Dog swimming with harness and leash, what is allowed and what is not

The short answer. our dog leash and collar are waterproof, which is possible just take it into the water. The dog harness is not. It is quick-drying, but not made for immersion. It is the most convenient take off the harness before your dog goes into the water, as well as the leash or collar just to let.

Can my dog swim with a harness on?

It is possible, but we don't recommend it. So the harness is not waterproof prolonged immersion makes the material work harder than necessary. For a short moment at the water's edge there is little going on, but for real swimming it is more pleasant, and better for the gear, to have it to take it off for a while.

Why the harness is not waterproof, but quick-drying

The dog harness is made of a different material than the leash and collar, and therefore does not have the same waterproof property. That doesn't mean that it cannot withstand a splash of water. after a rainy walk or a... short splash it dries quickly. The difference is long lasting submerging, such as swimming, which is a different strain than one moist nose or a puddle of water along the way.

Leash and collar. suitable for wet use

The leash and collar are waterproof, so they can be left on while swimming or at the beach. Handy if your dog likes the water runs in and out. you don't have to take something off and put it back on again and again. You can easily wipe them clean afterwards, see our dog leash guide cleaning for the exact steps.

What you should do before and after swimming

Take off the harness before your dog goes into the water, leash and collar are allowed stay on. After swimming, give your dog a good shake and, where possible, rinse with clean water to remove salt or chlorine. Do the rigging Only change it again when your dog is dry, or let it dry for a while before continuing walks.

What you should not do

• Do not let the harness remain wet for a long time after swimming, as this can damage the material over time.
• Don't assume that salt water is the same as clean water, also rinse the leash and collar after a day at the beach.
• Do not immediately put the harness back on if your dog is still soaking wet, let most of it dry or shake it off first.
• Don't forget that sand can get stuck in the buckles and stitching, knock this out before storing everything.

This is how you keep your harness, leash and collar in top condition after a day in the water

After a day of swimming or at the beach, a good cleaning is smarter than anything immediately put back in the bag. Our normal rules apply to the harness hand washing method, see the guide about washing dog harness. Leash and collar are wiped with a damp cloth clean again in no time.

Practical checklist for swimming with your dog

• Remove the harness before swimming, leash and collar can remain on.
• Rinse everything with clean water after swimming in salt or chlorinated water.
• Knock sand out of buckles and stitching before storing the harness.
• Let the harness dry thoroughly before putting it back on.
• Wash leash and collar with a damp cloth as soon as you get home.

Frequently asked questions about swimming with harness and leash

Is it bad if the harness gets wet every now and then?

No, a splash of water or a short splash won't hurt, the harness dries quickly. Avoid structural long-term immersion.

Can my dog go into the water with the leash on?

Yes, the belt is waterproof and can be left on, even while swimming.

Do I always have to rinse off after swimming in the sea?

That is recommended. Salt can dry up in stitching and buckles, rinsing with clean water prevents this from building up.

Can I let my dog swim with a harness if it is only for a very short time?

That is possible, for a short moment there is little to worry about. For longer swims it is better to take off the harness.

What is the fastest way to dry the harness after a wet day?

Dab it with a towel and then let it air dry, not in the dryer. See our dog harness-washing guide for the full explanation.

Also check out ourguide on choosing one dog harness and, for the leash that can go into the water with your dog, us offer dog leashes.