Summer Pet Safety
Now that summer is coming quickly, we all need to be prepared for summer hazards. Swimming comes naturally to most dogs, but all dogs are not designed to be Olympic champions. For example, bulldogs generally cannot swim without sinking because of their shape, and dogs can never be trusted around a pool safely. For dogs and others with physical limitations, some supervised splashing in a shallow kiddie pool is all that should be allowed. Other dogs are naturals in the water, but even those who love to swim and are good at it can get themselves into trouble. Here at Ash Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Center, we want to make sure your pet stays safe this summer.
Obedience training is important when your dog is in water. Your dog should come when called, even when swimming, so you can call him back before he heads into deeper water or strong currents. Always carry extra retrieving toys. A dog who is heading out into a dangerous area after a ball or stick can often be lured back into shore with a second item thrown closer in. If your dog is not trained, stick to the shallow end so you can walk to him if he needs help and swim him on a long line so he cannot get too far away. If your dog is not much of a swimmer, or once loved to swim but is older now, add a personal floatation device to that long line. Canine lifejackets are especially great for family boating trips because most have sturdy handles for rescue when a pet goes overboard.
No dog should be given unsupervised access to a backyard pool or a neighborhood swimming spot. Teach your dog where the pool stairs are so he can find them and get out when tired. At dog-friendly public swimming areas, do not assume that because your dog is allowed that the water is always safe. Rivers and oceans can change frequently, and an area that was safe for swimming one visit can be treacherous the next. Consider currents, tides, underwater hazards and even the condition of the water. In the late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water such as small ponds can be toxic, producing substances that can kill a pet that swallows the tainted water. When in doubt, no swimming. Better safe than sorry.
Be aware of your dog’s condition as he swims, watching for signs of exhaustion. When your dog is tiring, be sure to call him in for some rest, or just call it a day. A tired dog is a good dog, but an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning. Also, remember that dogs can and do get hot, so bring fresh water and offer it constantly. This is, of course, especially true at the ocean, because salt water is not meant for drinking.
Be particularly careful of young and old dogs. Both can get themselves into more trouble when a healthy adult dog with lots of swimming experience. Young dogs can panic in the water, and old dogs may not realize they are not as strong as they used to be. Keep them close to shore, and keep swimming sessions short.
Lastly, besides water hazards, people do not realize that there are sun hazards for their pets, too. Dogs can get sunburnt just like people. If you have a short haired dog or cut your dogs hair short, you may need to purchase special doggy sunscreen to make sure your pet is protected. As we know, sunburns very uncomfortable!
Here at Ash Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Center, we know that after the long Michigan winter, outdoors is where most people and pets want to be. Keeping your pet safe this summer is one of our main goals. If you have any questions, please call us at 734-782-2827.
