A safe swimming guide for your dog

Rufus loves a swim, or at the very minimum a muddy paddle, all year round so we are lucky he is both a strong swimmer and pretty sensible. He prefers to walk into bodies of water rather than leap into the unknown and avoids waves if we are at the beach.

Watching dogs enjoy the water is one of the great pleasures of summer. Whether they’re is chasing a ball into a lake, cooling off in a river or splashing through the sea, swimming is fantastic exercise that can build confidence, improve fitness and help them stay comfortable on hot days.

It is easy to assume, however, that if the water looks inviting it must also be safe. Recent figures from the Dogs Trust and RNLI suggest otherwise. Between 2021 and 2025 there were 308 dog-related incidents in open water across the UK, with around a third happening during the summer months. Even more surprising, research found that while most owners felt confident judging whether somewhere was safe to swim, only around a third correctly recognised that the type of water alone doesn't determine whether it is safe.

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise

It provides a full-body workout while placing very little stress on joints, making it particularly suitable for older dogs or those recovering from injury, provided your vet is happy for them to exercise. On a hot day it also helps dogs regulate their body temperature and offers valuable mental stimulation through exploring new environments, scents and textures. Of course, every dog is different and not all will enjoy the water, but for those that do, swimming can become a fantastic part of an active, healthy lifestyle.

And a few simple checks before your dog enters the water can significantly reduce the risks.

Check the water before your dog does

Dogs experience the world through their noses and mouths. They are far more likely than we are to drink from a lake or river, or to lick their coat clean after a swim. That means water quality matters just as much as whether they can swim.

Blue-green algae, which is actually a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, is one of the biggest seasonal hazards. It tends to thrive in warm, still freshwater and can release toxins that are highly poisonous to dogs. Water doesn't have to be covered in a bright green blanket to be dangerous either. Sometimes there may only be small patches of scum, a paint-like sheen or discoloured water. If you have any doubts, keep your dog out and find somewhere else to paddle.

It is also worth avoiding water that looks stagnant, smells unpleasant or contains dead fish or other wildlife, all of which can indicate poor water quality.

Know the warning signs

If your dog has been swimming in water you suspect may be contaminated, keep a close eye on them afterwards. Vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, weakness, tremors or difficulty breathing all warrant prompt veterinary attention, particularly if you suspect blue-green algae, where symptoms can develop within minutes. Even if you're unsure what caused the problem, it's always safest to contact your vet and let them know where your dog has been swimming. If possible, rinse their coat with clean water to reduce the chance of them ingesting contaminants while grooming themselves.

Think about how they'll get out

Many of us instinctively look at the water itself, but the banks deserve just as much attention.

A gently sloping beach or riverbank allows a tired dog to leave the water easily, whereas steep reservoir edges, slippery concrete canals or hidden drop-offs can quickly become a problem. Dogs sometimes find themselves unable to climb out, particularly if they have entered from one point and drifted elsewhere.

Before unclipping the lead, take a moment to look for an obvious exit. If you can't immediately see one, it may be worth choosing another location.

Calm doesn't always mean safe

Still water often feels reassuring, but some of the greatest dangers are hidden beneath the surface.

Strong currents can exist below apparently calm water, particularly near weirs, locks and river mouths. Submerged branches, discarded fishing tackle, broken glass, rocks and dense weeds can all cause injury or make it difficult for a dog to swim freely. The Dogs Trust also highlights reservoirs and canals as environments where hazards may not be immediately obvious.

Taking a minute to scan the water before your dog jumps in is far easier than dealing with an emergency afterwards.

Know your dog's limits

Although many dogs enjoy swimming, not every dog is built for it.

Older dogs may tire more quickly, puppies often lack experience and confidence, while overweight dogs have to work much harder in the water. Flat-faced breeds can also find swimming particularly challenging because of the shape of their airways and head.

Even confident swimmers become exhausted eventually. Heavy panting, slowing down, holding their head unusually low in the water or appearing reluctant to continue swimming are all signs that it is time to head back to shore. Once out of the water, offer fresh drinking water, encourage them to rest in the shade and dry them off if possible.

If something goes wrong

Perhaps the most striking statistic from the recent Dogs Trust campaign is that around 80% of owners said they would enter the water themselves to rescue their dog. It is an understandable reaction, but unfortunately it often puts two lives at risk instead of one.

If your dog gets into difficulty, stay as calm as you can. Call them towards a safe exit if possible and use a long lead, stick or floating object to help them reach the bank. If the situation is serious, call 999 and ask for the appropriate rescue service rather than entering dangerous water yourself. Professional rescuers are trained and equipped for exactly these situations.

Enjoy the water safely

Swimming should be one of the highlights of summer for both you and your dog. It provides excellent exercise, helps them stay cool and gives many dogs enormous enjoyment. Most trips to the beach, lake or river pass without incident, but it only takes a few moments to assess the surroundings before your dog rushes in.

Rufus will continue making a beeline for every stream and muddy puddle he can find. We'll continue letting him enjoy himself too, but only after we've had a careful look around first. Those few extra seconds are a small habit that helps make sure every swim ends the same way it began: with a happy, healthy dog ready to shake water all over us on the way home.

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