You will see images and even videos online of dogs scuba diving and dogs in scuba diving gear. Did you ever wonder if it is possible for a dog to go scuba diving? With common questions from human divers such as how can a dog equalize their ears or know if their air is low. So, can you take your dog scuba diving?
No, not really. Dogs diving at shallow depths might be ok but the requirements and thresholds to avoid decompression sickness are not known for dogs. There are a number of other issues such as how can a dog communicate that they have a problem with their air supply, or if there are problems with their ears as they go deeper.
In today’s post, we will go through in more detail can you take your dog scuba diving. So let’s get started!
Read more on common questions asked by divers
Can You Take Your Dog Scuba Diving?
Technically it is possible if you have money to spend but it could also be considered irresponsible. Shallow depths might be ok but the requirements and thresholds to avoid decompression sickness are not known for dogs. Simply how can you teach a dog to handle problems when they go wrong while scuba diving.
There are a number of other issues such as how can a dog communicate there have a problem with the air supply, or if there are problems equalizing their ears. Scuba diving is technical, there is a requirement to get a scuba diving cert and not to be scuba diving with someone without any scuba diving knowledge. Even getting a scuba diving suit for a dog could be problematic.
PADI had an April fools day with a PADI Pet Specialty course.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Scuba Dive Underwater?
No, it is not safe for dogs to go scuba diving. As there is no way that a dog can be taught how to handle any of the things that can go wrong on a dive or how to communicate if they have a problem with the air supply or their equipment. Also, your dog has no say in the practice of if they want to scuba dive or not.
Can Dogs Equalize Their Ears?
Dogs and humans have ears that are very similar by design. Dogs do have the same issues as humans do when flying or scuba diving. Dogs can learn to equalize their ears but it could be harder to do so underwater.
What Is The Record For How Deep a Dog Has Dived?
The Guinness world records say that the deepest a god goes is approximately 4 m (13 ft). The record was completed by Dwane Folsom who regularly takes his dog, Shadow, scuba diving off the coast of Grand Cayman Island.
Wrapping Up
Finally, dogs diving at shallow depths might be ok but the requirements and thresholds to avoid decompression sickness are not known for dogs. There are a number of other issues such as how can a dog communicate that they have a problem with their air supply, or if there are problems to equalize their ears. It is not safe to bring a dog to scuba diving.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on can you take your dog scuba diving has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.