Safe and Exciting Water Activities for You and Your Pet

BY FURAQUA | JUNE 23, 2025

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Summary

  • Water activities strengthen the bond between you and your pet while providing excellent exercise and mental stimulation.

 

  • Not all pets can swim naturally—certain breeds need life jackets and gradual training to build confidence in water.

 

  • Safety is paramount: always supervise pets, check water quality for toxins, use proper gear, and prepare for weather conditions.

 

  • Popular water activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach play—each requiring specific preparation and safety measures.

Summertime brings the perfect opportunity to enjoy water activities with our beloved pets. Whether it's at the lake, river, or ocean, these aquatic experiences create unforgettable memories while providing excellent exercise and mental stimulation for your furry companions.

 

However, ensuring safety and proper preparation is crucial for a fun and worry-free time. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore a variety of water activities you can enjoy with your pet—including swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding—while emphasizing the importance of safety, preparation, and responsible pet parenting.

Swimming with Your Pet

Swimming is perhaps the most popular water activity for pets, offering excellent low-impact exercise that's easy on joints while building muscle strength and cardiovascular health. But before you let your pet dive in, there's important preparation to consider.

Teaching Your Pet to Swim

A common misconception is that all dogs instinctively know how to swim. While some breeds are natural water lovers—like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Newfoundlands—many dogs need patient training and gradual introduction to water.

Step-by-step swimming introduction:

  1. Start in shallow water: Begin in water that only reaches your pet's legs. Let them explore at their own pace without forcing them deeper.
  2. Use positive reinforcement: Bring favorite toys and treats. Make the experience fun and rewarding.
  3. Support their body: As they venture deeper, support their hindquarters with your hand. Many dogs panic because they don't realize they can use their back legs to swim.
  4. Stay close and calm: Your energy affects your pet. Stay relaxed and encouraging.
  5. Keep sessions short: Five to ten minutes is plenty for beginners. End on a positive note before they become tired or anxious.
  6. Gradually increase depth: Over multiple sessions, slowly move to deeper water as confidence builds.

Breeds That Need Extra Care

Certain breeds face anatomical challenges that make swimming difficult or dangerous:

  • Brachycephalic breeds: Bulldogs (French, English), Pugs, Boston Terriers have short muzzles making breathing difficult while swimming. These breeds should always wear life jackets and be closely supervised.
  • Short-legged breeds: Dachshunds, Corgis, Basset Hounds have long bodies and short legs, making swimming exhausting. Life jackets help tremendously.
  • Heavy-bodied breeds: Bulldogs and some Mastiffs are dense and may sink despite paddling. Always use flotation devices.
  • Small or toy breeds: Can tire quickly and become hypothermic in cold water. Limit swim time and monitor closely.

Cats Can Swim Too!

While less common, some cats enjoy water activities! Certain breeds like Turkish Vans and Bengal cats are known for their affinity for water. If you want to introduce your cat to swimming:

  • Start extremely gradually—cats are more cautious than dogs
  • Never force them—this will create permanent fear
  • Use a harness and leash for control
  • Consider a cat-sized life jacket for safety
  • Keep sessions very brief initially

✓ Swimming Safety Checklist

  • Always supervise pets in or near water
  • Use properly fitted life jackets for high-risk breeds
  • Never leave pets unattended near pools, lakes, or oceans
  • Ensure easy exit points from water
  • Rinse off after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or bacteria
  • Check and clean ears after swimming to prevent infections
  • Provide fresh drinking water to prevent consuming unsafe lake/ocean water

Finding Safe Swimming Spots

Not all bodies of water are created equal when it comes to pet safety. Research before you go:

  • Pet-friendly beaches and parks: Many areas have designated pet swimming areas. Check local regulations and leash laws.
  • Water quality: Avoid water with visible algae blooms, strong chemical smells, or posted warnings.
  • Current and wave conditions: Calm water is safer, especially for beginning swimmers. Strong currents and large waves can overwhelm even confident swimmers.
  • Entry and exit points: Look for gradual slopes rather than steep banks or docks. Pets need easy ways to get out of water.
  • Hazards: Watch for broken glass, sharp rocks, fishing hooks, and underwater debris.

⚠️ Blue-Green Algae Warning

Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) is extremely toxic to pets and can be fatal. It appears as thick, green, paint-like scum on water surfaces—common in warm, stagnant water during summer months. Symptoms of poisoning can appear within minutes to hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure. If you suspect your pet contacted contaminated water, rinse immediately and seek emergency veterinary care. When in doubt, keep pets out of any water with visible algae blooms.

Boating with Your Pet

Heading out on the water in a boat with your pet can be an enjoyable bonding experience, whether you're cruising on a lake, river, or ocean. However, boating requires extra safety considerations since you're farther from shore and dealing with moving vessels.

 

Preparing Your Pet for Boating

Before your first boat trip:

  • Introduce the boat on land: Let your pet explore the stationary boat, sniffing and investigating at their own pace.
  • Short first trips: Start with brief outings close to shore. Gradually increase duration as your pet becomes comfortable.
  • Create a safe space: Designate a non-slip area where your pet can lie down safely. Consider a mat or towel for traction.
  • Practice basic commands: "Stay," "come," and "down" are essential for boat safety.

Essential Boating Safety Tips

  • Life jackets are mandatory: Even expert swimmers should wear properly fitted life jackets on boats. If they fall overboard, currents or boat propellers pose serious dangers.
  • Keep pets leashed or tethered: This prevents impulsive jumping after birds, fish, or other distractions.
  • Provide shade: Boats offer little natural shade. Bring an umbrella or canopy, and limit midday boating during peak sun hours.
  • Apply pet-safe sunscreen: Dogs with thin or light-colored fur, especially on ears, noses, and bellies, can sunburn. Use sunscreen specifically formulated for pets.
  • Bring fresh water: Prevent your pet from drinking salt or lake water by offering fresh water frequently.
  • Watch for motion sickness: Some pets experience seasickness. Signs include excessive drooling, whining, vomiting, or unusual stillness. Consult your vet about preventive medication.
  • Know how to rescue: Practice pulling your pet back into the boat before you're far from shore. Large dogs may need a ramp or multiple people to assist.

Boat Safety Gear Checklist

  • Properly fitted life jacket (bright colors with handle for easy rescue)
  • Fresh drinking water and collapsible bowl
  • Towels for drying off
  • Pet-safe sunscreen
  • Non-slip mat for pet's resting area
  • Leash or tether
  • Waste bags for cleaning up
  • First aid kit
  • Familiar toy or blanket for comfort

Kayaking and Canoeing with Your Pet

Kayaking and canoeing offer quieter, more intimate water experiences perfect for exploring calm lakes, rivers, and coastal areas with your pet.

 

Training Your Pet for Kayaking

  1. Introduce the kayak on land: Let your pet investigate the kayak in your yard. Practice "in" and "out" commands.
  2. Add weight gradually: Start with treats and toys, then have your pet sit briefly, working up to longer periods.
  3. Practice at shore: With the kayak partially in shallow water, let your pet adjust to movement and instability.
  4. Take short trips: Start with brief paddles close to shore, gradually increasing distance as comfort grows.
  5. Stay calm: Your pet reads your energy. If you're anxious, they'll be anxious.

Kayaking Safety Considerations

  • Choose stable kayaks: Wider kayaks offer more stability. Sit-on-top kayaks work better for pets than sit-inside designs.
  • Life jackets always: Non-negotiable for kayaking, where capsizing is more likely than in boats.
  • Start in calm water: Avoid rivers with rapids, strong currents, or heavy boat traffic initially.
  • Pack light: Extra weight affects stability. Bring only essentials.
  • Plan for bathroom breaks: Know where you can safely go ashore for potty breaks.
  • Check weather: Wind creates waves and makes paddling difficult. Check forecasts before heading out.


 

Paddleboarding with Your Pet
 

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with your pet is trendy and fun, but requires more balance and training than other water activities.

 

Training for Paddleboarding Success

 

Step 1: Choose the right board

Pet-friendly paddleboards are typically 10+ feet long and wider for stability. Some feature textured decks for better grip. If you have a small pet (under 20 pounds), your regular board may work.

Step 2: Teach basic commands

Your pet should reliably respond to "sit," "stay," "down," and "place" (go to designated spot). These commands are essential for maintaining balance.

Step 3: Acclimate to the board on land

Place the board in your yard or living room. Use treats to lure your pet onto it. Practice having them sit, lie down, and stay in specific positions.

Step 4: Practice getting on and off

Teach specific commands for boarding ("up" or "on") and exiting ("off"). Repetition creates muscle memory.

Step 5: Move to shallow water

Bring the board to ankle-deep water. Let your pet adjust to the board's movement while you maintain stability. Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes).

Step 6: Gradually increase depth

Over multiple sessions, move to deeper water. Start kneeling for lower center of gravity before attempting to stand.

Paddleboarding Safety Tips

  • Always use life jackets: Both you and your pet should wear flotation devices.
  • Choose calm conditions: Flat water, no wind, and minimal boat traffic for best conditions.
  • Stay close to shore initially: Until you're both confident, remain where you could easily swim to shore.
  • Expect to get wet: Most beginners (and their pets) fall in multiple times. That's part of the learning process!
  • Bring a leash: Keep your pet leashed to the board or to you, but use a quick-release system in case of emergency.
  • Watch for fatigue: Balancing is exhausting. Limit sessions to 20-30 minutes for beginners.

Beach Activities for Pets

Beyond swimming, beaches offer wonderful opportunities for play and exercise:

  • Fetch in the waves: Playing fetch in shallow surf provides great exercise and cooling.
  • Beach walks: Walking on sand builds muscle strength and is excellent low-impact exercise.
  • Digging: Many dogs love digging in sand. If allowed, let them enjoy this natural behavior in designated areas.
  • Shell collecting: Walk the beach together, exploring tide pools and shells (supervise to prevent eating shells).

Beach Safety Reminders

  • Hot sand burns paws: Test sand temperature with your bare hand. If too hot for you, it's too hot for paws.
  • Salt water caution: Too much salt water consumption causes vomiting and diarrhea. Bring fresh water.
  • Rinse after beach time: Salt, sand, and bacteria should be rinsed from fur and paws.
  • Watch for hazards: Jellyfish, sharp shells, fishing hooks, and beach debris pose risks.
  • Respect wildlife: Keep pets away from nesting birds, sea turtles, and marine life.

General Water Safety Rules
 

Regardless of which water activity you choose, these universal safety rules apply:

Before You Go

  • Check your pet's health with a veterinarian
  • Ensure vaccinations are current
  • Verify your pet is microchipped with updated contact information
  • Research location rules and regulations
  • Check weather forecast and water conditions
  • Tell someone where you're going and when you'll return

During Activities

  • Never leave pets unattended near or in water
  • Watch for signs of fatigue, stress, or distress
  • Provide breaks, shade, and fresh water regularly
  • Keep pets leashed or under voice control
  • Be mindful of other people, pets, and wildlife
  • Clean up after your pet

After Activities

  • Rinse your pet thoroughly to remove chlorine, salt, bacteria, or algae
  • Check for cuts, scrapes, or foreign objects in paws
  • Dry ears thoroughly to prevent infections
  • Monitor for signs of water intoxication (excessive water consumption)
  • Watch for delayed reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy

What to Pack for Water Adventures
 

Being prepared ensures safety and enjoyment:

Essential Items

  • Properly fitted life jacket
  • Fresh drinking water and collapsible bowl
  • Leash and collar with ID tags
  • Towels for drying
  • First aid kit (pet and human supplies)
  • Waste bags
  • Shade source (umbrella, canopy)

Recommended Items

  • Pet-safe sunscreen
  • Floating toys
  • Treats for positive reinforcement
  • Cooling vest or mat
  • Waterproof pouch for phone/keys
  • Emergency contact numbers (vet, emergency vet)
  • Medications if your pet requires them
  • Extra leash
  • Blanket or towel for resting

Conclusion
 

Water activities with your pet create unforgettable memories while providing excellent physical exercise and mental stimulation. Whether you're swimming at the beach, cruising on a boat, gliding on a kayak, or balancing on a paddleboard, these experiences strengthen the bond you share with your furry companion.

 

The key to enjoyable water adventures is prioritizing safety through proper preparation, appropriate gear, and constant supervision. Take time to train your pet gradually, respect their comfort level, and never force participation. Some pets naturally love water, while others may prefer to stay on dry land—and that's perfectly okay.

 

By following the safety guidelines and tips in this article, you can confidently explore aquatic activities with your pet, creating lasting memories of splashing, swimming, and adventure together. So grab that life jacket, pack your supplies, and get ready to make a splash with your best friend!

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