What to Do After Your Dog Swims in the Ocean

Cape Town dogs swim. That is just a fact of life here. Whether it is an accidental wade at Camps Bay, a full commitment at Long Beach, or a determined paddle at Kalk Bay, most dogs will eventually come out of the ocean looking extremely pleased with themselves. Here is what to do next.

Rinse the gear first

Before you do anything else, get the lead, harness, and collar under fresh water. Salt water left to dry in webbing and hardware gradually degrades both. It is not a dramatic process. It is slow and cumulative, but after a summer of ocean swims with no rinse, you will notice fraying stitching and corrosion around metal parts that should not be there. A quick rinse now saves you from replacing gear earlier than you should need to.

Dry properly

Wet gear left in the car or the boot is a good way to end up with mildew and material breakdown. Hang it somewhere with airflow and let it dry fully before the next walk. Most quality webbing dries quickly. An hour in a shaded but breezy spot does the job.

Check your dog's ears

Dogs who swim in the ocean, especially floppy eared breeds, can pick up ear infections if water gets trapped. You do not need to do anything complicated. Just dry around the outer ear with a towel and check for redness or an unusual smell in the days after a swim. If either shows up, worth a vet call.

Rinse your dog

Fresh water rinse after ocean swimming removes salt from the coat, which can irritate skin if it dries repeatedly without being removed. It also gets rid of any bacteria from the shallows. A simple hose down at the beach parking area or at home is enough. You do not need to shampoo after every swim.

Check the paws

Sand and salt can sit between paw pads and cause irritation. After a long beach session, lift each paw and check between the pads. You are looking for any cuts from shells or rocks, and making sure there is no compacted sand that has not rinsed clear. Cape Town beaches have stretches with crushed shell that can be rough on sensitive paws.

Final woof: Ocean swims are one of the great Cape Town pleasures for dogs and their owners. A short aftercare routine keeps the gear lasting longer and your dog comfortable for the next one.