A Black Lab Puppy Lay at the Muddy Edge of the Pond and Thought It Over

Lying flat on a muddy bank, a black Labrador Retriever puppy gazes out with a thoughtful tilt of his head. His paws are dark with mud, his tongue peeks out and the small pond in front of him is covered in bright green algae. A cluttered garden with a blue watering can, a clay pot and tools stretches out behind him.

Labs have a reputation as water-loving dogs, and puppies often feel the pull of a pond right away. Still, murky ponds can be unsafe. Algae can be harmful to dogs, stagnant water can carry germs, and banks can hide sharp objects or sudden drops. Keep a young puppy on a leash near water, and encourage him to choose clean, shallow places such as a kiddie pool. After a muddy adventure, rinse him well, dry his ears and check his paws. If your puppy drinks from a pond and then seems unwell, contact your vet. Labs are strong swimmers when grown, but puppies need gentle introductions and close supervision. Teaching a reliable recall will help keep him out of trouble near water.

For now he rests with his chin low, deciding whether to splash or stay put. Either way, a bath is likely in his future, and the sun-warmed mud is just too inviting. Whatever he chooses, the garden will keep its green secrets, and the walk back to the house will be slow and a little muddy.