Dog owners are being urged to exercise caution when allowing their pets to swim in outdoor bodies of water, amid rising concerns over hidden hazards beneath the surface. Recent statistics from the Canal & River Trust reveal that incidents involving dogs in water have reached a five-year peak in 2025, with a 39% increase compared to the previous year.
This number may rise further throughout the year due to the exceptionally hot and dry weather prompting more people to take their dogs to water to cool off. However, the Dogs Trust warns that although 74% of dog owners believe they can identify safe water, no open water should ever be assumed safe without proper checks.
Potential dangers include pollutants, strong currents, harmful algae blooms such as blue-green algae, cold-water shock, and insufficient exit points for dogs to leave the water safely.
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Jennifer Craig, a Somerset dog owner, spoke to Good Morning Britain about the sudden loss of her beloved dog, Luna, after a river swim she thought was harmless. Jennifer chose the spot to help Luna cool down, as the roads were too hot for her paws.
“We didn’t think anything of it on that day in the heat,” Jennifer explained. “We just thought this is the best place for her. We can’t take her out on a long walk. We can’t take her on the roads because it’s too hot. So, we’ll just drive down to the river, throw the ball for her, and give her that sort of exercise. Having lost her so suddenly, it was just so hard for all of us.”
Emily Mills from the Dogs Trust offers clear guidance to dog owners to help ensure safe swimming experiences for their pets:
“I think the message we would like to get out to dog owners is just to be cautious every time. So even if it’s a body of water that you’re familiar with, if you walked your dog there recently, just check every time.”
She emphasises important safety checks:
“The things that we’re really keen for people to check are: is your dog able to get in and out safely? Is there any presence of blue-green algae? Are there warning signs posted? Are there animals or wildlife nearby that could pose a risk? And are there any hidden dangers lurking beneath the water surface?”
With temperatures soaring, dog owners are reminded to remain vigilant and to prioritise their pets' safety when near water, choosing safe locations and monitoring conditions carefully.