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Water safety (Safety around water)

Whether you are spending time by the pool in summer, having an adventurous family holiday, or taking a walk in the winter time, if your dog will be joining you please follow our tips to ensure his safety.

In the summer time…

• Do not leave your dog unsupervised around a pool.
  
• Try not to let your dog drink pool water, as it may contain chemicals such as chlorine which could cause your dog to have an upset stomach.
  
• Rinse your dog immediately after he has been swimming in the lake or a pool.  This will help prevent certain infections, ear mites and any unwanted insects clinging to his fur.

In the winter time…

• Do not let your dog walk on frozen water.
  
• Keep your dog on a lead near frozen water.
  
• Do not throw sticks for your dog near the water edge.

Out and about…

• Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your families activities please introduce your pets to water gradually.
  
• Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.  A dog can be knocked off a boat by a wave or jolt to the boat just like a human can.  It will also provide extra safety for older dogs or those who are tired.

If your dog is new to water but seems keen to try, introduce him gradually at a shallow area, enticing him with toys or treats.  However if he shows no interest do not force him – not all dogs like water.

Remember your own safety too!

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) over half of ice related drowning over the past 10 years involved an attempted rescue of another person or a dog. In many instances the dog managed to scramble ashore unaided while the owner did not.  Source RoSPA