In/On the Water

Swimming for your dog is a fun activity. It could be a hot day, perfect for your pooch to cool off swimming. Maybe you're looking for a different way to exercise your dog. What about your dog swimming for some physical therapy? But the big question is where can you find dog-friendly places to swim? Your own dog-friendly pool in your backyardPublic swimming pools are beginning on "doggy day"Dog park poolsPublic beachesParks with dog-friendly lakes and riversA local hydrotherapy pool for dogs. So, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly place to swim, we’ve got a few suggestions to help you out. Since there isn’t a lot of information on the Internet today about finding dog-friendly places to swim, we created the following article to help save you some time. Dog Friendly Pool In Your Backyard If you want to provide your dog with a dependable area so it can swim and cool off when the temperature gets hot, then you can do so in your backyard if you decide to. While we’ll cover places you can take your dog swimming later in this article, some owners won't be able to find local spots to bring their pets swimming. If that’s your issue, don’t worry. You can solve the problem by purchasing a swimming pool for your pet. Although it might sound surprising, many people who want to provide their dogs with regular water exercise do just that. Some buy a small child’s pool, but others purchase pools made specifically for dogs. These dog pools range in size and price. Here are our recommendations: Product NameFeaturesPricePUPTECK Foldable Dog Swimming PoolFoldable so you can store it away when not in use. Durable - made from extra tough PVC material. Three sizes available to accommodate all dogs. Medium and Large are 12 inches deep; small is 10 inches deep.Check out the price from Amazon hereKundo Rectangular TubComes in 2 sizes: medium (10 inches high) and large (12 inches high).Easy to store because it’s foldable. Made with industrial strength PVC. Take anywhere - it’s portable.View the latest price on Amazon hereBone Shaped Dog PoolFor the dog who has everything. More of a permanent fixture (not foldable). You can store it on ti’s side in the garage when not in use. UV and chew resistant. Holds 85 gallons of water.Click here to check price on Amazon Of course, if you have a larger-sized dog, it might not be able to swim around in one of these smaller pools. Regardless, you’ll still be providing your pooch with a cordial, safe, shallow pool of water so it can cool off when it wants. If you have a small dog and find our recommendations too big for your pooch, have a read of this article where I explore the best swimming pools for small dogs. If you want to make the experience even more enjoyable for your dog, you can turn on the water sprinkler. Many dogs like chasing the water in water sprinklers, which can provide your dog with a lot of fun exercise. Local Public Swimming Pools If you’re not interested in taking your dog to canine hydrotherapy, or if you aren’t able to install your dog pool in your yard, then you can also search around to find out if there are any public pools for dogs in your local area. Not all public pools will allow dogs in for swimming because of health codes. However, there are some public pools that do hold certain day events that allow dogs and their owners to swim together. These swimming events are increasing in popularity throughout America. The website woofreport.com provides a link to swim days at various pools throughout the United States. When public pools hold swim days for dogs and their owners, the fees collected from these swims are often donated to animal shelters or charities that are related to pets. If you aren’t sure where to go to find out about your public pools, ask your city or county department of parks and recreation for more information. Local Dog Park Pools Another place you might have luck with when it comes to swimming with your dog is your local dog park. If you can find a dog park that you can drive to and that also has a water feature for dogs, then you’re in luck. You can take your dog swimming whenever the park is open. For instance, if you live in the Atlanta area, you can bring your pooch to the pool at Atlanta Dog Works. This particular dog park covers a fifteen-acre area and has a training and boarding facility and a large pool that you can use with your dog. The dock leading up to the pool at Atlanta Dogworks (Image reprinted with the kind permission of Atlanta Dogworks) If you aren’t sure where to go to find out if there is a local dog park in your area, call your local department of parks and recreation. They should be able to give you advice accordingly. Local Public Beaches Another place you can take your dog out for some swimming is at your local public beach. However, remember to be careful and do your research correctly before taking your dog to any public beach. Some beaches will fine you if you bring a dog along. Other beaches are very dog-friendly and will encourage you to take your dog and play with it in the water. Is it safe to let your dog swim in the ocean? The two biggest dangers for your dog is rough water (big waves) and any riptides. I'd recommend you invest in a dog life jacket so that if your dog gets dumped by a wave, they will float back up to the top. I've made a selection of the best dog life jackets towards the end of this article. Always supervise your dog. If you can, join them in the water and keep a close eye on them. One useful way to ensure your dog doesn't swim too far from shore (and gets tired) is to keep them on a long lead that's waterproof. Amazon.com sells a 15-foot-long waterproof lead that's suitable. You might also want to buy a personalized waterproof dog collar to go with the lead. I'm often asked about the effect of saltwater on dogs. You can read more on this topic here. Drinking saltwater will dehydrate your dog so have fresh water on hand should they need to drink. Amazon.com sells a dog water bowl that's really convenient to pack because it is collapsible. Don't forget to clean up If you take your dog to a public beach, you’ll want to remember to stay considerate and clean up after your dog. Make sure you bring plenty of doggie poop bags along with you, as well as some treats, food, water, and dishes for your pooch. Anytime you take your dog out to have fun in a public place, always clean up after your pup so that you are courteous and keep the area clean and safe for other dog lovers. Where to go If you’re not sure how to find dog-friendly beaches close to you, you can check out BringFido. This website will let you search for dog beaches by city. You’ll also find some user ratings to help you plan your experience out. We've done some research and found some popular dog-friendly beaches around the US. Cape Cod, Massachusetts Province Town Beaches, which is found in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a popular dog-friendly area with 9 fun beaches for your dog. You can take your dog to any of the beaches in this area all year round. In the summer season, you can let your pooch run off its leash around the beach. Two other famous dog beaches in the Cape Cod, Massachusetts area, include Plymouth Beach and Sandy Neck Beach. At Plymouth beach, dogs can play at the beach all year, but some areas are off-limits during the summer because of the increasing amounts of people present at the beach. Sandy Neck is also open year-round to dogs but only allows dogs to use the off-road beach areas during the summer months. That’s because the public beach is reserved for people during the summertime. South Carolina If you live in South Carolina, then check out Myrtle Beach for your pooch. You can take your pup here to swim, but the hours are limited. You can bring your dog to the beach before 10 AM or after 6 PM from the start of May until Labor Day. During the other months of the year, dogs are allowed on this beach anytime. Michigan If you prefer to take your dog to a lake beach, you can bring your dog to the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, where there is a dog beach at the Nordhouse Dunes. There are other dog-friendly beaches at Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Haven Kirk Park, and Norman F. Kruse Park. Georgia You can also find some dog-friendly places to take your pooch in Georgia at both Jekyll Island and Sapelo Island. Year-round, you can bring your dog to either one of these two beaches as long as your pooch stays on a leash. Also, from Labor Day until Memorial Day, you can take your dog to St. Simons Island. California If you live in California, then you’re living in a state that has some of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in the country. San Diego houses The Original Dog BeachCoronado has the Coronado Dog BeachHuntington Beach offers up the Huntington Dog BeachIf you’re in San Francisco or a bit farther north, you can check out Forst Funston Doggie Beach. All of these beaches in California are known for being very welcoming to pooches getting their exercise. Washington Peninsula What places are dog-friendly on the Long Beach Washington Peninsula? The Discovery Trail, Long Beach is your best bet. It's open all year round. You should have your dog on an 8-foot lead (here's one I found on Amazon.com). You will find 38 hotels that a dog friendly in the area. in Long Beach, WA. Camping with your dog at the beach If you are traveling out of the city, you and your dog could enjoy camping at a beach together. What do you need to bring on this trip to ensure it's safe and comfortable for your dog? You can find by reading this article we've written. Young Golden Retriever running on the beach Dog-Friendly Lakes If you live near lakes, you can research to find out if you can bring your pup along with you to swim. You can locate dog-friendly lakes by looking at websites like BringFido.com. You can also discover information about dog-friendly lakes by doing the following: 1. Contact local outdoor recreation center Take a trip to your local outdoor recreation store. That means visiting a place like Cabelas, REI, or Bass Pro Shops. Employees at these types of stores typically know a lot of information about outdoor sports events. People working at these stores should be able to give you some details about lakes you can visit and swim with your dog. 2. Contact local city, county and state websites You can look at your local city, county, and state websites for information about parks and recreation. One excellent place to go is the National Parks Service website, where you can look at national parks in your area that allow dog swimming. 3. Contact local clubs Find out if you have a local Sierra Club near you. People involved in this club should be able to tell you about some great places you can take your pooch to go swimming. Swimming in a lake or river could help your dog cool down during a hike in a national park. How far can dogs hike in one day? Find out here. Hydrotherapy Pools Here's a swimming option you may not have thought about, especially if you have an older dog. If you’re thinking about taking your dog out swimming for therapy, then you’ll want to search around for a canine hydrotherapy center. In the United States, there are several canine hydrotherapy centers, and most of them are relatively affordable options. If you’re not sure where to go to find a canine hydrotherapy center, take a look at the Association of Canine Water Therapy or just Google "hydrotherapy pool for dogs near me". Another way to find a canine hydrotherapy center is to ask your local vet for a referral to a local canine hydrotherapy center. Most vets will be willing to refer to dogs that have orthopedic issues. Health benefits of hydrotherapy for dogs If you’re considering hydrotherapy for your dog, then you’ll want to know about the health benefits dogs can experience from hydrotherapy. Taking a dog to a hydrotherapy center can help your pooch with: A canine injury that needs rehabilitation therapyCanine obesityCanine degenerative joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Most hydrotherapy centers will provide your dog with a five-minute swim that will burn the same amount of calories as a five-mile run would. Most dogs that need canine hydrotherapy need to avoid running, and swimming is much easier on your pooch’s joints. So, you’ll want to think about hydrotherapy if you are aware that your dog is suffering from any joint pain. Many people who have tried canine hydrotherapy in the past say there are many benefits besides exercise for dogs. Hydrotherapy helps all systems in a dog’s body and is also believed to help a dog that is emotionally stressed. Most dogs enjoy their time in the water once they learn to adjust to the expectations. Dock Diving for Dogs If your dog LOVES the water, you and your dog might be interested in the sport of dog dock diving. Essentially, a dog dives off a platform to retrieve a toy you've thrown into a pool. We've written a number of articles for you to explore this sport further. What is dock diving all about?Getting started - what you need to knowWhat are the most suitable dog breeds?Small dogs and dock diving - can they manage it? Water Safety and Your Dog After you’ve located a beach, lake, or pool where you can take your dog swimming, you’ll need to practice water safety with your pooch. Not every dog can swim well, so you’ll need to take some time introducing your pooch to a body of water. I've written an article to answer the question about a dog's natural ability to swim. You’ll also need to know how to tell when your dog has had enough of swimming. I've written an article about how long is a good swim workout for a dog here. Remember, you should never leave your dog alone in the water. It’s also a good idea to suit your pooch up with a life jacket to help it stay afloat while swimming. I recommend some great life jackets towards the end of this article. Breed-Specific Concerns Not all dog breeds do well swimming in larger bodies of water. Some dogs have larger heads, heavy musculature, and shorter legs. Dogs with any of these issues might have more difficulty swimming. However, there are always exceptions to these rules, and some dogs are better swimmers than others, regardless of breed. However, if your dog is one of the following kinds, monitor its swimming carefully: GreyhoundsDachshundsBoxersCorgisAmerican and English BulldogsBoxersBasset HoundsPugsPekingeseBoston and Scottish TerriersStaffordshire Bull Terrier. If you’re planning on taking your dog in the water and it is any of the above breeds, you’ll need to be especially careful when your pooch is in the water. With the above breeds, we highly recommend you play it safe and give your pup a life vest so that everybody’s safe and enjoys your day. Read on to view my selection of the best life jackets for your dog. Also, if you are taking your puppy to the beach, make sure your dog doesn’t drink the saltwater. Saltwater can make dogs very ill because of the salt content and algae in the water. If you own a German Shepherd, we have an article written exclusively about swimming and German Shepherds by a G.S. dog owner. Water Quality Concerns If you plan on doing any lake swimming with your pooch, you’ll need to check out for potential water quality concerns that could affect your pup. You’ll want to avoid lakes and ponds that are full of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae can be very toxic to dogs. Also, dogs can contract giardia if they drink stagnant water, so be wary of this issue, too. Life vest While your dog will most likely love swimming and cooling off, you’ll want to make sure you practice safety first. We recommend keeping your pooch in a life vest when he or she is first learning to swim, and also when your dog is swimming in deep water. Use the life vest initially and keep an eye on your dog to see how it progresses and learns how to swim. If you can play it safe while you and your pooch swim, the two of you can enjoy hours of fun together. Product NameFeaturesPriceOutward Hound Granby life jacketSuitable for beginner doggy swimmers. Five sizes available to suit any dog. Has handles for you to hold your pup up or grab him suddenly. Comes in bright colors so you can see your dog in the water.Check out the price from Amazon hereRuffwear K9 float coat life jacketBudget option. Comes in six sizes to ensure you will find a snug-fitting, comfortable option for your dog. Three colors available. Has one grab handle. Has a reflective edging.View the latest price on Amazon here Beware of hazards in the water Most dogs love going to the beach, playing in the sand, and frolicking in the water. However, you’ll need to watch out for any potential hazards that could affect your dog when it is enjoying the beach. Keep the following items in mind so that you and your dog can get the most out of your swims: Research dog-friendly beaches before you set out so that you know where to take your pooch.Remember, not all dogs can swim. It’s a good idea to start with a life vest to keep your dog safe.Dogs can get hot quickly, so many of them enjoy taking a dip in the water.Don’t let your dog drink any water from the lake or ocean. The water can make your dog very sick.Don’t ever leave your dog unattended.Make sure you pick up after your dog. If you are looking for more information about safety for your dogs at pools, check out this video below. https://youtu.be/2Zmkmz2iZVs Other Swimming Accessories If swimming is something your dog does regularly, you will likely need some waterproof dog accessories. ItemRecommendationDescriptionWaterproof dog collars Dogline Biothane collarBest variety of colors. Made from nylon webbing. For all sized dogs.Kurgo Muck collarGreat selection of patterned collars including the American Flag. odor and dirt free. Lifetime warranty.Go Tags reflective dog collarPersonalized (pet name and phone number). Resistant to skin oils and dirt as well. Made from biothane.Waterproof four-foot leashWaudog Heavy duty dog leash for medium and large dogs.Food and water bowlsRuffwear Quencher Cinch TopWaterproof, collapsible, closeable dog bowl.Dog poop biodegradable bagsEarth Rated Dog Poop BagsExtra thick and strong. Guaranteed leak-proof.Choice of Three towelsSoggy Doggy Super Absorbent towelShammy (chenille)-style. Quick-drying.Bone Dry dog towelMicrofiber-style. Best value for money.Snuggly Dog Easy Wear dog towelWearable-style. Fast drying microfiber.Best toysKong Water WubbaBest toss, tug and float toy for the pool or lake (large dogs)Chuckit Amphibious Bumper Dog ToyTop toss, tug and float toy for the pool or lake (small to medium dogs). Unsinkable. Medium sized. Imported. Dog-Friendly Places to Swim: Where Will you Go? Now that you’ve learned how you can find some dog-friendly places to take your pooch swimming, it’s time to get out there and enjoy the experience! Make sure you follow the safety tips we’ve provided you so that your best friend stays safe on all of your outings. It’s also important to remember to pick up after your pooch when you are in a public dog-friendly space to keep that area safe for other dog lovers. Once you start hitting the water with your pooch, the two of you will have another fun and exciting activity to share. The two of you can get in shape together and enjoy some fun cool-off time in the water.