Navigating the choppy waters of Dog Sea Swimming

Some helpful tips to navigate the choppy waters of swimming with your dog in the Sea.

We've just had a amazing break up in the North of Scotland at Clachtoll beach. 

We'd planned on using the paddle boards, kayaks and more importantly getting our wee Freya used to swimming in the waves.  Turns out that was short lived due to the HUGE amounts of jellyfish on the shore line, the wee white Moon Jellyfish fellas I could live with but there were lots of them and they dont sting humans but the Lions Mane jellyfish were in abundance and they are another issue entirely.

(note, we got talking to a marine biologist who was on the beach with his family and he identified the types of jellied fishy for us)

Wet suits would save us from injury (mostly) but Freya getting stung is not a risk I was willing to take so dry land training it was.

I thought I'd put together a list of safety tips when I got home to help ensure your dog has a positive and safe introduction to swimming in the sea.

Choose a calm day

Pick a day when the sea is relatively calm, with gentle waves and minimal currents. Avoid strong tides or look out for the 'white horses', that would be a strong indicator for me that it's too choppy for us to go in.

Assess the beach

Before entering the water, examine the beach area for potential injury causing hazards such as rocks, sharp shells, broken glass, or any other objects that could cause injury to your dog's paws or body. Remove these before allowing your dog to swim, again I'd probably give this area a miss as if there's hazards you can see I tend to play it safe and assume there are hazards I can't see.

Use a dog life jacket

Even if your dog is a good swimmer, it's wise to use a dog life jacket, especially if they're new to swimming or if you're going into deep water. We use this one from Ruffwear for all ours (note, not a sponsored link, I just like the product). A life jacket helps your dog stay afloat, making it easier for them to swim.

Start in shallow water

When starting to teach your dog to swim at the beach start in shallow water where your dog can touch the ground with their paws. Gradually move into deeper water as your dog gains confidence and becomes more comfortable but don't force the issue or your dog may start to dislike or even fear the training and/or the sea. Remember they don't know what the waves are.

Stay 100% observant and keep a close eye on your dog

Always supervise your dog closely while they are swimming. Stay close to them and maintain constant visual contact. Be prepared to act if they show signs of distress or fatigue.

Teach proper entry and exit

Show your dog how to enter and exit the water safely, take it slow, guide them gently and provide positive reinforcement with praise and encouragement. It's important for them to learn where to get in and out of the water to avoid any potential hazards rather than just letting them breenge in without a care in the world.

Avoid overcrowded areas

Choose a less crowded section of the beach to lessen the chance of your dog getting overwhelmed or encountering other dogs that may not be friendly. This'll help reduce the risk of accidents or incidents. Plus, we all want a bit of privacy, if it's WAY to busy I tend to just stay away.

Rinsing off

After swimming in the sea, give your dog a good rinse with fresh water to remove any salt or sand from their fur. Saltwater can be drying to their skin, and ingesting too much saltwater can be harmful to their health. I've made my own 'rinser-offer' (name not trademarked lol) thing that I'll do a video on a little later.

Take plenty of breaks and be sure to hydrate regularly

Swimming can be physically demanding for dogs, it certainly is for me, especially in the sea so build in regular breaks to allow them to rest. Bring fresh water and a clean bowl for your dog to drink and stay hydrated during and after swimming.

Know your dog's limits

Every dog is different, so be aware of your dog's abilities and limitations. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may need more time and practice to become comfortable in the water. Even if you've planned a day of swimming and beach fun with your dog, if it's not safe don't do it.

And always remember to respect their comfort level and never force them to swim if they are reluctant or anxious.  Some just don't want to swim.