What to Do After Your Dog Goes for a Swim (Ocean or Lake)

There’s nothing quite like watching your dog bound into the water, ears flopping, tail wagging, pure joy in motion. Whether it’s the salty waves of the ocean or the calm surface of a lake, swimming is fantastic exercise and enrichment for dogs. But once the fun is over, there are a few important steps you should take to keep your pup healthy, comfortable, and safe.

1. Rinse Them Off (Yes, Even After Lakes)

After an ocean swim, rinsing your dog with fresh water is non-negotiable. Salt can dry out their skin and coat, leading to irritation and itchiness. But don’t skip this step after lake swims either. Lakes can contain bacteria, algae, or pollutants that you don’t want lingering on your dog’s fur.

A quick rinse with clean water helps remove:

• - Salt and sand
• - Algae and debris
• - Bacteria or parasites

If you’re somewhere without a hose, even a bottle of water and a towel wipe-down is better than nothing.

2. Dry Them Thoroughly

Letting your dog air dry might seem fine, but moisture trapped in their coat—especially in thick or double-coated breeds—can lead to skin issues or hot spots.

Use a towel to dry:

• - Under the belly
• - Between the legs
• - Around the ears
• - Paws and between toes

If your dog tolerates it, a low-heat blow dryer can help speed things up, especially on cooler days.

3. Check the Ears

Water can easily get trapped in your dog’s ears, creating the perfect environment for infections.

After swimming:

• - Gently dry the outer ear with a towel
• - Use a vet-approved ear cleaner if your dog is prone to infections
• - Watch for signs like redness, odor, or excessive scratching

Dogs with floppy ears are especially susceptible, so this step is key.

4. Inspect Their Skin and Coat

Swimming environments can hide surprises. Take a few minutes to check your dog for:

• - Cuts or scrapes (from rocks, shells, or debris)
• - Ticks or parasites
• - Irritated or red patches of skin

Catching small issues early can prevent bigger problems later.

5. Clean Their Paws

Sand, small stones, or mud can get lodged between your dog’s paw pads. This can be uncomfortable and even cause injury if left unnoticed.

Gently:

• - Rinse or wipe each paw
• - Check between the toes
• - Remove any debris

This also helps keep your home cleaner when you get back.

6. Offer Fresh Drinking Water

Dogs often swallow some water while swimming—especially in the ocean. Saltwater can upset their stomach, and lake water may contain contaminants.

Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean drinking water right after their swim to:

• - Rehydrate them
• - Help flush out anything they may have ingested

7. Watch for Post-Swim Fatigue

Swimming is a full-body workout. Even strong swimmers can tire out quickly.

Afterward:

• - Let your dog rest
• - Avoid intense activity for a while
• - Monitor for signs of exhaustion or stiffness

Puppies, senior dogs, and short-nosed breeds may need extra recovery time.

8. Give a Proper Bath (When Needed)

If your dog was in the ocean, a full bath with dog shampoo later in the day is a good idea to remove lingering salt and prevent dryness. For lake swims, a bath depends on how clean the water was, but when in doubt, it’s worth doing.

Just don’t overdo it. Too many baths can strip natural oils from their coat.

Swimming is one of the best activities you can share with your dog, it’s fun, healthy, and mentally enriching. A simple post-swim routine ensures that all that joy doesn’t come with hidden downsides.

With a rinse, a dry, and a quick check-over, your dog will stay happy, healthy, and ready for the next splash-filled adventure.