November 18, 2025

Whether drinking water or playing in it, there are some important things to keep in mind to keep your dog safe.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens quickly in dogs. While they don’t sweat like we do, they do sweat through their paw pads. They also pant to release excess heat.

Always be mindful on hot days to provide shade and plenty of water to drink. Offering a kiddie pool to cool off will help keep them from overheating if they love the outdoors.

If your furry friend is panting excessively, they lose the desire to eat or have a dry nose, reach out to your vet. Time is important when dehydration happens. Dogs can suffer from heat stress and heat stroke as well.

Swimming dangers

Some dogs love the water and it can be tempting to take your pup to the river or a lake to play or swim. If the water is mirky and especially if it has blue-green algae, don’t EVER let your dog go into the water. If they drink any water with algae present, it can be harmful or even fatal.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Parks and recreation centers post when algae is present or if the water has been treated. Pesticides can also be present from treating mosquitoes or runoff from agricultural pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Winter dangers

In the winter both ice and winter salt can cause the paw pads to become dry, cracked or burned. Consider booties for your pup’s paws to protect them. Pad moisturizers are also available for dog’s pads to keep them from becoming raw and painful.

Safe practices

To ensure your dog is safe, always watch them closely whether in extreme heat or cold, as well as, when they are around water.

If you are taking them on a boat, consider using a life jacket. Not all dogs are strong swimmers. In an emergency is not the time to find out their swimming abilities. Take it slow and introduce your dog to water safely. After swimming, rinse Fido off whether to remove chlorine from a pool , salt from sea water or contaminants in the river, lake or pond.

Enjoy your dog and his love of the outdoors safely!

More safety tips: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Kelly