River Bound

April 28 2026, 2 min reading time

Whether you’re exploring rivers, creeks, lakes, or dams, it’s essential to keep your best mate safe during every freshwater adventure.

When we picture summer fun by the water, the beach often gets all the attention. But with most of Australia’s non-oceanic waterways found in regional areas, river safety for dogs is just as important. Whether you’re exploring rivers, creeks, lakes, or dams, it’s essential to keep your best mate safe during every freshwater adventure.

To help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable outing, we’ve put together this inland water safety guide for dogs.

Still Water Isn’t Always Safe

Don’t be fooled by calm, flat surfaces. Even the most peaceful-looking river can hide hazardous currents, undertows, deep drop-offs, and submerged obstacles. Always enter unfamiliar water slowly and keep a close eye on your dog as they explore.

Hot Day, Cold Water

A refreshing dip sounds perfect on a scorching day, but cold water shock can be dangerous for dogs. Sudden temperature changes can affect their breathing and mobility. Make sure your pup enters the water gradually, and monitor them closely in chilly conditions.

Beware of Algal Blooms

Inland waterways can be prone to blue-green algae. As these blooms break down, they can release toxins harmful to both pets and people. Avoid letting your dog swim or drink from water that appears murky, foamy, discoloured, or has visible algae.

Snakes, Grass and Ticks—Oh My

Hot days and fresh water attract wildlife, including snakes. Long grass near riverbanks is also a hotspot for ticks.
To keep your dog safe:

Keep them out of long grass where snakes may be hiding
Scan the area before letting them off-lead
Use monthly, all-round parasite protection or a tick collar
After your adventure, brush your dog thoroughly and check for ticks

River Safety Checklist for Dogs

Cats love to explore new environments, which stems from their instinct to assess their
surroundings for prey and potential threats. You can encourage this by:

Scanning the area for hazards, including people, other dogs and snakes
Never let your dog enter floodwater
If your pup isn’t a confident swimmer, invest in a Dan & Sam Dog Life Jacket
Keep fresh drinking water on hand so they’re not tempted to drink from the river