Water Safety

Water Safety Don’ts

1. Don’t Throw Your Dog Into the Water

Forcing your dog into water can cause fear, trauma, or even panic drowning. Let them build confidence on their own terms.

2. Don’t Assume All Dogs Can Swim

Not all breeds are natural swimmers. Age, health conditions, and body shape all affect swimming ability. Bulldogs and senior dogs especially need extra care.

3. Don’t Let Your Dog Swim Too Long

Dogs get tired—sometimes suddenly. Short swim sessions with breaks in between are best, especially on hot days.

4. Don’t Let Them Drink Pool or Stagnant Water

Standing water can carry bacteria like Leptospirosis, and chlorine can irritate the stomach. Always pack clean, fresh water for your dog.

5. Don’t Skip Post-Swim Care

Dry your dog’s ears (especially floppy-eared breeds), check for ticks or scrapes, and clean between the toes to prevent irritation or infection.

6. Don’t Leave Toys Floating Unattended

Toys in the water can tempt dogs into unsafe conditions like strong currents or deep water they can’t escape.

Looking to keep your dog cool and entertained this summer?

Here are some dog-safe water play ideas:

Shallow Splash Zone

Fill a kiddie pool with floating toys, treats, or even frozen chews for an at-home dog water park.

Sprinkler Play

Great on hot days! Just be sure your dog enjoys the water spray and doesn’t get overstimulated.

Water Retrieve

For confident swimmers, throw floating toys just offshore. Use a long line at first to practice recall and ensure safety.

Float & Chill

Some dogs love relaxing beside you on a raft, paddleboard, or dock—life jacket recommended.

Shoreline Walks

Perfect for older dogs or those unsure about swimming. Keep it low-impact while still staying cool.

Controlled Swim Sessions

Short, focused swim sessions in safe, clean areas help your dog build strength and confidence. Insert recall breaks every few minutes.

Pup-and-Paddle

Introduce your dog to kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards—always with a canine life jacket and a calm setup.

Final Thoughts

Kelowna summers are a blast—for you and your dog. With a bit of planning, some basic training, and smart supervision, you can make water adventures safe, fun, and stress-free.

Need help building reliable recall or getting your dog used to water?

At Dogzies, we offer structured recall training, behavior shaping, and real-world exposure work for dogs across Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops, and the Okanagan Valley.