If you outdoor fun involves water, you want to make sure your best friend is protected too. Your dog is your best friend, and it makes sense for you dog to wear a life jacket if you’re out for a day of sun and sea. The term dog-paddling is a bit of a misnomer as not all dogs can swim. The term is just used to describe a type of swimming stroke, not characterizing the animal. Pincers, Dobermans and boxers alike, have difficulty in the water; some dogs just don’t like to get wet and will swim only if you make the.
A dog’s natural abilities in the water vary depending on the breed, size, physical abilities and health. A pup might need a bit more coaxing, or a gentler approach, to get it in the water. Introducing the pup to water through a wading pool and slowly moving on to bigger ponds is sensible. Conditions in a wading pool are more appropriate for a water introduction. Waters are calm or gently moving in wading pools and can be less frightening for a pup. Rolling and crashing waves can cause too much anxiety in an animal and won’t ease the introduction of water to your dog.
Having your pet outfitted with a life jacket or dog life preserver can give you peace of mind while offering protection for your pet while engaged in outdoor activities. The jackets not only will keep your pet afloat if it gets in the water, it can help alleviate some stress and disorientation for the dog if it falls in. Wearing a life jacket is a smart practice for anyone, human or pet. It is wise to keep one for yourself as well as your dog in your boat, on ferries, on planes and in the car.
Don’t be surprised if your dog throws a bit of a fuss when you first try to have it wear a life jacket. It might make sense, then, to practice putting the jacket on the dog long before you reach the water’s edge. At-home comfort will alleviate some of the stress that will surely accompany the new accessory. And if your pet is comfortable with the jacket and has had a smooth introduction to water, chances are it will be more at ease later. As a result, your pet might learn to love the water, and it could be an activity you enjoy together for many years.
Be sure to consider the dog’s weight and size while shopping for a dog life jacket for your pet, and be sure to check the jacket’s buoyancy rating. The materials used in construction should be durable, breathable and light. Be smart: Don’t let your pet wear the jacket unattended; the animal could become entangled and choke.
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