Dogs and swimming: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and the sea through the year
Many dogs love the water, and swimming is great exercise. But every type of water carries different risks, and those risks change with the seasons. Here is what to look out for before your dog jumps in.
Different waters, different risks
Streams and rivers
Currents can be far stronger than they look, especially after rain. Watch for weirs, fast bends, fallen branches, steep or undercut banks, and floodwater, which can carry sewage and debris.
Lakes and reservoirs
Deep water stays cold even in summer, and cold water tires dogs quickly. Many reservoirs ban swimming because of hidden pipes and sudden drops. Still lakes are also where blue-green algae blooms.
Ponds and canals
Still, shallow water warms quickly and can harbour algae and bacteria such as leptospirosis, spread in rat urine. Canals often have steep, smooth sides that dogs cannot climb out of, so plan your exit point.
The sea
Tides, rip currents, big waves and cold water can all catch dogs out. Drinking sea water causes sickness and salt poisoning. See our beach and sea safety guide.
Season by season
- Spring: water is still very cold and rivers can run high and fast with rainfall. Keep swims short.
- Summer: the peak time for blue-green algae in still and slow water. Watch for warning signs and heat.
- Autumn: heavy rain brings flooding and fast currents. Water temperatures start to drop.
- Winter: cold water can quickly lead to exhaustion and hypothermia. Ice is never safe. Most dogs are better off on dry land.
Safe swimming habits
- Choose calm, clean water with a gentle, easy way out, and let your dog go in at their own pace.
- Keep swims short and let your dog rest. Even strong swimmers tire.
- Bring fresh drinking water so they are less tempted to drink from rivers, ponds or the sea.
- Rinse your dog with clean water afterwards and dry their ears to reduce ear infections.
- Older dogs, puppies and dogs with heart or joint problems may need a buoyancy aid or shallower paddles.
- Talk to your vet about leptospirosis vaccination, which is part of routine vaccines.
If your dog gets into trouble
Never go into the water after your dog. Move to a spot where they can climb out easily and call them. Most dogs get themselves out. If you are worried, call 999 and ask for the fire service, or the coastguard at the coast. If your dog has struggled and may have breathed in water, see a vet even if they seem fine afterwards.
Two lesser-known problems: “limber tail” (a limp, painful tail after a long or cold swim) usually settles with rest but is worth a vet check, and dogs that gulp lots of water while playing can develop water intoxication, which causes wobbliness and vomiting.
When to contact your vet
- Your dog has been in water that may contain blue-green algae. Go straight away.
- Coughing, laboured breathing or tiredness after a swim, which can mean water in the lungs.
- Wobbliness, vomiting, or a bloated belly after a long water play session.
- Fever, lethargy, jaundice or changes in drinking or urination in the weeks after swimming, which can point to leptospirosis.
Not registered with a vet, or need one out of hours? See our local vets near Horley.
This guide is general information for UK dog owners and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet straight away, or your nearest out-of-hours emergency vet.
