Water Safety For Dogs
Every year as spring warms up and turns to summer people start to venture out on the water with their friends, family and pets.
We are often careful with ourselves and our human guests but can forget to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our four-legged companions.
Contrary to popular opinion, not all dogs can swim.
Certain breeds are known as 'water' breeds and do love the water and tend to be strong confident swimmers however there are many other breeds who simply do not swim.
Some dogs fear the water and may panic when they find themselves in it.
The first measure of precaution in water safety for dogs is the purchase of an appropriate flotation device for your dog.
Dog life jackets are available online and at most pet retailers.
When purchasing a life jacket for your dog, in addition to proper fit, take care to read the labelling as the life jackets are designed to provide flotation based on the dog's weight.
As with life jackets for people, the dog's life jacket is of no value if it is stowed under a seat on the boat.
Prior to walking out on the dock you need to have your dog's life jacket on him.
Take some time to ensure that the straps are quite snug on your dog.
Most jackets have a handle on the back for easy retrieval should your dog fall overboard.
Try lifting your dog by this handle before you get out on the water.
If your dog slips out, then you will need to tighten the straps further.
As with any type of safety equipment you need to ensure that it will serve its intended purpose before you are in an emergency situation.
Just as we do fire drills at home and in offices, take a few moments to do a safety drill on your boat in regard to your dog.
If you are in shallow water, and are able, place your dog over board, let him experience what will happen.
Determine how you will get him back in the boat should this happen in open water.
One option is to carry a fishing net even if you are not using it for actual fish.
A net with an extendible handle can be used to retrieve your dog and/or any other items in the water.
As with the life jacket, it is imperative that you test the net to ensure that it can hold the weight of your wet dog in an emergency situation.
Another option is to have a rope or leash tied to the handle on your dog's life jacket for ease of retrieval if he goes over.
If your dog is a strong swimmer and you choose to let him swim from your boat, be sure to keep him close by and have a plan as to how he will get back up into the boat.
If your dog does take a dip, be sure to give him a fresh water rinse to remove any oils or chemicals that may be present in the water.
In addition to the risk of drowning while on the water, dogs can also be in danger from exposure to the sun.
Be sure to allow your dog access to fresh water and shade while boating.
There are even dog sunglasses that you can purchase that will protect your dogs' eyes from the glare and the wind, if you can convince your dog to wear them.
We are often careful with ourselves and our human guests but can forget to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our four-legged companions.
Contrary to popular opinion, not all dogs can swim.
Certain breeds are known as 'water' breeds and do love the water and tend to be strong confident swimmers however there are many other breeds who simply do not swim.
Some dogs fear the water and may panic when they find themselves in it.
The first measure of precaution in water safety for dogs is the purchase of an appropriate flotation device for your dog.
Dog life jackets are available online and at most pet retailers.
When purchasing a life jacket for your dog, in addition to proper fit, take care to read the labelling as the life jackets are designed to provide flotation based on the dog's weight.
As with life jackets for people, the dog's life jacket is of no value if it is stowed under a seat on the boat.
Prior to walking out on the dock you need to have your dog's life jacket on him.
Take some time to ensure that the straps are quite snug on your dog.
Most jackets have a handle on the back for easy retrieval should your dog fall overboard.
Try lifting your dog by this handle before you get out on the water.
If your dog slips out, then you will need to tighten the straps further.
As with any type of safety equipment you need to ensure that it will serve its intended purpose before you are in an emergency situation.
Just as we do fire drills at home and in offices, take a few moments to do a safety drill on your boat in regard to your dog.
If you are in shallow water, and are able, place your dog over board, let him experience what will happen.
Determine how you will get him back in the boat should this happen in open water.
One option is to carry a fishing net even if you are not using it for actual fish.
A net with an extendible handle can be used to retrieve your dog and/or any other items in the water.
As with the life jacket, it is imperative that you test the net to ensure that it can hold the weight of your wet dog in an emergency situation.
Another option is to have a rope or leash tied to the handle on your dog's life jacket for ease of retrieval if he goes over.
If your dog is a strong swimmer and you choose to let him swim from your boat, be sure to keep him close by and have a plan as to how he will get back up into the boat.
If your dog does take a dip, be sure to give him a fresh water rinse to remove any oils or chemicals that may be present in the water.
In addition to the risk of drowning while on the water, dogs can also be in danger from exposure to the sun.
Be sure to allow your dog access to fresh water and shade while boating.
There are even dog sunglasses that you can purchase that will protect your dogs' eyes from the glare and the wind, if you can convince your dog to wear them.
