Some dogs love to play in the water, but is it safe? Here are some important water safety tips to keep in mind when you share aquatic adventures with your furry companions. Some bodies of water, like rivers or streams, pose dangers like snakes lurking around and sharp rocks that can cut your pup’s feet. Cold water or cold temperatures are also a factor to consider. The ocean, with waves and currents, offers different risks. Always have a plan in place for any type of water-related emergency you and your pets may encounter. Make sure to survey the area before letting your dog swim or play in any body of water.
My son Tyler has a dog, Cali, who absolutely loves the water. Tyler and Cali came to visit us when we were vacationing at an Outer Banks RV Park located on the sound side in North Caroline. Cali is a young, 50-pound Boxer mix and spends lots of time swimming and playing in lakes and streams with no problem. The ocean, however, was a new experience. We didn’t know what to expect from Cali, but since we are always of the “proceed with caution” mind set, Tyler bought a custom-fit bright colored dog life vest for Cali’s first encounter in the ocean.
We strapped the vest on, but Cali was not a fan! It turned out, she did just fine without it. We did keep a close eye on her time because even the best doggie swimmers can get tired and have trouble keeping their heads above water. Dogs don’t realize their limits, especially young spunky dogs. We kept a long lead on her in the event she got caught in a current. It is important to keep in mind, like you would watch a child swimming, the same goes for pets.
Tyler’s girlfriend, Cassidy, has a young 80-pound Labradoodle who loves the water, too. Mazie didn’t like the life vest either. Water safety is so important, so they used a harness with a hand strap to guide her and get a hold of her quickly if needed. Our Olde English Bulldog Bailey needs extra supervision because she has a short snout. This makes breathing extra difficult. Water gets in her face and into her nose easier. She is also stocky with short legs. She tires quickly, so a life jacket with a grab handle is a must for her.
Algae Alert
If you see algae of any kind in water, leave, and don’t let your pet get near it. Blue-green algae is toxic, even letting it get on your dog’s fur can cause severe problems. Licking their fur, for instance, can be enough to set off a potentially deadly response. Liver failure or impaired brain function due to ingesting algae is a serious consequence. Algae can also affect humans if they encounter it. The ASPCA states: “Water containing toxic algae blooms will often have the appearance of a pea-green paint or will appear as if there’s slime on the surface.” If for some reason, your dog encounters algae, try to thoroughly rinse it off with a clean water source, like bottled water and then call your vet.
BYO Water
Dogs get thirsty due to increased exercise, so bring plenty of clean drinking water and offer breaks so they aren’t forced to drink the swimming water. But, even in the best of circumstances, dogs will drink the water. Sometimes the water makes them sick, sometimes it doesn’t. According to the EPA, symptoms from drinking contaminated water usually arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure. So, keep an eye on their behavior and look for signs like diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, difficulty breathing and convulsions or seizures. Call your vet immediately to discuss if symptoms necessitate a visit to the vet.
This article on Pet Water Safety by Dawn Polk was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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