This will help your dog to be more comfortable and will prevent confusion and feelings of overwhelm in your dog. Try to also feed your dog at the same times as at home. Your dog may be hungrier than usual with all the exercise, so keep that in mind when packing food.
Be sure that your campsite has shade
If you are camping during the summer, your dog overheating is a real concern. To prevent this, it is important to be sure that there is a shaded spot for your dog to cool down while camping.
Camping with your dog will be a great experience. Your dog will get a chance to explore new sights, sounds, and smells. So, let them enjoy everything while you enjoy too. And take lots of pictures!!
Moving to a new house can be exciting and stressful too, both at the same time. There are so many things to be excited about, new rooms, a backyard with fruit trees, more space, and above all a new neighborhood. On the other hand it can be very stressful too because there are so many things needed to be done, like packing, moving, sorting, you name it. But wait, are you moving with one of your canine family members? It can add even more stress if you need to introduce your dog to a new home.
Yes, it’s true moving to a new house and a new neighborhood can be stressful for your dog too. With a new place and house to be explored, a lot of new smells, and a new neighborhood to be investigated, it becomes an overwhelming situation for your beloved dog too. But If planned properly this can become one of your best memories and experiences. Here are some ideas to introduce your dog to a new home and neighborhood.
Introducing your dog to a new home
You need to take your dog to your new home before moving in. Just like all the family members visit and take a tour of the new house, in the same way you can take this opportunity to introduce your dog to a new home. This way they will be able to explore the whole place and get introduced to the new smell. It will also give you an idea of what all can be done and needs to be fixed to prepare it for the arrival of your dog.
This will help your dog to become more aware of his surroundings. Check all the areas in your house with your dog’s safety in mind. This can include thinking about the floors, crawl space, basement, backyards, and every nook and cranny. Secure any areas that you don’t wish your curious pooch to get into to make sure they stay safe from harm. When you have moved in, try to guide your dog to a designated place where he can eat and sleep. Try to keep all his favorite toys and blankets in his area to help him feel comfortable and welcome there. You can keep treats on hand to reward him with as an encouragement and motivator when he displays good behavior in the new home environment.
Take it easy and slow
Keep in mind that everything is new for your pet right now, from a different house to a new neighborhood, and sometimes you can be in a new city also. There are a lot of changes both for you as well as for your dog. Thus, it is very important to take it one step at a time, letting your dog get used to this new environment. Each dog is different and under certain circumstances, they can behave differently to change. It is wise to spend even more quality time with your dog in the first few weeks after moving. This will help your pet be reassured you are here with them and you are experiencing this fun, new adventure together as a family.
Meeting your resident dog
Sometimes a family unit grows bigger in the process of a move, and if you already have a resident dog in your house, an introduction of a new canine member can be stressful to both of them. Many times when moving or getting married, the new partner may bring their pet to add to the family unit. This can be quite a challenge at the beginning and the need for patience is high in this case while the two dogs get acquainted with each other and with the new household. Thus it is important to take everything slow and let all parties involved adjust to the new environment a little better.
If you need to know how to introduce your dog to a new home and neighborhood because you are adopting a new dog from a shelter, you have to keep in mind that these dogs’ mental conditions may be different. The shelter’s environment can be very triggering for the dogs, and it does affect their mental state. So take it easy and have some down time to allow them to settle in, because adjusting to a new environment takes time.
If you are introducing a new dog, try to keep your resident dog on a leash. You can take the two dogs on a walk to explore the backyard at first and introduce them to their new space together and to each other. Walks will be important to keep them both healthy, well exercised and feeling loved. This gives you a chance to bond with both of your dogs and helps them adapt more easily to their new home and each other.
Tips to help your dog decompress
Forget expectations: You and your dog are unique, so don’t compare it to others. The process of introducing your dog to this new environment can take time.
Take your time: Ease yourself into the situation. It can take four to six weeks for your dog to get comfortable.
Stay calm.
Give them space: Create a den or safe space for your dog.
Crate train: A crate is an easy way to create a safe space for your dog.
Keep them on a leash.
Introduce your dog to new visitors and new home slowly.
Give your dog ample exercise: A good dog is a tired dog. Regular walks are good for you and your dog. And walking allows your dog to bond with you. It is also a great way to get your dog comfortable with new people and other dogs.
Keep a routine: Dogs thrive on routine. So even if you are in a new environment, keep your routine in place as much as possible.
Establish positive associations: You want your dog to feel like this new place is wonderful. So have plenty of treats ready. So you can make this time a positive experience.
Make sure to tour the new neighborhood when you introduce your dog to a new home
After moving in, look for nice places to take your pet on a walk and try to explore your neighborhood as much as possible. Walking through the neighborhood you will find out about your new neighbors, other dogs in the neighborhood, children, etc. It’s important to figure out these things so that you can help your dog get accustomed to the new environment. Try introducing your dog to the new neighborhood gradually visiting one side of the neighborhood at a time. This will allow him to explore, sniff around and be curious, but not at an overwhelming rate as in trying to take in the entirety of the whole neighborhood at once. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash as there might be some aggressive dogs, or children out playing and you’ll want to be prepared for how your pet may react.
You have to keep your dog safe and others also. As mentioned earlier, all dogs are different, thus they would behave differently. Some might become timid and some might show aggressive behavior. This makes it even more important to watch your dog carefully, and if you notice any aggressive behavior, attempt to dissolve it quickly. If they are shy or timid try to encourage them, but let them take their own time getting comfortable with their new environment. Be patient and let your dog adjust on its own. Gradually your dog will feel more and more comfortable and ready to run around at a local dog park or while out on walks with you in the neighborhood.
Ways to create a familiar environment for your dog
Dogs can adapt to a new environment fairly easily, but still, some dogs, if they are rescued or are coming from the shelter or some other environment, may take a little time. You don’t know what they have gone through. So give them some time to get acquainted with the new environment. Gradually they will start accepting and enjoying the new house. You can make it easier for your dog, by making your house pet proof.
While moving into the new house, try to introduce your dog to a designated place to eat, keeping their bowls there on a regular basis. Also, try to follow any old routines with your dog, which will help them reduce their anxiety of change. Knowing dogs have a superpower sense of smell, you could introduce a familiar scent in the new environment to help them quickly get acquainted with their new living area. Finally, check any animal hospitals nearby so you are aware of their locations in case of emergency. These helpline numbers should always be kept handy.
Dogs can sense your anxiety
Always remember dogs are very sensitive and understand their owners well. They can sense your anxiety and stress quickly. Thus, your dog will also feel the same level of stress and anxiety as you have. Change is not comfortable for anyone and it can create a lot of stress which your canine companion can pick up on from you. So it is up to you to manage your stress and help your dog feel more confident about the move and the new home. Help your dog see your excitement and it will be happy too. Taking these small steps to gently introduce your dog to a new home and neighborhood should help make things a bit easier and hopefully more stress free. Follow these tips and you and your dog are sure to have a smooth move and make lots of new memories together.
Think about your yard before you introduce your dog to a new home
When you move into a new home, you have to think about your yard as well. There are many hazards to be mindful of including lawncare products, pests, toxic plants, and wildlife. In addition to good training, learning about the plants in your yard. And putting up fencing around your property can help eliminate many of the hazards.
Toxins in your backyard
Your yard can be have a slew of plants which may look nice but are toxic to your dog. While many are not deadly and not every part of a plant is considered toxic. However, your dog can get still get really sick, so it’s best to avoid toxic plants altogether. In a previous blog, we discussed some toxic plants, but be sure to check with your local nursery to make sure your outdoor plant choices are safe.
You need to choose your mulching material carefully if you have dogs. Some popular mulches, such as cocoa bean, are toxic to dogs.
Pesticides are obviously toxic, so look for nontoxic alternatives. Some plants, such as marigolds, are natural pest repellents. A mixture of soap and water sprayed on flowers will eradicate aphids. Or you can try just a handful of ladybugs.
Be careful though, even organic alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers can be toxic to your dog, especially if consumed in large quantities. Be sure all your gardening material is safely stored so that your dog can’t access to it.
Pests & wildlife
Many wild animals carry diseases that can be passed on to any animal who comes in contact with them. Rabies, distemper, salmonella, and parasites such as ticks, coccidia, giardia, and mange are only a few of the diseases that your dog can acquire from contact with wildlife.
When a dog goes after prey, her full attention is on the chase. She doesn’t hear you call her, she doesn’t notice she’s running into a busy road, she’s oblivious to anything that is not prey. If she does catch the prey, she may end up being bitten.
In help avoid wildlife encounters, you should install a fence around your property. Or make sure that your dog is always on a leash. Then you want to also avoid issuing an open invitation to these animals. Dog bowls, garbage cans, uncapped chimneys, and bird seed under bird feeders are all temptations that could lure wildlife into your yard. Another way critters are lured into a yard is if it supplies good living and hiding areas.
If you have a medium or large dog, you don’t have to worry about birds of prey. But young puppies and small dogs can easily fall victim to an attentive raptor. There’s not much you can do to prevent this other than be vigilant about supervising your dog when she’s outside.
Make sure that you place your birdfeeders out of reach of your dog. The seeds that fall to the ground can become moldy. This can make your dog sick if he eats the seeds. It may also attract small critters which your dog may chase.
Heading to the water can be so much fun for humans and dogs alike. Swimming is a great way for you to be sure that your dog is getting exercise in the summertime while staying cool. It can also be very dangerous if you aren’t careful. Regardless of whether you are planning a day at the lake, heading to the beach, or even playing in the pool, follow these safety tips for swimming with your dog to keep your furry friend safe.
While many of us believe all dogs to be natural swimmers, it is not necessarily always the case. Dogs are not born knowing how to swim, they have to learn. Just like with anything else, it is good to be prepared. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, these safety tips can help make your trip to the water more fun and less stressful.
Safety tips for swimming with your dog
Practice swimming with your dog
We talked about this earlier, but it is important to reiterate—dogs are not born knowing how to swim. That means that you can’t just expect your dog to jump into deep water and be fine. You need to first practice. Let them swim in a kiddie pool in your yard or take them to a shallow creek first. A place that is shallow enough that your dog can be confident in their learning and that you can easily step in and protect them if need be, is an ideal place to introduce your dog to water.
A good way to start the process of teaching your dog to swim is to toss a ball or stick into the water. Making sure that it is shallow at first and progressively going deeper into the water as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Don’t force it
Just like not all dogs are born knowing how to swim, not all dogs are built to learn. Some dogs (such as bulldogs, basset hounds, and pugs) don’t really like swimming or make great swimmers due to their physiology. Make sure to know your dog’s breed and their ability to swim before you take them to the water.
Additionally, if your dog shows no interest in water, give it time. Don’t force it. Forcing them into the water can be disastrous if they end up panicking.
Avoid swimming with your dog at night
A dog’s vision reduces considerably at night. That means that they cannot see where they are swimming or how to safely get where they need to be if they are swimming at night. Additionally, dogs’ vision is reduced considerably as they age, so this is another thing to remember.
Avoid water that is too cold
Dogs can suffer from hypothermia too, although they don’t understand what is happening when they do. A hypothermic dog can easily drown. A good general rule to follow is if the water is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog.
Invest in safety products
Did you know that life vests for dogs are easy to find and affordable? They are! A life vest can save the life of your dog in the event of a water or boating emergency. You should keep your dog on a long swimming leash so that you are able to pull them back to you if they fall in the water or just get too far.
Pay extra attention at the beach
If the beach is where you are headed to play in the water, make sure to pay extra attention to your dog. The currents of the waves are very strong and dangerous. Make sure that you don’t allow your dog to go too far out.
Some dogs love playing in the water and think that “eating” waves or even the backyard sprinkler is great fun. But they can get sick (or potentially die) if they swallow too much water. Water intoxication happens when dogs swallow too much water too quickly. This can cause hyponatremia—severely low levels of sodium in the blood. This in turn, can cause water to enter the dog’s cells and cause severe swelling.1 This is rare but something to be aware of.
Also, be prepared for a disaster of a mess to clean up. Sand and dog fur are not a great combination.
Make sure you follow the rules of the beach, some don’t allow dogs or only during certain times. If you are on a beach that doesn’t require your dog to be leashed, be prepared for strange dogs to potentially be coming over to try and play. If your dog isn’t super dog friendly please keep that in mind.
Don’t let your special needs dog swim
If you have a special needs dog, you may want to avoid allowing them to swim. Dogs that are prone to seizures or similar medical issues can drown very easily.
When on a boat
Boating with your dog requires some added safety requirements as the risks to a dog rise a bit. When you take your dog out on a boat, follow these tips to keep them safe out on the water:
Keep a life vest strapped onto your dog.
Keep a long swimming leash attached to your dog.
Make sure to keep them contained in the boat.
Provide a safe, secure spot for them to sit. Sitting is going to be better than standing for them especially when hitting waves or at higher speeds, so it’s important that they have a safe place to sit and stay balanced.
Clean your dog’s ears after every swim
Water in the ears is a major cause of ear infections for dogs, especially when it is river or lake water (which can carry more germs and parasites). It is imperative that you take the time to clean and dry out your dog’s ears in order to prevent them suffering from the pain of an ear infection.
Keep yourself safe when swimming with your dog
It’s unfortunate, but important to note that dogs have drowned their owners before in moments of panic. A panicked dog can create a dangerous environment in the water. It’s best to avoid swimming right next to a dog (especially a larger dog). If your dog gets spooked, they can bring their human down if they are panicking in deep water.
Dogs are lost every year to drowning accidents. The more prepared you are, the better chance you will have of making sure that this doesn’t happen to your beloved pet.
