Many dogs love the water , and with its shallow, calm shore the Baltic is ideal for first swims and joyful fetching. To keep it fun and safe, here are the key rules for swimming, fetching and even SUP with your dog.
Ease into the water
Never throw your dog in or push it , that creates fear. Lead the way yourself, tempt with play and your voice, and let your dog decide over shallow water. And importantly: not every dog likes to swim, and that’s perfectly fine. Forcing it gets you nowhere.
Fetching in the water
- Floating toy: a buoyant dummy or water toy is perfect , never a stick, which causes serious throat injuries every year.
- Throw moderately: short, clearly visible throws, more often rather than too far. Water fetching is more tiring than it looks.
- Breaks: a wet, excited dog overestimates itself , build in breaks before exhaustion hits.
SUP & kayak with your dog
- Practise calmly: first onto the board on land, then at the shore, then out , step by step with rewards.
- Buoyancy aid: a dog life vest with a handle adds safety and helps lift it back in.
- Non-slip: a mat or towel gives paws grip on the slippery board.
- Keep it short: short, relaxed tours in light wind beat the big expedition.
Salt water, coat & paws
- Don’t let it drink: salt water causes diarrhoea and, at worst, salt poisoning , always offer fresh water.
- Rinse off: after a swim, briefly rinse the coat and especially the paws with fresh water to prevent itching.
- Dry the ears: floppy-eared dogs are prone to ear infections after swimming , dab them dry.
Mum says: Always bring a bottle of fresh water and a foldable bowl. A dog that gulps litres of salt water will otherwise ruin your day.
In short: safely into the water
- Approach slowly and voluntarily, never throw the dog in.
- Floating toy instead of a stick, throw moderately, take breaks.
- SUP/kayak step by step, with a life vest and a non-slip surface.
- No drinking salt water, offer fresh water, rinse off afterwards.
- Mind currents, blue-green algae and exhaustion , when in doubt, get out.
Note: our own pet food and accessories shop is being built , as soon as it’s live, you’ll find the right food, bowls and water toys here directly. Until then: the content stands on its own, even without a single click.