Summer holidays are fast approaching and in true Aussie style, this means plenty of time outdoors and splashing around in the water. However, while swimming can be fun and great exercise for dogs, it can also be risky if your dog doesn’t know how to confidently navigate the water.

PetSure claims data (1/10/2019 – 30/09/2022) shows that most cases of near-drowning incidents occur between October and January each year, coinciding with the seasonality of the warmer months and the summer holidays.

Recent heavy rainfall and the impact of La Niña has also meant there’s increased waterway hazards in drains, creeks and with flood waters which means that pet owners need to be on high alert.

To help keep you and your best mate safe this summer, we’ve put together these handy steps.

  1. Secure your pool fence and gate: Make sure your pool fencing, gates and stairs are closed, secure and that small pets cannot fit through gaps in the fencing.
  2. Keep a close eye on your dog near waterways: Ensure access to ponds, drains, creeks, dams and other waterways is restricted and make sure play time in or around water is closely supervised.
  3. Teach them to swim: Getting into the pool with your dog and encouraging them to swim is a great way to teach them how to swim How to swim with dogs explained: Dr Katrina Warren explains safe swimming, how to teach a dog to swim and more – 9Honey (nine.com.au).  Don’t force or throw them in as you want them to be confident in doing it themselves. Be sure to stay close with arms ready to lend a hand and guide your dog in and out of the water. If you have a swimming pool at home, familarise your dog with the location of the steps so they learn how to exit the pool.
  4. Give them plenty of rest breaks: Give your dog plenty of rest breaks when they are playing in water, as heavy panting and exhaustion could lead to increased risk of inhaling or swallowing water.
  5. Review ocean conditions before entering: Check out the ocean conditions closely before allowing your dog to swim at the beach. Rips, waves, and strong currents are all hazardous to dogs as they are humans.
  6. Purchase a dog life jacket: Dog life jackets are available for increased buoyancy Dog Life Jackets Australia – 20% off, Best Quality. Consider these an additional aid in protection for pets but remember they should still be used in addition to close supervision.

Water activities are a key part of Australian summer, so make sure you take some precautions to ensure that your dog is safe these holidays.

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.

Looking for pet insurance? Compare brands and products here