Rinse off what you can see
After swimming in a lake, pool, or ocean, rinse the coat with fresh water when practical. Check for sand, plant material, or debris in the feathering around the legs, chest, and tail. Towel-dry the coat before your dog rests on a bed or rides in the car.
Look at the ears without probing
Notice whether the outer ear looks irritated or unusually moist. Do not push cotton swabs into the ear canal or use leftover drops. Repeated head shaking, scratching, or signs of pain call for veterinary advice. Consider water conditions, currents, temperature, and your dog’s confidence; supervise closely and offer breaks.
Check the water and the dog first
Choose a permitted swimming area with a safe exit and supervise the dog throughout. Do not assume that enthusiasm means a dog is a strong swimmer. Introduce water gradually, stay close, and use a properly fitted flotation vest if conditions or the dog’s ability call for one. Avoid areas with strong currents, unsafe water quality, steep banks, or hazards you cannot see.
Keep swimming sessions short enough that the dog can rest. Watch for tiredness, stress, or difficulty getting out, and end the activity before the dog becomes exhausted. Bring fresh drinking water so the dog is less likely to drink from the swimming area. Ask your veterinarian about swimming if the dog has a medical condition or is recovering from an injury.
Dry and inspect the gear too
After the dog is settled, rinse and dry the towel, harness, flotation vest, and other gear according to each maker’s care label. Check straps, buckles, and seams for grit or wear before storing them. Damp equipment can stay uncomfortable against a long coat and may be harder to inspect later.
Keep clean drinking water and a dry towel in the car so aftercare does not depend on what is available at the swimming site. If a piece of gear no longer fits securely or has damaged hardware, do not rely on it for the next swim. For a full wash routine, see how to rinse and dry a dog after a bath.