Water safety tips for your pets

When the summer heat hits, many of us may be heading out to the beach, cottage, or pool to cool down! Before you do that though, here are some important tips you need to know about spending time with your furry friends around the water.  

Water Safety Tips

• Swimming safety: Not all dogs are good swimmers and are at a greater risk of drowning! Don’t assume your dog will be fine in the water, and never leave your dog unsupervised by any body of water. Swimming is also very tiring, so make sure your dog takes breaks and has rest periods (preferably in the shade). 
• Sunburn watch: Always watch your dog for signs of sunburn or heat stroke. 
• Life jackets: Buying your dog a life jacket is also very important! Even if they are strong swimmers, there may be a strong current, and you can’t always know your dog’s stamina. Life jackets are essential if you plan on taking your dog boating. A dog overboard can quickly be lost in the waves. A life jacket will keep them buoyant, make them easier to spot in the water, and give you something to grab onto to pull them back on board. 
• Know your own strength: Remember that your dog will be much heavier when being pulled out of the water than on land. If you’re out on a boat, make sure you know you can pull your dog back in if they fall out! 
• Careful on sand: Hot sand can blister your dog’s paws, so keep them off of it as much as possible. Check the sand with the back of your hand to determine if it’s too hot or not. 
• Leaving collars behind: Take your dog’s collar off before they go swimming. This will keep them from snagging or getting it caught on underwater plants or branches. Also, watch out for hazards around where your dog will be swimming. 
• Freshwater is crucial: When by a pool or lake, have a source of fresh water nearby. There are chemicals in pools that can give your furry friend a stomachache, and lakes can contain parasites that can cause vomiting, and diarrhea, among other health issues. At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to rinse your dog off with fresh, clean, water. 
• Watch out for stagnant water: Blue-green algae, specifically, can endanger the life of your companion animal. This algae forms on or near bodies of water during warm weather months. It can be found in ponds and lakes, fresh water, backyard fountains, or even on rocks. Your dog can be affected if they drink from or swim in contaminated sources. 
• Signs of heatstroke: High temperatures can put our furry friends at risk, which is why every pet parent should be aware of the signs of heatstroke and take extra precautions during warm weather.  Read here to learn about these signs.
   

If you follow these tips, you’ll be one step closer to keeping your dog safe and healthy this summer! 

No Excuses. No Hot Pets.

If you’re taking your animals anywhere with you this summer, remember that leaving them unattended in a vehicle can be life-threatening.  In the summer heat, cars can quickly read deadly temperatures, even on mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open.  

Pledge to protect your animals at nohotpets.ca and share this message on social media using #NoHotPets!