Doing the doggy paddle

Much to my delight and with a small crowd of onlookers, last Sunday Milo had his first real encounter with open water and swam!

Of course I was the proudest dog owner in Hyde Park but I still couldn’t figure out if he did it to cool himself down or for the sheer fun of it. Whatever the reason I was overly impressed and one thing that amazed me was that it looked like he had always known how to do it.

Although his back legs were a little on the floaty side and most of the work was being done by the front legs, he managed to doggy paddle over to the stick I’d thrown into the water and back again several times.

If you're looking for a great exercise for your pooch, I definitely recommend teaching your dog how to swim, what a fantastic idea. For conditions such as osteo-arthritis and hip dysplasia swimming provides a weightless exercise to improve joint movement, increase circulation and build muscles.

There are three simple steps to helping your dog get comfortable in water and its all down to praise at the right times.

1. First, Find a nice pond or pool (not too deep) and let your dog explore the area thoroughly.
2. Then when your dog makes contact with the water and looks comfortable, praise him persistently.
3. Next when your dog has all for paws and belly in the water throw a toy into the water (not too far from him) and when he goes to retrieve it praise him even more.

Keep repeating these steps until your pooch is happy to swim without too much praise.

Not only is swimming enjoyable for you both but in the same way it helps humans, it will help work on your dog’s heart and the lungs, as well as all of your dog's muscles giving him a good workout. It can also give an overweight dog sufficient exercise on land without over-stressing the bones and joints.

Just as I discovered last weekend, taking your dog for a swim can be heaps of fun and a great bonding exercise between you and pooch. Here are a few more tips to keep your dog safe - have fun!

Swimming pools – Never leave your dog unattended around a pool. Once in, a dog may not be able get out without help and may panic and drown. Make sure your dog has a clear entrance and exit to the pool. Dogs cannot touch the bottom like humans can, so their legs will get tired quickly and must get out to rest. If you have a pool invest in a special pool ramp or steps designed for dogs to get in and out easily.

No drinking - Do not worry of your dog drinks some chlorinated pool water or pond water, inevitably this will happen but take care that he does not overdo it. If you are going to the beach try not to let your dog drink any sea water, the high mineral and salt content can be very bad for his/her stomach. Always carry some fresh water with you in a portable water bottle especially if you are going on long walks.

Safety first – You are the best lifeguard you can ever be to your dog, If any problems arise you need to know what to do. Start by learn some basic pet CPR. Check this link out. Make sure that you supervise you dog at all times especially in choppy waters or when a tide is about to rise. You can even buy a dog a life jacket if he/she is still learning the basics.

Water toys - If your dog needs a bit of persuading to get into the water and the traditional stick won’t work, try throwing him a bright coloured floating water toy. There are many to choose from, but remember never to throw anything too far especially if you don’t have a confident swimmer .

If you want to read some more tips on how to introduce your dog to water click here. If you are feeling lucky then try entering our prize draw for a bag of Bionic Biotic. Click here to enter.

Life's a beach

The sun has finally decided to put his hat on and with rumours of a hot summer many of us will be planning a trip to the coast with our four legged friends this year.

Milo and I took an early trip to Southend – on –sea at the end of April and I have to say there is something quite liberating about letting your furry friend run freely on an open shore. Milo didn’t quite appreciate sliding into the huge pebbles under his miniature paw pads but he still enjoyed discovering a new coastal territory even if I couldn’t persuade him to take a dip!

Taking your dog to the beach for the first time requires a bit of planning. The most important thing to remember is that cool ocean water will be tempting to your dog on a hot sunny day so don’t allow your dog to drink any sea water. The result will be a sick dog. If this happens you can try introducing Bionic Biotic to his daily diet to ease any upset stomachs. Make sure you carry some fresh clean water in a portable water bottle and if they have never had contact with open water before read here about how to introduce your dog to the water.

We managed to get onto Southend beach before it closed to dogs for the summer and the harsh reality is that many more beaches will now be closed to dogs between May and October. The good news however, is that many will also stay open for the season.

We have plucked out just a few of the fabulous and scenic hotspots you should be considering for a great seaside walk this spring and summer.

Thurlestone/South Milton Sands, South Devon

Owned by the National Trust and within what’s known as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” this beach has plenty of rock pools to sniff out during low tide. The area is the famous for the Thurlestone Rock which was painted by Turner and is best seen at high tide. Dogs are welcome all year round here so no need to worry about restrictions. Visit www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk for more dog friendly beaches in South Devon.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Known as one of England’s most unspoilt stretches of sand, Holkham Beach is part of one of the largest Nature Reserves in the UK. The Holkham National Nature Reserve is home to many rare species of flora and fauna to make it more exciting for your dog. Holkham beach is also where a team of Huskies fed on Mobile Bones set the 100m Guinness World Record for the fastest 100m dog sled. Dogs on leads are welcome on Holkham Beach but there are some restrictions for dogs on Wells Beach. Visit www.holkham.co.uk for more information.

Filey, Yorkshire

A five mile stretch of soft sandy (paw friendly) beaches set in a wide bay makes a great patch for quick and easy beach treks with your dog. Filey also offers a historical promenade and plenty of facilities. Although there are some 'dog restrictions' during the summer there is still a huge amount of beach ground available to walk dogs on. Scarborough and Whitby are also close-by and offer similar splendid beaches for dog walks. Check out www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com.

Holywell Bay, Cornwall

Without a doubt Cornwall offers some of the UK’s most breathtaking beach locations. Holywell is a huge sandy beach with extensive sand dunes to run amongst. The area is popular with families and surfers making it a nice spot for a holiday with the kids. The list of dog friendly beaches in the South West coast is endless but don’t forget to check the tides. Look up www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk for a full list of dog friendly beaches many welcome mutts all year round.

Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

Enjoy the beautiful golden sands of this welsh beach offering some 52 acres of cliff-land ideal for exercising more active dogs. The Three Cliffs Bay also offers a stunning campsite ideal for longer weekend breaks. Beyond Three Cliffs Bay, you have Tor Bay and Crawley Woods, also, the sandy beach of Oxwich Bay all allowing access to dogs 365 days a year. A place attracting many water sports and nature enthusiasts will appreciate Three Cliff’s 540 acre National Nature reserve. Visit www.visitswanseabay.com.

For more information on the best coastal spots to visit with your dogs this year check out the Marine Conservation Society’s website www.goodbeachguide.co.uk or sign yourself up to the Dog Friendly Britain Forum and talk to other dog owners about the best beaches to visit.

In the meantime click here to get you into the mood for some surfing dogs.

Enter Pooch and Mutt’s monthly prize draw here to win a bag of Bionic Biotic.