Summer is here, which means it's time to start enjoying the water activities. If you have dogs, they may want to get involved in the fun, as well. Unfortunately, not all dogs are as safe in the water as you might think. In fact, water poses serious risks for some dogs, especially those with thick fur, or heavier bodies. For those breeds, falling in a pool can spell disaster. Now that summer is here, take care to protect your dogs from accidental drowning. Here are four steps you can take to keep your dog safe around water this summer:

Insist on a Life Preserver

If you've got a heavy breed dog (such as a bulldog) or a dog with a thick fur coat, you need to take special precautions when it comes to water. Your dog may love the water, but the heavy body or thick fur, are going to weigh it down. To prevent an accidental drowning, always insist on a canine life preserver when your dog is going to be around water. The life preserver will keep your dog above water until you can get it to safety.

Always Supervise Your Dogs

It's important to remember that dogs are like small children when it comes to water. They need constant supervision. If you have a pool or are heading to the lake or ocean this summer, always keep an eye on your dog. Know where they are at all times. This will ensure that you can catch them before they head into the water. It's also a good idea to place a surface alarm in your pool. Simply activate the alarm when you're not going to be around the pool. The surface alarm will alert whenever there is movement in the water. Not only will the alarm protect your dog, it will also help protect any small children who might be around your pool this summer.

Clear the Pool

Dog's love to play with toys. If they see something they want to play with, they're going to go after it; even if it's in the pool. To help keep your dog out of the pool when you're not around, remove all pool toys before you head into the house. This should include rafts, and pool loungers, as well. Your dog will be less likely to dive in the pool if there isn't anything floating on the water for it to play with.

Learn Canine CPR

When it comes to water, it's important to remember that accidents do happen. When they do, you need to be prepared to take action immediately. To keep your dog safe around the water this summer, enroll in a canine CPR class. These classes not only teach basic canine CPR and rescue breathing, they also teach you the steps you should take if your dog is drowning. 

Contact an animal hospital for more information and assistance.