Taking your pup to dog beach can be a blast but we want to make sure to keep Fido safe too. The number one concerns is that a dog can easily get caught in a riptide and be swept out to sea so be aware of local water conditions and if you are unsure if it is safe for your dog to swim, just say no!

• Water Safety - lakes, boats oh my!

I love hanging out near the water during the hot summer months. What things should I be worried about?

Heading off to the beach, lake or lounging poolside are great ways to beat the heat and enjoy quality time with your dog. But each year approximately 40,000 pets die in drowning accidents.

Anything that can harm you at the beach can also harm your dog. High temperatures, sunburn, riptides, sharp shells or broken glass, jellyfish, and aggressive dogs are all potential hazards to help your dog avoid. Here are some tips to safeguard your dog for a fun filled summer near the water:

SPF ASAP – Hairless breeds, short-coated, light-colored and dogs with pink noses are more prone to getting sunburn. You can find sunscreen specifically formulated for pets at most pet stores or online. Make sure not to use sunscreen that contains zinc, as it can be toxic to dogs if ingested. To avoid licking, avoid sunscreens with fragrance.

“Come here boy!”- Make sure your dog has a firm grasp of the recall command before you allow him to go off leash near any body of water. This means your dog comes to you when you call him, every single time.

Fresh Water: Drink. Rinse. Repeat. – Sun, sand and saltwater is a delight for your dog’s senses, but can leave him with a nasty “beach hangover.” Discourage your dog from drinking seawater by offering fresh, cool water often and by removing him from the water if you see him drink it. Seawater can irritate their stomach, cause vomiting, and is very dehydrating. A fresh water rinse immediately after the beach will help keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.

Surfs up! – Unless your dog knows how to “hang ten” on a surfboard, chances are he isn’t on the lookout for the perfect wave. Make sure you are aware of rip currents and undertows.

Smooth sailing – Going for a leisurely cruise on the lake or along the bay? Bring your furry friend along, just make sure he has a life preserver vest and a secure area away from the edge of the boat to keep safe in rough waters.

Pool Party for Pooch – Even dogs who are seasoned swimmers can get into trouble around pools. Dogs don’t automatically know where the stairs are in a pool. So if they jump or fall in, their instinct is to swim to the nearest edge and tread water. If no one is there to redirect them, or lift them out, they’ll struggle to tread water until they are too exhausted and can drown. If you allow your dog to play near a pool, make sure to teach them where the stairs are. Visible pool ramps are also a good idea and can be purchased online and in most pet stores.

When it comes to swimming and fear of water, dogs are just like humans. Many love it and seem to have a natural ability. Others do not. Before taking your dog on your next trip to the beach or pool party, make sure he is well acquainted with the water and doesn’t have any major health issues or physical limitations what would make swimming more difficult.

• Safety! What are signs of a safe dog…

Wagging tail doesn’t mean your dog is happy.
Ask the owner if the dog is friendly
If you are getting approached by a dog, don’t turn your back.
Be a tree! Stand still, drop your and lift your branches up.
Use a pet corrector (not mace) depending on which way the wind is blowing… could be a nightmare!

Travel tips with your pets:

• Updated ID- Check your pets ID tags and Microchip information to ensure they are updated with a current cell phone number. Also, add a second tag that has the address and phone number of where you will be staying when you are traveling.
• Play it Safe-Just in case the worst happens and you have to take your pet to the vet while you are traveling, you want to make sure you have all pertinent information such as important medical history and vaccination records.
• Pack a Bag-Make sure to bring everything your pet may need including an extra leash, their favorite toy, any needed medication, and plenty of food. You don’t want to risk the local pet store not caring the needed things to keep your pup happy! If you have a sensitive pet, you should also pack a couple of containers of your local water since some pets will resist drinking water that tastes different from what they are use too.
• Home away from Home-When you arrive at your destination, give your pet time to adjust to his new surroundings. Take him on a walk. Put his things out. Hang out as he gets use to all of the different sounds and smells. This will help him feel relaxed and calm when you do have to leave him alone.

Colleen Demling

With over 8500 hours and 12 years of HANDS ON dog training experience, Pawtopia’s founder, Colleen Demling, has vast experience in a variety of methodologies. She is a CPDT-KA as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She trained Service Dogs for Canine Companions for several years before starting Pawtopia. She has been featured in the local media and published in numerous national magazines including EPregnancy and Prevention. She designed the Temperament Test for the Therapy Dog Program at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and also writes monthly articles for many local rescues and other dog related websites. She has professional associations with the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.