Moment Unbothered 18-Year-Old Shih-Tzu Starts Floating Away in the River Has Viewers Gasping
It's officially the dog days of summer, but that doesn't mean you and your pooches have to schedule your whole lives around the hot temperatures. Walks during warm afternoons may not be an option for another month or so, but nature-loving dogs like Dingo, Loki, and Piccola know exactly what to do. It's time to hit the water!
On July 26, the trio's owner shared a video from their day at the river that left viewers shocked. It began as a calm and fun time, but then the poor dog owner nearly had a heart attack as their 18-year-old Shih-Tzu started floating away! The little dog seemed as unbothered as can be, but their loving owner raced to grab them within seconds of paddling out.
OMG! I wasn't even there, and I audibly gasped when I saw the little dog being swept away. I'm not sure how this dog owner stayed so calm while continuing to film, but what's most important is that little Piccolo is safe and sound. In fact, she seemed completely unfazed by her close call!
Related: Video of Labradors Chillin' in Floats on the Lake Is the Kind of Content We're Here For
As many viewers pointed out in the comment section, this senior dog probably enjoys floating because it gives her joints a break. It makes total sense! This sweet Shih-Tzu girl is already 18 years old, and it looks like she's hardly paddling her little legs while swimming. Clearly, the river was doing all the work.
Pet parents in the comments had plenty of smart suggestions for keeping Piccolo safe in the river, from using a life jacket with a handle to creating her own 'swimmy section' using rocks to block the current. Just don't forget to put all the rocks back in the riverbed when you're done!
Swimming Safety for Dogs
Whether you're at a river, a pool, or in the ocean, it's important to take lots of precautions to keep your pup safe in the water.
Canine life jackets are a must, even if your dog knows how to swim, though it's important to remember that they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. They'll help to keep your dog's head above water, but they won't help keep your dog from getting swept away unless they're tethered to something onshore.
If you're swimming somewhere like the ocean where your dog could get swept out, be sure to look up current conditions before letting your dog in the water. Swimming in a rip current isn't worth the risk!
Even though drowning is the biggest danger when dogs go swimming, it's also important to ensure your pup doesn't lick or eat anything in the water. Blue-green algae can be dangerous, but even drinking ocean or lake water can make a dog sick.
Just as this video proved, there are so many reasons to be vigilant! Water safety is essential, but it's also part of having a great time!
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