Meta description: Planning summer water fun with your dog? Our Australian guide covers life jackets, floating fetch toys and safe play, with fast dispatch from Easy Pets.
Warm days and long afternoons are made for the water. Whether you're heading to the lake, the beach or a backyard paddle pool, a few simple choices make the day safer and more fun for your dog.
Start with a life jacket
Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and even strong swimmers can tire quickly. A well-fitting life jacket keeps your dog afloat and visible on boat trips, lake days and surf sessions. The Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket for Dogs (Medium) is built for swims, boat trips and lake days, and weighs approximately 294g.
Before you go, check the fit. You should be able to slide two fingers under the straps, and the jacket should not rub or restrict movement.
Pick toys that float
Fetch is a favourite in the water, so choose toys made for it. The West Paw Zisc Flying Disc is durable and floatable, built for high-energy dogs and outdoor play. For a fetch session on the sand, the KONG Extreme Ball (Medium/Large) is built for dogs who play a little harder. For a fun bounce, the Doggi Rugby Ball (Large) is an oval fetch toy designed for unpredictable bounces on land.
Keep the play safe
- Take fresh water. Dogs get thirsty after swimming and in the sun, so bring a bowl and a bottle.
- Rest often. Let your dog take breaks in the shade.
- Rinse off salt and sand. Salt water and sand can irritate skin and coats, so rinse your dog afterwards.
- Stay close. Keep an eye on your dog around currents, rocks and boats.
Grab a reward for after the swim
A post-swim treat is a good way to bring your dog back to you. The KONG Rewards Wrapz treat pouch keeps treats close to hand, so recall practice and reward play are easy to manage at the water's edge. For a dog who loves a cuddle after a big day, the KONG Wild Knots Bear (X-Large) is a soft rope-knot bear to cuddle and tug.
Shop summer water gear with a real team behind you
Every order at Easy Pets is handled personally by our small Australian team. Browse our range of dog toys, treats and summer gear at easypets.au, and if you need help choosing the right fit, we're here to help.