Be very careful if you let your Scots swim. Drowning may not seem like a breed-specific health issue, but pools are
a big risk to Scotties – especially Scottie pups. They love the water
and they love swimming, but they’re notoriously bad at it. Scots in the
water must be closely supervised, and Scots in a pool or other abruptly
deep water should be avoided at all costs. If you have a pool or pond,
it must be securely fenced in before you get a Scottie, and your family
must be committed to keeping things secure.
Scottie drownings in pools are such a problem that the American Kennel
Club sends a warning about them to everyone who registers a Scot. Now,
this doesn’t mean you can’t take your Scottie with you to the cottage!
As long as they have the
option to swim back when they (quickly) get tired, they can enjoy the
cottage lifestyle along with you. Pools don’t usually provide this
option. (Scottie-sized life jackets are more and more available these
days – dogs who spend a lot of time around the water should have one.)
Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket and Designer Doggy
Life Jackets
Have a safe and fun summer!