“Did anyone see my squeaky toy?”

This is Riley.  He’s quite a swimmer!  Not so big on getting his head wet, though!  He was at the pool on Sunday – outfitted in an orange life jacket and tethered to mom who was hanging onto his leash.  Riley’s brother Rocky was along for the pool party, but he mostly stayed on the sidelines.  Riley and Rocky are both rescues and are just learning to swim.  It’s so important for dogs to wear life jackets when they are in the water or in a boat, or even just near the water at the lake, pool or beach.  They could accidentally fall in and remember, not every dog knows how to swim instinctively!  Dogs with lower body fat may have a tougher time staying afloat and regulating their body temperature.  If a dog is scared/anxious, they will not be breathing normally, thus could have a more difficult time in the water.   Also if your pup is a little out of shape, they can fatigue easily.  Be sure that your pet is always protected and that you keep a close eye on them in and around the water! 

The pool has gone to the dogs!  Literally!  At the end of the swimming season, several local pools open their doors to dogs and their owners for what is known as “Doggie Dip Days”.   What a great experience for everyone involved!  Dogs have the opportunity to get their paws wet – maybe even for the first time, play with other dogs, dive, paddle, swim for toys, retrieve, and generally have a dog-gone good time!  All this week I will be posting images from the pool party this past weekend at Mack Pool in Allentown, Pa.  First up is an image that sums up the entire experience….dripping wet dogs and toys!  I can’t even begin to tell you how many splashings my camera and I got as the dogs came out of the pool and shook themselves dry in an instant of flying fur!  I’ve never seen dogs having more fun!