How to Help Your Pet Overcome a Fear of Water

Many animals can potentially swim, or at least feel comfortable while swimming. But the first acquaintance with water can be quite exciting. How to help your pet overcome a fear of water? Here are some actionable tips that can help you. Try not to put pressure on your pet and adapt it to bathing and seeing the water as positive.

You don't need to worry because many pets can be trained in a few weeks. You need a little patience. Do not forget that you should adhere to the dog handlers' recommendations so that the whole process is as successful as possible.

Introduce Your Pet to Water Very Slowly

The main secret is to teach your pet that water is okay gradually. You should build your reward learning model. But don't take your dog or cat to the seaside and set sail. Start with a small basin. Pour in a cup of water and watch your pet's reaction. Add more water, touch the fur with wet fingers, and let the animal interact with the liquid.

The main idea is to minimize stress. A step-by-step introduction to water is a must. And don't forget to reward your pet. Read unbiased cat food reviews and choose a treat for your kitten. Give some food every time your pet is doing great.

Ease Your Pet's Fear of Water With Shallow Wading

Once your pet is no longer afraid of one type of water, you should proceed to the next step. Pour some water into a tub or plastic bowl. A couple of glasses or one bottle is enough. You need to coat the surface with water lightly. Remember to keep the temperature at an acceptable level for your pet. Let your cat or dog sniff the liquid and place him or her in the center.

The idea is for the animal to wet its paws a little. Remember to reward your pet with food for good behavior. This will create a strong association between the water and the treat. Then your dog or cat will be more supportive of traveling to the ocean or swimming in the pool.

Keep Yourself Relaxed Around Water, Too!

All your actions should be clear and confident. Animals have a strong sense of empathy, so they will be painful to perceive your stress or impatience. Sometimes animals even feel guilty about their own failures. This negatively affects their nervous system and immunity. Try to train your pet and visit swimming coaches only in a good mood.

Then you and your pet will feel great. And don't forget vitamins. This helps the animal to be better active when traveling. Read the GNC dog vitamins reviews to find the best one for your pet.

Give Your Pet an Out

Fatigue is inherent in all creatures, and your pet is no exception. This is why you better start with the basics. For example, you can show your dog or cat how to get in and out of a pool in your backyard. Also, your pet may get tired while swimming. This is especially true when traveling by sea. A high tide can make your dog or cat tired in a couple of minutes or less.

That is why you need to study special videos or visit a dog handler for instructions. This will allow you to teach your pet how to rest in the water properly. The ability to recuperate will allow cats and dogs not to experience the stress of bathing.

Invest in a Personal Flotation Device

Different breeds of dogs and cats perceive bathing and stressful situations differently. Even if you have spent several months and your pet knows all the basics, there is always a risk of force majeure. This is why you should get a life jacket that will prevent your pet from drowning. Such a device is good for starting workouts and daily swimming.

There are fairly inexpensive options out there, so your budget won't feel like a waste. With this purchase, your pet will gain confidence and will be able to learn to swim quickly. Moreover, water will be perceived as positive. That is why dog and cat life jackets are a must. You don't have to worry about the next hot flush causing your pet to feel uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Water can be the best environment for your pet to play with. All of the above tips will help you overcome your fear of fluids and make your pet more stress-resistant. And don't forget about the promotion. Buy tasty food for your cat or dog to make the adaptation process as pleasant and fast as possible.

Then the training will not be interrupted, and you can achieve impressive results. All you have to do is show that the water is completely safe. Then bathing and swimming will become your pet's favorite activities.