MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Summer is a great time for people and pets to enjoy the water, but it's important to keep safety in mind before making a splash.
During Tuesday's Pet of the Week segment, Stacy Oatman with the Wisconsin Humane Society introduced viewers to Ghibli, a 6-year-old dog currently available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Milwaukee Campus.
Along with highlighting Ghibli's search for a forever home, Oatman shared several important swimming safety reminders for pet owners.
Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so experts recommend introducing pets to the water gradually and never forcing them to swim. Pet owners should always supervise dogs around pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, even if their pets are experienced swimmers.
Life jackets can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for dogs who are new to swimming, older pets, or breeds that may struggle in the water. Owners should also be aware of strong currents, changing weather conditions, and potential hazards such as blue-green algae.
After a day at the beach or pool, it's a good idea to rinse pets off and provide plenty of fresh drinking water to help prevent them from swallowing too much lake or pool water.
Anyone interested in learning more about Ghibli or other adoptable animals can visit the Wisconsin Humane Society to view available pets and adoption information.
To learn more about adoption opportunities, visit the Wisconsin Humane Society's website.