Water Safety for Pets

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

19 Jun 2008 04:51 PM

With the official start of summer just days away, this is a good time to take a look at water safety. Whether you're bringing your pup along for a boat ride or just lounging by the pool, it is your responsibility to keep ALL family members safe.

• Do you know if your dog can swim? Closely supervise your pet's first interactions with water. Forcing him into the water can lead to stress and fear -- my brother tossed one of his dogs into the pool once and now she won't go near it.
• Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, watch him when he's near water. Don't leave your dog unattended near water!
• Think about installing a ramp at both ends of your backyard pool. A dog who falls into the pool may drown -- not because he can't swim, but because he becomes too tired to climb back out. A ramp can be a real lifesaver. Having a clearly marked ramp at each end of the pool won't force a tired doggie to try to remember where the stairs are.
• Going for a family boat ride? Make sure everyone has a life preserver -- including your dog.
• Hypothermia is a possibility, even during the summer. A dog's body temperature is normally between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so falling or jumping into a cool pool or lake can cause a significant drop! Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and loss of coordination. Call your veterinarian ASAP if you suspect hypothermia.
• Don't let your pet play in algae-covered ponds and pools. Some types of algae can contain harmful toxins.
• Don't let your pet eat dead fish or muscles -- at best, they could leave your pup with an upset stomach. At worst, your furry friend could end up with food poisoning. Plus, small bones and shell shards can damage the digestive tract.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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