Safer swimming

Swimming is great exercise for dogs, as long as you remember to look out for your pet's safety at all times.

Swimming is a perfect way to stay cool on a hot summer day. But don't take your pet's ability to stay afloat for granted. The swimming motion comes naturally to most dogs, but not all dogs are designed to be Michael Phelps. For example, bulldogs generally can't swim without sinking because of their shape, and none of them can ever be trusted around a pool safely. For these dogs and others with physical limitations, some supervised splashing in a shallow kiddie pool is all that should be allowed.

Other dogs are naturals in the water, but even those who love to swim and are good at it can get themselves into trouble. That's where you come in, to keep the experience safe for all.

No dog should be given unsupervised access to a backyard pool or a neighborhood swimming spot. Swimming pools are best fenced off for the safety of all and should be equipped with a monitor that sounds when a pet (or child) falls in, and with ramps (such as the Skamper Ramp, www.skamper-ramp. com) to allow animals an escape route. Teach your dog where the pool stairs are so he can find them and get out when tired.

Obedience training is important when it comes to your dog and natural bodies of water. Your dog should come when called, even when swimming, so you can call him back before he heads into deeper water or stronger currents. Always carry extra retrieving toys. A dog who's heading out into a dangerous area after a ball or stick can often be lured back into shore with a second item thrown closer in. If your dog isn't trained, stick to the shallows so you can walk to him if he needs help, and swim with him on a long line so he can't get too far away.

If your dog isn't much of a swimmer, or once loved to swim but is older or debilitated now, add a personal floatation device to that long line. Canine lifejackets are especially great for family boating trips because most have sturdy handles for rescue if a pet goes overboard.

At dog-friendly public swimming areas, don't assume that because your dog is allowed there that the water is always safe. Rivers and oceans can change frequently, and an area that was safe for swimming one visit can be treacherous the next. Consider currents, tides, underwater hazards and even the condition of the water. In the late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water (such as small ponds) can be toxic, producing substances that can kill a pet who swallows the tainted water. When in doubt, no swimming. Better safe than sorry.

Be aware of your dog's condition as he swims, watching for signs of exhaustion. When your dog is tiring, be sure to call him in for some rest, or just call it a day. A tired dog is a good dog, but an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning.

Don't push your dog beyond his capabilities: It's better to enjoy cool water at belly-depth on a leash for the remainder of the outing than to drown or be swept away out of an owner's reach. Besides, trying to save a dog in trouble puts you both at risk, so keep your dog where you can safely deal with any trouble.

Be particularly careful of young and old dogs. Both can get themselves into more trouble than a healthy adult dog with lots of swimming experience. Young dogs can panic in the water, and old dogs may not realize they aren't as strong as they used to be. Keep them close to shore, and keep swimming sessions short.

Dogs can and do get hot, so bring fresh water and offer it constantly. This is, of course, especially true at the ocean, because saltwater isn't meant for drinking.

Finally, one of the best things you can do is to take courses in first aid and CPR for your pets. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them in your community. A dog who's pulled out near death from drowning may be saved by your prompt actions — if you know what to do.