In the current heat, a cool splash is invaluable, as is a few sips of cold water; for both humans and animals. But if you don't follow the ‘water rules’, you could be putting your dog's health at risk. Let's take a look at what you need to watch out for when swimming or watering your pet!

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Let's start with drinking! It is very important that the water is fresh and cool enough (you can even refresh it with ice cubes). To do this, you'll need to change the contents of the drinker several times a day. Never allow your four-legged friend to drink from stagnant water, especially water of unknown origin, such as rainwater catchments or ponds. These can harbour many types of bacteria and parasites that can cause life-threatening conditions. For this reason, do not allow drinking from water fountains in public places. Instead, always have a suitable bowl and a bottle of water with you.

Only swim in clean water with your pet! / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

Check the water quality

Swimming is a great summer activity, but only in good quality water! As mentioned above, lakes are not necessarily safe, so always check the stretch of water you're in. Algae can be seen with the naked eye, but other problems may not be so obvious. Swimming in a pool is also a good thing, but care must be taken not to let your dog drink from chlorinated or other chemical-treated water.

Make sure your dog is water safe

If your dog is small, chronically ill, young or old, or is not very agile in the water (brachycephal dogs, such as bulldogs, are typical), pay extra attention to him or her on the water. Even if you are going to go in with it, wear a water life jacket and don't let it get too far away. If you are boating, a vest is still a must.

However, even a healthy, basically good swimmer can get tired, exhausted by the current and injured in the water, which can hinder movement. For this reason, you need to be extra attentive to your companion in and around water.

The vest is an important safety accessory for wet play / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

Dogs can get water poisoning

Watering can be fun, but if your dog bites and licks the water, it can lead to water poisoning. So we don't recommend this game if your pet has this reaction. Large amounts of water swallowed during paddling or other water play can also lead to problems.

Symptoms of water intoxication include:

• lethargy;
• lack of coordination;
• bloating;
• vomiting;
• drooling;
• whitened gums;
• dilated pupils;
• veiled look.

If you experience any of these in your pet, get them to a doctor as soon as possible!

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Make sure that your dog doesn't quench his thirst from the water, and doesn't swallow a lot of water while swimming or playing! / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

Be careful with salt water

A beach holiday is a dream, but if your pet is coming with you, be careful not to let him drink or even swallow salt water. Drink it at regular intervals to avoid any problems. And after bathing, wash the seawater off him so that the salt doesn't dry out his skin.