The bathing season has started, and in many places, it’s not only people who are enjoying the water - but their four-legged friends too. Many a dog owner will find his dog dashing into the cool water as soon as he arrives at the lake or seaside. Numerous breeds of dog, such as Newfoundlands, Labradors or Golden Retrievers can barely be restrained when it comes to bathing, others approach the water more cautiously. But once they’re in the water, most dogs enjoy it immensely. To make sure that nothing dampens your dog’s bathing enthusiasm, the experts at the Fressnapf chain of specialist shops have put together five tips for dog owners:

• Take care in the sun: Prevent sunburn or sunstroke! Ensure that your dog always has a shady place under a sunshade or tree. Keep enough fresh water ready - and avoid the sun around midday.
• No salt water: If you have decided on a beach holiday by the sea, your four-legged friend will come into contact with salt water. You should wash this out of his fur with fresh water. Your dog should not drink salt water, as this can harm his stomach.
• Help him cool off: If your dog prefers not to go into the water, protect him from the summer heat by regularly placing a damp cloth on his back or by applying a damp T-shirt to cool him down. Remember that your dog does not have sweat glands to regulate his body heat.
• Encourage your dog: If your four-legged friend has never set foot in large expanses of water, you should help him to get used to it. Approach the matter slowly on a flat section of beach - his favourite toy or a snack floating on the water can be of assistance here. It is better to tempt your dog into the water in an entertaining way rather than throwing him literally ‘in at the deep end’!
• But take note: Bathing on crowded beaches and banks will only be a relaxed affair for both dog and owner if the dog tolerates its fellow creatures and other people. If your dog should leave its mark, you should always have a bag ready to collect the excrement.

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