Posted on 04-02-10, under PET.
If you outdoor fun involves water, you want to make sure your best friend is protected. Your dog should wear a life jacket. It’s the perfect addition for a fun weekend on the water. Just like humans, not all dogs know how to swim. This is a common misconception, possibly because of the swim stroke which is referred to as the doggy paddle. There are some dogs, like Pincers, Dobermans, and Boxers who have a lot of trouble in water. Other dogs dislike water and will only swim if they absolutely have to.
There are a lot of factors that affect how well a dog can swim. These include type of breed, the size of the dog, what his or her fitness level is, and how healthy he is. For those who own a puppy, it is important to use a gentle approach when introducing him to the water. You want to start by taking your puppy into a wading pool and then, only after the puppy has adapted, move on to something bigger, like the beach. You also want to look into what kind of water conditions your dog will be exposed to. The water in a wading pool is gentle and calm, making it the best place for a puppy to begin swimming. Too much movement can end up making the dog anxious and this might further complicate the process of training him.
A dog life jacket will not only reassure you, but also serve as an extra safety measure during your outside activities. Life jackets prevent drowning by ensuring your dog floats. In the event of an accident around water, this will minimize anxiety caused by disorientation. Whether human or dog, life jackets are beneficial to all. It is an important piece of equipment and is a statutory element on boats, ferries, planes and any vehicle.
Initially when you put a jacket on your dog he might feel uncomfortable. With this in mind, you want to get your dog used to the life jacket by having him wear it at home, prior to going out on an outdoor adventure. Being at home will allow your dog to get used to the life jacket while in safe familiar surroundings, rather than in an unfamiliar outdoor setting. You want to ensure that your dogs first life jacket and experience of water is pleasant and enjoyable. This would help them to learn to love the water.
When selecting your dogs life jacket, you’ll want to keep in mind certain guidelines like the size and weight of your dog. The materials used are also important, so get something that is breathable and durable. Never leave your pet alone wearing a life jacket, as there is a risk of entanglement. Also, be sure to get a life jacket with buoyancy ratings.
Dave writes numerous articles on the dog life jacket and about the safety aspects of dog life jackets to keep your pet safe whilst near water.
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